MANSFIELD, PA— Thirty middle school students from the Northern Tier of Pennsylvania
spent a week learning about the natural world at Mansfield University’s first-ever Earth Camp, held the week of July 12.
Taught by Mansfield University faculty, staff and students, along with volunteers from Mill Cove Environmental Area the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), camp participants spent the week learning through hands-on classes, outdoor recreation, teamwork activities, and films.
Much of the field learning was done at Mill Cove Environmental Area, but trips to the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon and Leonard Harrison State Park were also included.
The entire camp was cost-free to the participants thanks to a grant from Shell U.S. 
“Judging by the camper’s reactions, I’d say our first Earth Camp a great success,” Jennifer Demchak, chair of the Department of Geosciences and director of Earth Camp, said. “It was a great learning experience for all involved that would not have been possible without the generous support of Shell U.S. plus the backing of the Institute of Science and the Environment at Mansfield University and Mill Cove Environmental Area.”
Planning is already underway for year two of the Earth Camp in the summer of 2016. For more information, email alavanch@mansfield.edu or call (570)662-4851.