Utah High School Range Camp
4-H and Youth Programming
Cory Farnsworth
Extension Assistant Professor, Agriculture and Natural Resources
Utah State University Extension
Moab
Abstract
Utah’s high school Range Camp, established in 1973 by Utah State University (USU) Extension and the Utah Society for Range Management, has provided students with hands-on experiences in sustainable rangeland practices for over five decades. The program introduces youth to rangeland management principles through immersive fieldwork, expert instruction, and exposure to diverse ecosystems. Participants gain valuable skills applicable to careers in natural resources and competitive success in Future Farmers of America (FFA) events.
A recent survey of past attendees revealed overwhelmingly positive impacts. All respondents (100%) rated the instruction as “very good” or “excellent,” and 100% stated that Range Camp influenced their career decisions. More than half (54%) pursued a college degree in rangeland or natural resources, and 56% reported that Range Camp influenced their choice of university. Additionally, 39% of participants applied for internships in range-related fields, with 83% of those securing full-time employment in agencies such as the USDA, Bureau of Land Management, and the Forest Service.
Range Camp also plays a significant role in FFA competition success. Since 2011, attendees have consistently ranked among the top five in the Utah FFA Career Development Event (CDE). At the 2024 Western National FFA Competition, seven of the top ten individual winners and five of the top ten teams had participated in Range Camp.
Despite these successes, past data collection efforts were limited. Moving forward, improved tracking methods, including the use of personal email addresses, will strengthen long-term impact assessments. Enhanced recruitment strategies aim to expand participation, ensuring more students benefit from the program.
Range Camp remains a critical tool for educating the next generation of land managers, fostering responsible rangeland stewardship, and preparing youth for careers in natural resources. Its success underscores the importance of experiential education in shaping the future of rangeland management.
Authors: Cory Farnsworth
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Cory Farnsworth Extension Assistant Professor, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Utah State University Extension, Utah, 84532