DEMOPOLIS &8212; The 2007 session of the Alabama Forestry Camp, which is in its tenth year, is coming soon. The camp is held at the Federation of Southern Cooperatives facility near Epes, in Sumter County and will run from Sunday, June 3, through Thursday, June 7.

The five-day camp for high school students interested in forestry, conservation, and/or natural resources is designed to introduce basic forestry concepts through classroom instructions and outdoor activities.

The week is not all work and no play. There are also fun evening activities and recreation, including supervised activities such as, fishing, softball and volleyball. The purpose of the Alabama Forestry Camp is to have a positive learning experience.

At this year&8217;s camp, students will participate in sessions covering tree identification, forest management, forest products, wildlife, water quality, urban forestry, and forest history. There are also off-campus visits to recreational parks, a private landowner&8217;s property and forest industries facilities. During Career Night, students will have the opportunity to talk to college recruiters about careers in forestry and natural resources.

The final day of camp includes a graduation ceremony and luncheon for students, instructors, counselors and family members. All students will receive a certificate of completion of the camp.

Alabama Forestry Camp is open to boys and girls. The student must be 15-18 years old and have completed the ninth grade but have not graduated from high school. Camp participants will be housed in dormitories with 24-hour adult supervision. Each attendee is responsible for providing his or her own transportation to and from camp. Applicants selected to attend camp will be required to pay a $25 non-refundable application fee.

According to Madzima, 31 students participated in last year&8217;s camp. It was the lowest number of attendees since the camp&8217;s inception.

All other transportation, meals and snacks will be provided. The application should be completed and signed by both student and parent.

Among the groups that are sponsoring the Camp and will participate in the administration and instruction at the camp are: Alabama Forestry Commission, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama TREASURE Forest Association, Tuskegee University, Alabama A&M University, Auburn University School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA Forest Service and the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund.

Anyone interested or know of someone interested in attending Alabama Forestry Camp can call any county office of the Alabama Forestry Commission for an application or for more information. Applications are also available on the Alabama Forestry Commission website at: www.forestry.state.al.us.