Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) invites high school-age students to register for Camp Canopy, a premier forestry education program designed to inspire the next generation of conservation professionals. With registration open now and a deadline of Friday, May 29, the week-long camp offers hands-on learning experiences in key areas of natural resource management.
Camp Canopy provides participants with an immersive opportunity to explore careers in natural resources. Held from Sunday, June 7, through Friday, June 12, the program targets students who have completed eighth grade up to high school seniors graduating in 2026. Hosted at FFA Camp Muskingum on Leesville Lake in Carroll County, the camp combines classroom instruction with practical fieldwork led by experts from ODNR, Ohio State University Extension, and the state’s forest industry.
“Camp Canopy gives students an opportunity to truly experience what a career in natural resources looks like,” said ODNR Division of Forestry Service Forestry Manager and Camp Canopy Co-Director Jeremy Scherf. “They get hands-on learning, meaningful time with professionals in the field, and the chance to form connections that often last long after the camp ends.”
Core curriculum covers essential topics such as tree identification, forest ecology, silviculture, wildlife management, and forest products. These sessions equip campers with foundational knowledge about sustainable woodland practices. In addition, special classes rotate annually, featuring demonstrations from natural resource professionals. These innovative sessions highlight diverse aspects of forestry, land stewardship, and conservation, exposing participants to varied career paths within the field.
At the conclusion of the week, select campers receive college scholarships, further incentivizing pursuit of studies in environmental sciences and related disciplines. The program is operated by the Ohio Forestry Association Foundation, a nonprofit committed to preserving Ohio’s forests and supporting the forest industry.
As part of ODNR’s broader mission, which includes managing more than 800,000 acres of state lands encompassing 76 state parks and 24 state forests, initiatives like Camp Canopy play a vital role in cultivating future stewards of Ohio’s woodlands. The ODNR Division of Forestry emphasizes wise use and sustainable management of both public and private forests, aligning perfectly with the camp’s educational goals.
Participants engage directly with professionals, gaining insights into real-world applications of forest ecology and wildlife management. For instance, at the scenic FFA Camp Muskingum site on Leesville Lake, campers benefit from an ideal setting for outdoor activities that mirror professional fieldwork. This location in Carroll County offers ample opportunities for practical exercises in tree identification and silviculture techniques amid Ohio’s diverse woodland environments.
The camp fosters lasting networks among young enthusiasts and mentors, often leading to ongoing collaborations in conservation efforts. By blending structured learning with interactive sessions, Camp Canopy not only educates but also ignites passion for protecting Ohio’s natural heritage.
For those interested in outdoor activities and environmental careers, this program represents a unique gateway. Registration details, including how to apply, are available through the official camp website. The emphasis on hands-on skills ensures campers leave equipped to contribute meaningfully to sustainability in forestry and beyond.
The ODNR Division of Forestry continues to promote sustainable woodland management across the state. Additional resources on Ohio’s forests are accessible via dedicated channels, reinforcing the department’s commitment to public education and resource protection.
For more information, visit Ohio Department of Natural Resources.