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There are sports camps, music camps and lots of other summer camps to help children learn and make the most of their summers.  This year, for the first time, 14 fourth and fifth graders with an interest in the outdoors participated in the Kenai Refuge’s “Get Out & Get Dirty” summer camp.  “My favorite things at camp were; dissecting fish, treasure hunting, predator-prey game, Andy Goldsworthy inspired trail art, making new friends, fairy houses, and touching trees” according to camper Jackson Blackwell.    Most of the kids were amazed at how fast 6 hours flew by and didn’t want to leave when their parents came to pick them up. Education Specialst Micheele Ostrowski and Student Conservation Association Intern Eve Smallwood were exhausted but smiling at the end of each day

Each day parents told us how much fun the kids were having and what interesting things the kids shared with them about the day’s adventure.  One parent stated, “I'm learning so many new things from him.  Brian came home Friday and made the most beautiful Fairy House in our back yard.  I was AMAZED!  Thanks for showing him the importance of appreciating and enjoying the beautiful outdoors.” 

Getting kids outdoors, appreciating, and connecting with nature were our goals when we decided to create this program.  The Kenai Peninsula community has a great resource (the Refuge) practically in their backyard.  We wanted to invoke a “sense of wonder” in these children and ultimately to help ensure future conservationists.  Fortunately,  the weather cooperated for the entire week although everyone was prepared to be outside rain or shine.  The only complaints heard from the kids were about the relentless mosquitoes.  Using binoculars, magnifiers, dip nets, and other tools we were able to get a closer look at some of the creatures living in the Refuge.  A magpie, which had been injured in Soldotna, even came to visit one day courtesy of Myke Bon with Alaska WildBird Rehabilitation Center in Wasilla. 

The kids learned how and why biologists use radio telemetry to track wildlife.  They all understand the basics of map and compass use, some important knot tying techniques, can identify the major tree species on the peninsula, and each camper made a survival kit and a plant press with about 16 local plants.  The week was 99% outdoors and 100% hands-on!

When Patti Berkham from Alaska Department of Fish and Game came in to dissect salmon with them, half the kids jumped right in to get fish guts all over their hands.  The other half hesitated, but by the end everyone smelled fishy.  Another highlight was “Animal Olympics” where teams learned about animal adaptations through fun games. So many of the activities the campers enjoyed during the week can be done with few supplies and in a variety of natural settings.  Hopefully they will teach their parents, siblings, and friends some of the things they learned.