ARS | Publication request: Education in the field: The making of the High Desert Youth Range Camp

Submitted to: Society for Range Management Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: October 25, 2011
Publication Date: February 2, 2012
Citation: Chamberlain, A., Smith, B.S., Johnson, D., Brody, B. 2012. Education in the field: The making of the High Desert Youth Range Camp [abstract]. 65th Annual Society for Range Management Meeting Abstracts. Paper No. 0023.

Technical Abstract: In June 2011 sixteen high school age students from Oregon and Idaho participated in a youth oriented camp specifically focusing on rangeland science at the Northern Great Basin Experimental Range near Burns, OR. Rangeland professionals came together to develop a remarkable experience for youth interested in natural resources. Decisions regarding the health and management of our natural resources are more critical than ever and the primary goal of the team organizing this event was to provide activities to engage students in a systems approach to rangeland science. To achieve this goal a contemporary learn-by-doing curriculum was developed for a field setting. Opportunities were also created to develop student leadership and basic range skills as well as hear from different professionals about the rangeland oriented careers. There are many facets of such an event. One key objective in planning this camp was creating a successful marketing campaign. A number of ideas were implemented to entice a tentative student to attend range camp. Organizers created mechanisms to adequately inform sponsors of benefits of range camp. The resulting range camp was hugely successful and students had a terrific learning experience. Among comments received from an exit survey were: “I feel that I’ve taken so much out of this camp and could see myself working in this field” and “I feel so much more informed about issues with rangeland management. I am now considering a career in rangeland management much more now.”