Campers investigating "bugs" along the Keen-Eye trail. - Photo Credit: Kenai NWR

Campers meet "Wild Rose" and other flora along the trail during camp plant day. - Photo Credit: Kenai NWR

Learning to use binoculars and look for wetland birds. - Photo Credit: Kenai NWR

The Kenai Refuge had its' 8th year of successful "Critter Camps" geared towards local central Kenai Peninsula youth going into 2nd or 3rd grade. Despite mosquitoes and rain we managed to spend most of our time outdoors connecting with nature. With 2 week-long sessions of day camp, 31 participants learned about plants, animals, birds, fish, habitats, food chains, and interconnection through outdoor discovery, exploration and hands on activities, games, and art projects. Many of these campers see Refuge education staff in their classroom or on field trips during the school year. Many enjoy the almost 2 million acre Refuge with their families to further increase their connections with the Refuge and retain great memories of the Refuge being a special place worth caring about. Critter Camp campers tend to continue staying connected to the Refuge by attending the 4th/5th grade camp when they become eligible. We have been fortunate to keep these camps in our community for a nominal supply fee ($50) through our partnership with Alaska Geographic and through staffing two interns through the Student Conservation Association (SCA) Career Discovery Internship Program (CDIP).