A bunch of aspiring artists at Deadman Lake, Tetlin NWR; June 25, 2008; photo by Mary Timm

Art lesson on the Deadman Dock, Tetlin NWR; June 26, 2008; photo by Mary Timm

Canoeing on Deadman Lake, Tetlin NWR; June 26, 2008; photo by Molly Timm

In late June, 12 youngsters and several adults focused on local ducks of the Tetlin Refuge.  The Refuge's Deadman Lake Campground was home for this crew of kids - the theme was waterfowl - the genre was art!

To increase participation in the Junior Duck Stamp (JDS) program, Tetlin Refuge used a Challenge Cost Share grant to hire a local artist to work with interested youth ages 7 to 14 based on their interest and participation in the 2008 JDS contest.

In 3 days of art instruction, kids discovered not only numerous art techniques and styles ("pointillism" canvas bags were a hit) but experimented with diverse media (watercolor, pencil, clay, pastel, ink, etc.) and also learned to identify various species of waterfowl!  Holding a camp on a beautiful Alaska lake in summer enabled kids to observe waterfowl in their natural habitat, especially noting duck behavior.

Activities weren't confined to art, however, but time was made for simple pleasures like games, canoeing, swimming, a plant ID hike, water bug studies, and even fishing that were part of the experience throughout long summer days.  Amazingly, for some Alaskan kids, it was their first time sleeping in a tent.  There were bugs, rain, and nobody could take a shower.  But despite the fact that computers, iPods, and cell phones were not allowed, everyone had a blast!