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Trees

Resource Conservation Workshop (RCW)

Join the Adventure! 

RCW is unlike any other high school summer camp! It is a week-long camp where students are given a taste of the college experience. Your student can earn the chance to attend for FREE by submitting an application! Each day students visit a new place where they speak with professionals and learn about careers in Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Wildlife. Students have the opportunity to be chosen to receive one of many scholarships! 

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2025 RCW will be held June 15-20, 2025

Explore

Every day is a field trip! Tour exciting new places like the Historic Yates Mill Pond, NC State Farm, Clemmons Educational State Forest, and more! 

Stay on Campus 

Meet and learn from professionals from a wide range of backgrounds! Speak with the NC Wildlife Commission, NC Forest Service, Soil & Water Conservation Districts, NC State Professors, and many more! Learn about their careers and how they got there! 

Stay on the beautiful campus of NC State University! Get the full college experience as you stay in dorms, explore campus, and eat in the dining hall on campus! 

Meet Professionals 

Forest Trees

RCW Class of 2016

"RCW was the summer experience that solidified my interest in a career in natural resources as well as my first college choice, NC State. Hands on activities and conversations with professionals in the field gave me insight that I didn't know I needed at the time.  The experiences and connections that RCW has to offer are invaluable for students interested in agriculture and natural resources."

Kailee Winters 

Fisheries Technician 
NC Wildlife Resources Commission

Who Can Attend? 

  • All Wilkes County high school students are encouraged to apply, but preference will be given to rising high school juniors and seniors.

  • Wilkes County home school students in high school are also encouraged to apply. 

RCW Awards: 

  • S. Grady Lane Award ($100 Cash & $1,000 College Scholarship**)​​​​

    • Each Counselor selects a student who is then interviewed by a panel who then determines the winner. ​

    • Selection criteria may include: academic test score of 75 or higher, counselor evaluation of student's high moral character and studious habits, financial need, and judging interview results. 

  • Conservation District Employees' Association Award ($1,000 College Scholarship**) ​

    • This award is sponsored by the NC Conservation District Employees' Association.​

  • Academic Awards (based off of a test on the students' knowledge from the week given at the end of RCW): 

    • 1st Place: $100 Cash and $500 College Scholarship** â€‹

    • 2nd Place: $100 Cash and $275 College Scholarship**

    • 3rd Place: $100 Cash 

    • 4th Place: $75 Cash 

    • 5th Place: $50 Cash 

** Please Note that scholarship funds are received when the student enrolls in college, and must be claimed within 5 years of the award date. ​

Ready to Apply?

Submit applications via any of the following options:

  • Email completed applications to Education Specialist - Julia Hardy.

  • Hand deliver applications to the Wilkes SWCD office located at 416 Executive Dr, Ste A, Wilkesboro, NC 28697

Questions? 

Contact Education SpecialistJulia Hardy!

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