Here is some great news for local youth 12 to 15 years of age. The 30th Annual Region 9 Youth Archery and Sportsmen’s Camp is still open for applications, and they’re looking for 30 enthusiastic student campers to join in on the outdoor adventure.

This three-day camp is absolutely free and will be held from Aug. 2-4 at the Elma Conservation Club in central Erie County. It’s an incredible opportunity for boys and girls aged 12-15 who live in NYSDEC Region 9. If you’re from Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Wyoming or Allegany Counties, this camp is for you.

To apply, all you need to do is write a short essay (less than two pages) on “Why you want to attend camp?” and answer the question: “How do sportsmen assist the NYSDEC in managing wildlife populations, and why is this important?” Then, mail your essay along with your name, address, and guardian/parent contact info to Region 9 Youth Archery & Sportsman’s Camp, PO Box 531, Elma, NY. For more information, you can call Don Trzepacz at 716-863-4774. The best part is that the campers will be selected based on the content of their essays, so make it count.

This camp covers everything from an introduction to bow hunting, sportsmen’s ethics, deer biology, target shooting, tree stands, reading game signs, compass use, first aid skills, survival skills, safety, and much more. All meals are provided for free, including shelter, training materials, and supplies. That’s not all – the kids will also receive their NYSDEC hunter safety and bow hunter safety education certifications at camp. This is an opportunity that our youth don’t want to miss.