Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) today announced that he will send one student from his district, free of charge, to one of the Department of Environmental Conservation’s four environmental camps this summer.

Hawley is conducting an essay contest to determine who will earn the camp scholarship of $250.

Applicants must write a 300- to 500-word essay explaining why they want to attend the camp and how the environment is important to them. Essays, with a completed application, must be mailed to Assemblyman Hawley, at 121 North Main Street, Suite 100, Albion, NY 14411 no later than Thursday, May 31.

Scholarship applications are available on the Department of Environmental Conservation’s website or by contacting Hawley’s district office.

“This program will provide young New Yorkers with the opportunity to learn about the many natural wonders we have right here in our home state,” said Hawley. “This exciting opportunity will provide a memorable experience and may inspire a young person to pursue a career in conservation.”

The camp program is in its 60th year and has provided conservation education to over 70,000 New Yorkers since its inception. At the weeklong camps, students attend ecology workshops, are immersed in conservation education, and participate in fun activities and games that teach wise use of natural resources.

The camps, open to children 12 to 14 and 15 to 17, are held during July and August at four sites - Colby, DeBruce, Rushford, and Pack Forest.

For more information, Hawley is encouraging interested applicants to contact his Albion district office at (585) 589-5780.