DHS Conservation Course

 Photos from 2016 Conservation camp are now online – Click Here

Conservation Course 2016 – Wednesday, May 25 – Friday, May 27

Click here to download a Conservation Camp information slideshow

 

Celebrating 60 years of Conservation Education

Day 1 Schedule

Day 2 Schedule

Day 3 Schedule

Objective

Overview

FAQ

Thanks

Objective

To broaden understanding of resource management and encourage appreciation of conservation concepts while enjoying three days in an outdoor setting by:
• creating opportunities through hands-on experiences
• showing inter-dependence of renewable resources
• demonstrating that non-renewable resources can be wisely managed
• emphasizing that the purpose of resource management is to benefit people
• illustrating that negative effects on the environment can be minimized, reduced or eliminated.

Overview

In the mid 1950s a forward looking group of people in Dryden Ontario recognized a need to provide young people with background and education in the area of resource conservation and management. Management of the local paper mill along with representatives of the mill’s Woodlands Department, the local Board of Education, Dryden High School, and the Department of Natural Resources combined their knowledge and resources to implement the Dryden High School Conservation Course in 1957.

Since 1957 The Dryden High School Conservation Course has been an annual event. Students from Dryden High School are provided with the opportunity to spend three intensive days in the field learning key aspects of resource conservation and management from resource management experts. The stated objective of this unique conservation course is “to broaden understanding of resource management and encourage appreciation of conservation concepts while enjoying three days in an outdoor setting”. Hands-on and interactive approaches to learning are encouraged.

Key elements for conservation include, water, soil, wildlife and forests. Resource use elements and activities that are presented include water resources, aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, wildlife, and forestry. Specific elements of forestry include, harvesting and renewal, seedling production, inventory, soils, fire management and protection, and a land use management planning exercise.

Over the years, numerous independent volunteers, organizations, local industry and businesses have willing contributed their resources and talents to this program.  Without the contribution of these volunteers and organizations, Conservation Camp would not be possible.

Domtar provides the resources for program organization and development as well as, professional foresters to act as instructors and mentors during the three day program.  These foresters guide students as they learn about harvesting, regeneration, stakeholder values and what it takes to be environmentally responsible in the forest.  Domtar also hosts the students to a full day in active harvesting operations.

The intent of this program is not to make experts of the students involved but to increase their awareness of resource use and the challenges that are presented in resource management. Interactions between resource uses and users, and the impacts of competing resources, are explored.

The program provides students with a strong cross section of resource management and sustainability concepts.  It is worth noting that many of the students who have participated in the Dryden High School Conservation Course have gone on to pursue higher education and careers in the field of resource management.  Alumni of the Dryden High School Conservation Course include professional foresters, biologists, ecologist, geologists, engineers, agronomists and many others who have pursued careers in resource management or related fields.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What gear should I bring to Conservation Camp?
  • hat
    • sunscreen
    • insect repellent
    • jacket/long-sleeved shirt
    • long pants
    • appropriate footwear (running shoes or hiking boots) NO SANDALS OR OPEN-TOED SHOES!
    • water bottle – paper/plastic cups will not be provided
    • rain wear
    • snacks
  1. Are meals provided?
  • Lunch is provided each day
    • Cold drinks will be provided – bring a water bottle or travel mug
    • Let us know if you have food allergies or require a vegetarian option
    • Bring your own snacks – Litterless is better!
  1. Will Conservation Camp be cancelled if it rains?
  • Bring rain wear, Conservation Camp runs rain or shine
  1. I have allergies to food and/or environmental triggers. Who should I tell?
  • Ensure that your teacher has written documentation of your allergies
    • Alternate meals can be provided if advance notice is provided
    • Tell your teacher and a close friend if you are carrying an EpiPen or other necessary allergy medication
  1. I am a vegetarian. Who should I tell?
  • Let your teacher know in advance so that meatless meals can be provided.
  1.  Do I need to have a certain overall average to be able to attend?  
  • No, academic standing is no longer a factor in attending Conservation Camp – your genuine interest in the program and your commitment for the three days is all that is needed
  1. Will I be exempt from my Grade 10 Science End Task?
  • Yes, as long as you participate in all three days of the program including the Resource Planning Exercise at the conclusion of the program
  • You will be provided with a completion certificate
  • Keep your certificate and present it to your science teacher to ensure your exemption
  1. I will be missing three days of classes. What am I responsible for?
  • Speak to your course teachers as soon as you know that you will be attending Conservation Camp. Ask them what you will be missing and make arrangements to complete necessary assignments, and make up tests/evaluations at another time
  1. I have a part-time job after school and don’t want to miss work. Can I participate in Conservation for only one or two days?
  • Conservation Camp is a three day commitment
  • The first two days of Con Camp will wrap up between 4:00 and 4:30, so your evenings are free
  • The final day of Con Camp will wrap up at lunch and will not impact your after school commitments
  • This program has been running in Dryden for 60 years and most employers are happy to give you the time off to participate
  • In order to receive your exemption form the Grade 10 science end task, you must complete all three days and complete the final Resource Planning Exercise

 

Thanks

Each year there are a number of people who work behind the scenes to make Conservation Camp a reality including the instructors you will interact with each day.  Please take the time to thank them personally for their time and efforts.

Conservation Camp 2010 Pictures: Gallery, Slideshow

Click here to view 2011 Conservation Course Photos

2011 Conservation Camp Participants

Click here to take the Conservation Camp survey

Click here to view 2012 Conservation Course Pictures

Click Here to view 2016 Conservation camp photos