Salmon Campers on the Beach photo by Sue Knoth, July 2008 Buskin Beach, Kodiak

Adventure Camp staff and kids enjoyed exploring an old WWII bunker Photo by Sue Knoth, August 2008 Chiniak

The Kodiak NWR has completed another successful camping season.  The 2008 Salmon Camp season served over 175 kids in the city of Kodiak as well as the villages of Port Lions, Ouzinkie, Larsen Bay, and Old Harbor.  Three interns from the Student Conservation Association served as camp counselors to the campers ranging from Kindergarten through Eighth Graders.  One student from the local middle school worked as a junior counselor throughout the season.

Seven week long day camp sessions began in June and ran through August.  The hands on science camp involved many hours of hiking, tidepooling, and beach exploration.  In addition, students participated in a variety of science experiments which helped them to better understand Kodiak’s unique ecosystem.

A highlight of the summer was Salmon Adventure Camp.  Eight lucky middle school students participated in Adventure Camp learning Leave No Trace skills and bear safe camping techniques during the week long camp.  The students showcased their new skills during a two night overnight trip.  The campers learned how to set up camp, prepare meals on camp stoves, and to keep a clean camp.  Salmon Adventure Camp served as a useful tool in introducing students to outdoor recreation. Several participants had never been camping before this trip and many planned on teaching their family Leave No Trace camping skills.  Salmon Adventure Camp will be back in 2009!