See You Next Summer!

AACD Arizona Natural Resources & Conservation Leadership Camp

James 4H Camp & Outdoor Learning Center | Prescott National Forest | High School Students: 10th–12th Grade

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2026 Arizona Natural Resources & Conservation Leadership Camp! We look forward to welcoming a new group of students next summer. Check back here for 2027 camp registration details.

A Weekend of Conservation, Leadership & Outdoor Learning

Hosted by the Arizona Association of Conservation Districts, this 3-day camp introduces students to Arizona’s natural resources, conservation systems, land stewardship, and career pathways in agriculture and environmental science. Students learn through field science activities, leadership challenges, team competitions, and real-world conservation problem solving.

 

The camp is held at The Harold and Mitzie James 4-H Camp & Outdoor Learning Center, giving students the opportunity to learn directly in Arizona’s forests, streams, watersheds, and outdoor landscapes.

Camp Highlights

  • Team Competitions

    Teams compete in conservation-based challenges for AACD swag, points, and championship belt buckles.

  • Leadership Development

    Build confidence, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

  • Hands-On Field Science

    Participate in real environmental science activities and ecosystem investigations.

  • Watershed & Stream Ecology

    Learn how clean water supports wildlife, communities, agriculture, and recreation.

  • Soil Science & Soil Testing

    Explore soil texture, infiltration, erosion, and how healthy soil supports Arizona ecosystems.

  • Grass, Tree & Habitat Identification

    Observe rangelands, forests, riparian areas, and wildlife habitat.

  • Career Pathway Workshops

    Explore career pathways in forestry, wildlife biology, conservation planning, GIS, hydrology, soil science, range management, environmental science, and agriculture.

Camp Details

    • Arizona high school students in 10th–12th grade

    • Students interested in science, agriculture, wildlife, forestry, conservation, or outdoor careers

    • Students who enjoy hands-on learning, teamwork, leadership, and the outdoors

    • Future conservation leaders who want to learn how Arizona’s land, water, forests, wildlife, and communities are connected

    • Soil Systems

    • Water Systems

    • Forest & Riparian Ecology

    • Wildlife Habitat

    • Grasslands & Rangelands

    • Watershed Science

    • Conservation Leadership

    • Environmental Stewardship

    • Career Pathways in Natural Resources

  • By the end of camp, students will:

    • understand Arizona natural resource systems

    • conduct hands-on environmental investigations

    • build teamwork and leadership skills

    • understand conservation and stewardship

    • explore career pathways

    • connect ecosystems to communities

    • develop confidence in outdoor and leadership settings

  • Throughout the weekend, students compete in team-based conservation challenges that reward teamwork, leadership, communication, creativity, participation, and problem-solving.

    Teams earn points, AACD swag, special recognition, and a chance to become AACD Camp Champions.

  • Student Packing List 2026

Explore Careers in Conservation & Natural Resources

Students will be introduced to real career pathways in natural resources, agriculture, environmental science, and conservation. Camp activities connect directly to careers such as forestry, wildlife biology, hydrology, GIS, soil science, range management, conservation planning, and environmental science.

Forestry

GIS

Environmental Science

Hydrology

Agriculture

Wildlife Biology

Conservation Planning

Range Management

Soil Science

See You Next Summer!

Registration for the 2026 Arizona Natural Resources & Conservation Leadership Camp has closed. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this year's camp a success.

Registration for the 2027 camp will open next year. Check back for dates, program updates, and registration information.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Arizona high school students in 10th–12th grade.

  • No. The camp is designed to introduce students to natural resources, conservation, leadership, and career pathways.

  • Students will participate in hands-on outdoor learning, water testing, soil investigations, grass and tree identification, watershed activities, team competitions, and career workshops.

  • Mingus Mountain Camp in the Prescott National Forest.

  • Student Packing List 2026

  • Yes. The camp will be held Friday–Sunday, and cabins will be assigned to campers.