In an effort to try to recruit more youth into the world of Hunting, Fishing and Conservation, the United Bowhunters of Pennsylvania requests that you consider, the youth that you know for nomination to the

Governor’s Youth Council for

Hunting, Fishing & Conservation

Below is a description of the council written by GYC, and UBP, member Kelly Sager.

            There are usually four to five meetings a year, with two being weekend meetings. The council has five officers, chairman, vice chairman, secretary, parliamentarian, and public relations representative, as well as mentors, who act as liaisons, from the state agencies.

A youth becomes a council member by submitting an application, attending two meetings, then the youth’s application must be approved by the governor. Once approved, the nominee becomes a member and is allowed to vote on issues brought up within the Youth Council. After the Youth Council meetings there are usually some homework assignments. Sometimes it’s writing a letter or just doing some basic research on a topic. The primary contact between council members and mentors is through e-mail.

            As the public relations representative of the Youth Council, I can say my time on the council has been a lot of work, but also just as much fun. I have learned so much about our government, as well as the passion which drives it. I have gained a lot of experience that I doubt I would have gained doing anything else, and this will help me in everything I do in the future. The Governor’s Youth Council is an amazing opportunity, as well as an incredible part of Pennsylvania.

Governor’s Youth Council for Hunting, Fishing & Conservation

v     Originally created by Executive Order signed by former Governor Tom Ridge in September of 2001 as the “Governor’s Youth Sportsmen’s Advisory Council.”

v     Executive Order re-issued and title changed to “Governor’s Youth Council for Hunting, Fishing & Conservation” by Governor Ed Rendell in September of 2003.

v     Approximately 20 youth between ages of 14 and 18, active in hunting, fishing, trapping and/or outdoor or conservation-related organizations or clubs.

v     Mission:  To help enlist a new generation of individuals committed to protecting, promoting, and enhancing the outdoor heritage of this Commonwealth.  To understand the working order of the 4 agency’s that  promote and protect the Natural Resources of the Commonwealth – Pa Game Commission; Pa Fish & Boat Commission; Dept of Conservation & Natural Resources and the Dept of Environmental Protection.

v     Youth Mentors:  Under the old Executive Order, representatives from the state natural resource agencies, conservation districts and associated conservation organizations were appointed as Liaison Members to the Youth Council.  Many of these Liaison were re-appointed as Mentors under the new Executive Order and hold the following responsibilities:

·        Advising and guiding the Youth Council on conservation and outdoor recreation topics & issues that are a concern of their agency.

·        Communicating youth concerns to respective organizations and agencies;

·        Helping the Youth Council fulfill the requirements of the Executive Order.

v     Activities/Accomplishments of the Youth Council include:

·        Youth interest surveys conducted in different regions of the state.

·        Public comment provided at Commission quarterly meetings and provide comments in writing.

·        Roundtable discussions and debates.

·        Helped staff a booth for Earth Day events.

·        Guest speakers to learn more about special topics and issues.

·        Organized events to learn and share skills (pheasant hunt, canoe float trip, fly tying, fishing, camping)

·        Learning formal lobby work – visit legislators with prepared comments on important topics concerning the Natural Resources and Youth issues.

v     The Youth Council meets 4 to 5 times a year.  Two weekend events and 2 Sunday meetings.  Four board meetings are required by Executive Order.

                     Janet Nyce, Advisor

Governor’s Youth Council for Hunting, Fishing & Conservation

2547 Hill Road

                  Green Lane, Pa 18054   huntressjdn@verizon.net   215-234- 0330 h

Pennsylvania Governor’s Youth Council for

Hunting, Fishing, and Conservation

APPLICATION

Date: _______________

Name: ____________________________________________ Date of Birth: ____________

Mother’s Name: _________________________________________

Father’s Name: __________________________________________

Street Address: __________________________________________

City/State/Zip: ___________________________ / PA / _______________

County: _____________________________ Senate District: ______________

House District: _______________________ 

Pa Game Commissioner: _______________  Pa Fish & Boat Commissioner: _____________

Name of High School: ______________________________________

Current Grade Level: ____ Estimated Grade-Point Average: _____________

Phone Number: (       ) ________________ Fax Number: (      ) _________________

Cellular Phone Number: (      ) ________________

E-mail Address: _____________________ @ ______________________­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­________

Please complete all of the following questions (typed) on a separate piece of paper:

1. What are you future career plans?
2. Do you have a current Pennsylvania Hunting / Trapping License?
3. Do you have a current Pennsylvania Fishing License?
4. Are you a member of any Conservation, Sporting or Leaderships organizations?  If so, please list:

       E.  Do you participate in any school activities?  If so, please list:

            (Such as Student Council, Newspaper, Sports, Music, Athletics, etc.)

F.      Do you participate in any Community activities?  If so, please list:

G.     List any awards, honors, or outstanding experiences that you have earned in the past.

H.     If you are selected for the Youth Council, what qualities do you feel you can contribute?

I.        Do you understand that, although this is a very prestigious appointment, it is a volunteer effort?

J.       Your parents will need to be involved with you as part of this council.  Do you understand that you will need transportation, meals, and other expenses?

K.    It is important that you attend as many of the meetings as possible, as well as other scheduled events, are you able to make that commitment?

L.      There will be on-line discussions, roundtables, and written projects for Commission presentations, are you willing to participate wholeheartedly?

Please list 3 References:

1.

2.

3.

Applicant Signature: ________________________________________________

Parent’s Signature: __________________________________________________

Janet D. Nyce

Advisor

Governor’s Youth Council

For Hunting, Fishing and Conservation

2547 Hill Road

Green Lane, Pa 18054

215-234-0330

215-234-6888 Fax

huntressjdn@earthlink.net