3-25 IAN Ag Camp

The University of Idaho’s 2013 Natural Resources camp for youth 12-14 years old will offer something new: a look at Idaho’s volcanology. Campers will learn about Craters of the Moon National Monument, Snake River Plain geology,volcanoes and other close to hand examples of Idaho’s fiery past.  Since this is an offering from U of I’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, I asked Megan Satterwhite, a representative of University of Idaho Extension how the camp might tie into ag. “The June 24-29 camp near scenic Sun Valley is sponsored by University of Idaho Extension, Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts and the JR Simplot Co and is designed to help youths explore Idaho’s natural resources including wildlife, rangeland, forests, water and soil..all agriculturally relevant. “

The campers will also repeat a popular feature added last year, immersing themselves in an example of an Idaho geothermal resource with a fieldtrip to Easley Hot Springs for some swimming and end-of-camp relaxation. “It’s a little reward for the kids after spending a week with a lot of activities and learning,” said Amber Moore, camp director. She is a soil scientist for University of Idaho Extension at Kimberly.

Natural Resources Camp can provide up to 90 youths with an up-close-and-personal look at Idaho and science that has many campers coming back for more. About half of the campers do return and some practice future leadership skills by serving as cabin leaders. Applications for the 2013 camp are available through University of Idaho Extension and through Soil Conservation District offices across the state. Information is available at http://www.extension.uidaho.edu/nrc. Registration is $235 by May 21 and $255 after that. Scholarship information is available by calling Soil Conservation District offices. More information is available by contacting Megan Satterwhite, camp coordinator, at (208) 736-3634 or msatterwhite@uidaho.edu.