Pack Forest, located in the southern Adirondacks, is DEC's newest camp, opening for the first time in 1998. The camp is located in Warren County, about five miles north of Warrensburg, on 2,500 acres of woodlands. The property includes an 85-acre lake and countless miles of trails leading to mountain vistas, marshes and the banks of the Hudson River. DEC is using the property under an agreement with the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, which owns the land. Pack Forest was named after Charles Lathrop Pack, an Adirondack landowner who donated the land to the college to be used for research and training in the field of environmental studies. For the 2012 season the first five sessions of camp are open to teens who are 14 to 17 years old. These sessions offer the older campers a chance to explore forestry, aquatic biology, wildlife management, field ecology and other environmental issues. Workshop attendees learn about professional forestry techniques, such as the use of Biltmore sticks and increment borers. The program emphasizes group dynamics and teamwork as essential to the environmental decision-making process. Staff encourages interaction, communication and cooperation as campers seek solutions to group challenge activities. Students also discover their individual strengths and abilities. For the 2012 season the last two sessions of camp are open to children ages 11 to 13. A week at Pack Forest promises fun and adventure. Campers participate in a discovery group while at camp, completing six lessons ranging from group dynamics to field, forest, and pond explorations, to a 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. In addition to advanced outdoor workshops, Pack Forest campers participate in exhilarating out-of-camp canoeing or backpacking trips in the beautiful Adirondacks. Optional activities during the week include fly fishing, hiking, swimming, shooting sports and orienteering. Campers at Pack Forest stay in small cabins that house approximately 15 to 20 campers. The week-long sessions are held in July and August. Camp Pack Forest 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