Forestry Mini-Camp

Berkeley Forests holds a series of Forestry Mini-Camps at U.C. Forestry Camp. Located within the ancestral homelands of the Mountain Maidu, U.C. Forestry Camp and Baker Forest provide a unique opportunity for students to learn about the Ecosystem Management & Forestry major at UC Berkeley. Whether you’re a UC Berkeley student interested in declaring or changing majors, or a community college student thinking of transferring, Mini-Camp is a great introduction to the major and all it has to offer. Learn about the forest ecology of the Plumas National Forest, talk to an advisor about your options, and meet some of UC Berkeley’s forestry alumni professionals. These five day/four night camps take place over the first three weeks of August, with each mini-camp’s food and lodging covered by Berkeley Forests for the duration of the event. Travel reimbursement is also available.

Did you know that college transfer rates into the Ecosystem Management and Forestry program are two to three times higher than the overall freshman acceptance rate at UC Berkeley? We understand that students can face many barriers when looking to transfer, and finding the right school and navigating options can be a stressful process. If you are a potential transfer student from a 2-year natural resource or forestry community college program in California, the Community College Mini-Camp is the perfect opportunity to learn about furthering your academic and career path in forestry. This 1-week rustic camping experience takes place the first week of August each year and features an introduction to the four-year forestry program at UC Berkeley, pathways for transfer, and highlights the unique benefits of becoming a Cal Forester, including access to research forests, Summer Forestry Camp, and our robust alumni network. 

Are you a UC Berkeley student interested in declaring or switching to the Ecosystem Management and Forestry major or minor? Whether you are just looking for options or ready to transfer, this 1-week rustic camping experience features a unique introduction to the four-year forestry program at UC Berkeley, highlighting the unique benefits of becoming a Cal Forester, including access to research forests, Forestry Camp, and our robust alumni network. Students will get an introduction to the world of forestry and learn hands-on forestry skills. This camp will give students the option to speak to professors and advisors about their questions or concerns about the transfer process, and get a chance to meet with forestry professionals to discuss the variety of career options in forestry. 

Berkeley Forests, in conjunction with Indigenous faculty member Peter Nelson and other Tribal leaders, puts on a 1-week camp designed to address a range of expressed information needs and wants of the Indigenous students and communities who are attending these programs. The goal of this mini-camp is to bring together tribal communities to discuss land stewardship and forestry related topics they may be interested in.

Focus areas for Indigenous mini-camps may include:

• Educational and professional pathways for a formal career in forest management.
• Information and guidance for participating Tribal students interested in two or four-year degrees. 
• Cultural and prescribed fire training with information about regulations, permitting and licensing needed in California. 
• Management of forested lands for cultural resource development. 
• Collaborative forest management, with training and information about working across political boundaries to allow for native stewardship on lands owned by other entities. 
• Elements from the above topics could be selected to create a broad-focus effort as well.

These mini-camps feature Indigenous UC Berkeley Faculty and invited Indigenous speakers from throughout California, as well as Tribal allies who are experts in the subject matter. If you or someone you know is interested in contributing or attending one of these camps, please contact Karina Bencomo.

Accepting applications for Community College and UC Berkeley Undergraduate in March 2025

 Please contact karina.bencomo@berkeley.edu for inquiries.

Application Requirements:

Community College Mini-Camp applicants are required to attach a copy of their unofficial transcripts, a 1-2 page letter of intent, and must provide an academic reference. Students are required to be enrolled in a 2 year program at the time of application. 

UC Berkeley Student Mini Camp applicants are required to attach a copy of their unofficial transcripts and a 1-2 page letter of intent. Preference will be given to students who have completed 5 terms or less at the time of application. 

Indigenous students and community members interested in contributing or attending the Indigenous Mini-Camp should contact Karina Bencomo. In your email, please specify your interests. We'd love to hear from you!    

*Registration for Indigenous Mini Camp is on a rolling basis. Last day to contact is July 1st. Space is limited.