The NY Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is having a problem getting adequate staff to operate all their summer camps.

DEC operates four residential summer camps for children, Camp Colby in Franklin County, Camp DeBruce in Sullivan County, Camp Rush- ford in Allegany County and Camp Pack Forest in Warren County.

DEC Public Information Officer Lori Severino said, “Each camp typically operates with 17 staffers, including a director, assistant director, one health director, one waterfront director, 8 counselors, one cook, and several camp aides. However, the New York State Department of Health requires a counselor to camper ratio of 1-8 and there aren’t enough staff people to satisfy that ratio at all four camps. There are 17 candidates to operate Camp Rushford, 11 for Camp Pack Forest and five for Camp Colby.”

Severino continued, “As a result Camp Rushford will open for seven weeks this season. DEC may open registrations for Camp Pack Forest and Camp Colby at a later date if additional staff become available. Camp DeBruce will be closed for the entire summer.”

Severino also related that more than 1,000 campers usually take advantage of the summer camps and the programs they offer, which include backpacking, camping, archery, fishing and canoeing, along with other hands-on activities such as examining insects and flowers in a field, using nets along the lake shore to study macroinvertebrates, or venturing in the forest to learn about biodiversity and forestry.

Because of the staff shortages, the number of campers this year will be reduced to 280. Hunter education classes are included among the many activities during camp week. Youth that were planning on taking these courses at a camp that will not be open this summer can instead participate at a scheduled DEC hunter safety course.

DEC also encourages anyone interested in becoming a counselor, director or other camp staffer to apply for available positions at Camp Colby and Camp Pack Forest. All applicants are asked to submit a cover letter and resume, stating what positions you would be interested in. Information can be submitted via email at: campem-ploy@dec.ny.gov.

For more information about the summer camp program, including cost, sponsorships, and requirements for camp counselors, go to: dec.ny.gov/education/29html.