Given the current situation with COVID-19 and out of an abundance of caution for health and safety, we have made the difficult decision to suspend our in-person camp experience for the summer of 2020, and will instead be offering a dynamic MYBC experience virtually from June 21–26. We’ll offer assignments and “fieldwork” that campers can do in their backyards, neighborhoods, and in local natural areas.

We’re excited about the activities we’ll be able to share with this year’s campers. There will be a variety of learning opportunities that cover:

• Daily lessons in ornithology applicable to birds of Eastern North America; 
• Participation in species point counts, bird banding activities, and other community science projects;
• Conversations with expert speakers on key conservation and avian topics from around the state and U.S.;
• Mentoring and small group work to maximize shared experiences; 
• Sharing unique and collaborative birding and outdoor experiences with birding peers;
• Building friendships through shared interests and experiences.

This year’s virtual camp offers collaborative options with speakers from across the state and beyond. It also offers campers some creative license and leadership opportunities, by putting them in the driver’s seat of their experience. Through thoughtful layout and instruction, we hope to facilitate a week of learning, friendship, and fun.

The MYBC committee is excited to share our passion for birds and conservation while growing that of our campers. We are hopeful that the plethora of opportunities available through this virtual experience can help inspire and propel us to a continued successful event this year and in years to come!