Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp 2013 Massachusetts Conservation Inc. was established in 1948 by sportsmen and state fish and game employees to teach youngsters about the great outdoors. Activities would include boating, fishing, camping, shooting and archery, along with general conservation and wildlife topics. As time went on and the number of campers grew beyond the financial capabilities of MC Inc., the leaders sought help from foundations and trusts to meet their needs. Eventually the group became part of the Fund for the Preservation of Wildlife and Natural Areas and a committee of the founders acted as advisers to the Fund. The Fund was administered by a Boston bank and in the early 1980’s officials refused to allow the committee to use its funds for upgrading instructional equipment. The committee Chairman Bryant “Red” Chaplin sought help from Michael Yacino and in July 1983 Mr. Yacino established a separate corporation to oversee the program. The Massachusetts Sportsmen’s Junior Conservation Camp Inc., was chartered as a non profit tax exempt corporation under IRS code 501(c)3 with its primary purpose being a charitable educational entity. In particular it would support the functioning of the Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp but could also assist other organizations that had equal goals and objectives. The MJCC’s operation and management is controlled by an 11 member board of directors comprised of instructors, teachers, former campers and community leaders. The MJCC soon partnered with sportsmen’s clubs, the Division of
Fisheries of Wildlife, staff is led by Forest and Parks, and professional chef Mark the Department of Crosby who, in his real Environmental Law life, handles the food Enforcement to service at Framingham participate in various State University. We phases of the program. have numerous A larger staff was volunteers who assist needed, more skilled staff instructors on instructors and even an specific subjects such in-house professional as Conway Police cook was hired to make Chief Ken Ouimette the two week session as who works with memorable an Michael Yacino, the experience as possible. certified instructor and Presently it is coach for rifle shooting conducted on the and the black powder “Do you know what your master eye is? Don’t leave home without it! Chesterfield Boy Scout portion. hiking, boating, off-site fishing, sporting Reservation in Chesterfield, Nationally certified training counselor clays, bow hunter education, handgun Jon Green oversees the shotgun program. Massachusetts under a partnership shooting, and field to table cooking. The Michael LaMontagne (a 21 year regional agreement. The camp usually runs the night programs are usually done by school teacher) and his assistant (a 27 first and second week of August in any volunteers who are experts in their field year technical high school teacher) cover given year with the 2013 session such as Retired EPO Major Tom Riccardi the fishing sessions. Archery instructors scheduled for August 4-16th. Through who raises raptors. We also may see Peter Craig Regan and Caralyn Backman are mutual fundraising and development, the Mirick, editor of Mass Wildlife, Randy certified and active national competitors. facilities there have been improved and Julius premier outdoorsman and Our health officer is EMT Kyle Meservey. are perfect for our course subjects. There photographer, or Division personnel are ample camping quarters, a large fresh Our Camp Director is Brian reporting on the quality and quantity of Bastarache, a biology professor at Bristol water pond, sufficient showers and a various wildlife in the Bay State. dining hall that can service all of our County Agricultural School. We also have Of the 14 days, each camper has 8 days officers from the Department of campers at one sitting. of actual hands-on instruction related to Environmental Law Enforcement who The Camp incorporates 13 major the above activities. In addition there are help in Hunter Education along with subjects, the 14 hour Hunter Education two days for Hunter Education, one day rangers and fire personnel from the Program, and various night programs for the testing and competitions, one day Department of Conservation and presented by experts in several related for the staff to come in and set up for Recreation. fields. There are 104 specific activity camp, one day devoted to signing in of hours over the 15 days of camp. 72 hours Most of the youngsters come from campers, and a final day used for morning sponsorships by garden clubs, rod and gun are for day and evening programs, 12 are clean-up and afternoon graduation. for the optionals (where we have several clubs or parents interested in providing The most talked about and looked the quality learning experience we advanced programs campers can choose forward aspect of Camp are the shooting provide. The fee for this one of a kind, from), an 8 hour quiz and competitions programs. Combined with the evening unique, two week outdoor experience is session, and finally 12 sessions and the uniqueness of our only $650. hours of active swim time. optionals, the camp is heavily sought after The 72 hour breakdown Camp applications and other by parents statewide. Because we are paperwork will be available at goes as follows: Hunter limited by time, staff and economics, we <www.juniorconservationcamp.org> after Education=14, Boat only take 120 campers per year and they January 1st, 2013. Please note that we can Safety=8, Archery=4, are not allowed to repeat. We divide the not accept applications before that date. A Fishing= 4, Rifle=4, 120 into 6 groups, five male and one 50% deposit is due at time of reservation. Shotgun=4, Primitive female. Each group has 20 youngsters, the The remainder of the funds will be due no Firearms=2, Camping=2, males are separated by age and all the later than May 1st and no refunds will be Fire Management=2, First females are grouped together. The ages issued after that date. Aid=2, Forestry=2, run from 13 to 17 years old. Campers Map/Compass=2, Clubs who are sponsoring campers sleep in two person platform tents on should submit their campers names within Plants=2, and Wildlife bunked mattresses. Management=2. 60 days of reserving their spots but no We even have up to the minute weather reports from The groups attend the classes together The optionals include later than April 1st. When reserving spots, our resident weather woman, Sarah MacLagan, so and are supervised by a senior counselor, 3Position smallbore rifle, please select male or female campers if at campers know what to wear each day. a junior counselor and may also include all possible. If you reserve spots for one individual selected from the previous unknown campers, this will not guarantee camp to act as a super camper. These a female spot! THE counselors are screened and chosen for If you are a sponsoring club who has their knowledge in certain areas of our not received a sponsorship packet, please program so that the nightly “campfires” call the camp at 508-450-4150. New England’s most active outdoor people can become a talking session about the We are looking forward to another The Outdoor Message (USPS 790-980, ISSN 027-8053) day’s events. successful camp year, introducing more is published monthly by the Outdoor Message Cooperative, MEMBER GROUPS: Rhode Island Our staff to camper ratio is about 1 to young people to the numerous ways they Rifle & Revolver Association, Holyoke Inc., 37 Pierce Street, Northborough, MA 01532. Revolver Club, The Massachusetts 5, twice what the law requires. Our cook can enjoy the outdoors! ★
Outdoor Message
Periodicals postage is paid at Northborough, MA and at additional mailing offices. A subscription to The Outdoor Message is available through membership in one of the member groups, through single subscriptions by postal mail for $10 annually or via electronic means for $6 annually. Permission is hereby granted to reprint material in this publication that does not contain a byline as long as credit is given to The Outdoor Message. Written permission must be obtained from the author to reprint articles with a byline. Publisher: Michael D. Yacino Editor: Michelle Yacino Siudut
Shooters Foundation, Maspenock Rod & Gun Club, South Fitchburg Hunting & Fishing Club, Independent Sportsmen’s Club, Standish Sportsman’s Association, Hanson Rod & Gun Club, Wrentham Sportsmen’s Association, Fin, Fur & Feather Club of Wellesley and Natick, Woodville Rod & Gun Club, Cape Cod Fish & Game Association, Uxbridge Rod & Gun Club, Ayer Gun and Sportsmen’s Club, Fitchburg Sporsmen’s Club and Barre Sportsmen’s Club.
The editorials and articles appearing in this paper do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of all subscribers or contributors. Although sportsmen, in general, support each others views, they may occasionally differ over certain controversial issues. Each group’s articles reflect that group’s own position.
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Starting the day off with a hearty breakfast gives these teenagers the strength to keep up with the schedule and have great time doing so. Photos by Mike Yacino
Outdoor Message
January 2013