South Platte NRD Announces Conservation Scholarship and Summer Camp Opportunities for Local Youth

SIDNEY -- The South Platte Natural Resources District (SPNRD) has opened applications for its 2026 scholarship programs, offering local youth valuable opportunities to explore natural resources, environmental education and agriculture. 

SPNRD is awarding one high school senior graduating in the 2025-2026 school year with a $500 Conservation Scholarship, as well as camp scholarships for two immersive summer learning experiences. 

The Conservation Scholarship supports students pursuing studies in Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Agriculture, or related fields at a Nebraska 2-year or 4-year college, vocational school, or technical certification program. 

SPNRD Camp Scholarships and the Conservation Scholarship are available to students residing in Kimball, Cheyenne or Deuel counties. The deadline to apply is May 1, 2026. 

“This scholarship is an investment in our next generation of conservation leaders,” General Manager Galen Wittrock said. “We want to help students who are passionate about protecting Nebraska’s natural resources take the next step in their education.” 

SPNRD is offering up to six scholarships for the two summer camps: Adventure Camp about the Environment (ACE) and Nebraska Youth Range Camp. 

Yolanda Hruska, SPNRD Information and Education Coordinator, said the camps are a great starting point for students who have an interest in natural resources. 

“It offers them a chance to understand more about natural resources as well as other careers that are available in natural resources,” Hruska said. “They are able to explore careers and be in a fun, hands-on atmosphere to learn all about natural resources, conservation, and be around others who have that same interest.” 

ACE will be June 21-24 at Kamp Kaleo in Burwell, Nebraska. The camp is open for youth entering 7^th or 8^th grade who want to learn more about wildlife, water resources, soils, forestry, solar energy, edible plants, petrography, while also enjoying leisure activities like tubing and fishing.  

“Kiddos really like hands-on experiences instead of sitting there listening to someone talk, so we get them involved in hands-on activities,” Hruska said. 

Youth Range Camp will be June 8 – 11 at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis, Nebraska. It is open to high school students aged 14 – 18 who are interested in learning about range management, conservation, plant identification, wildlife habitat, animal science, stocking rate, geology, and more. 

“The purpose of this camp is to enable them to become proficient and effective leaders in resource management,” Hruska said. 

The applications can be found at the SPNRD website: https://www.spnrd.org/education.