Sarah
Crouse 1994 Camper 2005 - Park Services Associate at Deep Creek Lake NRMA
MD DNR Park Service
I attended Forestry Camp in 1994 and was introduced to many people in the forestry business. A few years later, I had the opportunity to come back to the Forestry Camp as a counselor. At that time I was seeking to make some life changing decisions. During "College Night," the Natural Resources Wildlife Technology (NRWT) instructor from Garrett College gave a presentation. This instructor, Kevin Dodge, talked about making a career dream come true by attending a college that offered natural resources courses. His charismatic tone and obvious enthusiasm sold me on the idea of going to Garrett College to gain the tools needed to pursue my dream career. I told the other camp counselors about my decision and they insisted I go to the College and learn more about the NRWT program. Two weeks after my visit to the college, I was registered in the program and within a month I had relocated to Garrett County. Years after, it became apparent to me that the critical point of my pursuit to obtain a fulfilling career with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources happened that night at Forestry Camp. Attending this camp was the turning point for my becoming a very satisfied employee of an outstanding agency. Because of my personal success and the success of others who have attended the camp, I sincerely recommend this experience to anyone who is interested in pursuing a career in the natural resources field!
Ray Bivens
1992 Camper2005 Chief of Interpretation and Environmental Education
Delaware State Parks
While attending the Delaware Parks and Recreation Conference in the spring of 2004, I recognized a face across the crowded room.
I knew his name was Art and that he was a great guy, but for a minute or two I could not place were Artie and I had met each
other in our travels. Over ten years ago, we spent a week together at Camp Hickory in Garrett County learning about our natural
resources and possible careers in natural resources related fields. I took a moment and thought about some of the other people I
attended camp with and started to realize that we all ended up in natural resource careers. The way Camp Hickory works is that
one student is given a scholarship to attend the week long camp from each county in Maryland. Artie, who represented Cecil County,
now works for White Clay Creek State Park, a Delaware State Park. Joanna, who represented Baltimore County, is now an
environmental science teacher. And Mike, who represented Queen Annes County, completed his degree from Allegany College
and works as a consultant forester in Talbot County.
It was incredible. Of the four people I stayed in contact with, all four are in a related natural resources field. It made me really
start to think about my camp friends that I have not been able to stay in contact with. What are Emyln, Autumn Lynn, Manny
and some of my other camp friends doing now? But I did not stop there. I soon realized that not so many years ago I returned
to Camp Hickory as a presenter and found that today, campers are just as enthused and willing to learn as I was some ten or so years ago.
I believe that my Camp Hickory experience has a lot to do with my position today. I serve as the Chief of Interpretation and
Environmental Education for Delaware State Parks. I highly recommend this program for any young person looking forward to
a career in natural resources.
Mark Spurrier 1993
2005 Park Services Associate at Cunningham Falls State Park
MD DNR Park Service
Camp Hickory gave me an opportunity to see how diverse the field of natural resource management could be. I was able to find a career
that fit my needs and personality. I still have a positive relationship with many of the instructors and love to go back and talk to the new
classes.
Dave Keane - 1986 - Camper
2005 Project Forester, Natural Resources Division
Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks
I attended the Maryland Forestry Conservation Workshop in 1986 as a High School senior a little confused on what to study in college. After a week in the mountains of Garrett County learning about forest ecology, fisheries and wildlife management, I decided to apply to Allegany College of Maryland and study Forestry.
The experience profoundly impacted my decision to pursue a career in forestry. I would encourage any student interested in forestry or natural resources to apply for this conference. Just as it was for me, it may be an important first step to a very rewarding career.
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