Youth interested in pursuing environmental careers are invited to apply by April 15 for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' summer residential camp.

The Exploring Careers Outdoors Camp will introduce 20 to 25 students in grades 10 to 12 to conservation and environmental careers.

This year's camp will begin July 7 at Kirby Episcopal House and Chapel, Mountain Top, Luzerne County, about 10 miles south of Wilkes-Barre.

The six-day camp will include everything from wildlife conservation projects and stream sampling to forestry skills.

Participants will be exposed to a wide range of career experiences, including water quality assessments, geology field studies, and overnight camping experiences. They will also meet conservation professionals to learn about career opportunities.

Offered free of charge, the instruction and daily activities will be overseen by specialists and officials of DCNR's bureaus of state parks, forestry, and topographic and geologic survey.

After the camp, attendees will have a chance to seek internships, mentoring and job-shadowing positions.

For an application, visit dcnr.state.pa.us/ stateparks/ ecocamp; call 724-865-7857; or email ECO_Camp@pa.gov.