The DeBruce Environmental Education Camp, for youth who are 11 to 13 years old, is located in Sullivan County about eight miles east of Livingston Manor, NY. Situated on over 300 acres of land adjoining the Catskill Forest Preserve, Camp DeBruce has been in operation since 1948. Formerly a private estate and fish hatchery, DeBruce was acquired by the DEC in the 1940s and converted into a conservation education camp for boys. In 1975, Camp DeBruce began operation as a co-educational facility. Camp DeBruce is within walking distance of natural forests, trout streams, the Catskill Fish Hatchery and Mongaup Pond State Public Campsite. The camp week emphasizes hands-on exploration, recreation and making friends. Campers participate in a discovery group while at camp, completing six lessons ranging from group dynamics to field, forest, and pond explorations, to study of human impact. Group members learn science, solve challenges, play games, keep a journal, catch salamanders, net butterflies and discover the interconnectedness of life on earth. College-educated counselor staff guides all activities, encouraging participation and respect among group members while interpreting the natural world for campers. Additionally, campers choose from a variety of optional activities throughout the week that introduce them to outdoor pursuits and pastimes. Experiences include learning to fly fish, canoe trips at Mongaup Pond and down the Delaware River, hiking to a nearby waterfall, exploring a bog and spending the afternoon on a mountain peak. Camp DeBruce is one of 4 camps that are a part of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservations Summer Environmental Education Camp Program. For more information on these camps please see http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/29.html