February 14, 2008
Contact: Amber Moore at (208) 736-3629 or amberm@uidaho.edu in Twin Falls, Bob Josaitis of the USDA NRCS at (208) 934-8481, Ext. 111, or bob.josaitis@id.usda.gov in Gooding, or communications specialist Marlene Fritz at (208) 364-6165 or mfritz@uidaho.edu in Boise.
12- to 14-Year-Olds Learn about Idaho's Natural
Resources at June 23-28 Camp Near Ketchum
TWIN FALLS, Idaho--Twelve- to 14-year-olds who want to learn about Idaho's environment and their roles as citizens in protecting and managing natural resources are invited to the 49th annual Natural Resources Camp June 23-28 north of Ketchum.
The camp is held at the scenic, 7,100-foot-high Central Idaho 4-H Camp and sponsored by University of Idaho Extension and the Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts. It gives its youthful participants the chance to observe wildlife habitats, explore predator-prey relationships, examine water quality, learn about today's resource-management practices, and identify animal signs, range plants, trees and soil types. By conducting experiments, completing projects and debating issues, students gain an understanding of the interconnections among soil, water, air, plants, animals and people.
"The camp appeals to the scientist in every student," says Amber Moore, University of Idaho Extension soil specialist and Natural Resources Camp coordinator. "Instead of sitting in a classroom and copying down facts about water quality, they take water samples from streams and measure a variety of chemical and physical properties. That gives them a more concrete understanding of what water quality really means."
The camp's hands-on approach carries through to its recreational activities, which include hiking, fishing, volleyball, firearm safety, target shooting, fireside sing-alongs, a Tournament of the Outdoors and a Lewis and Clark Expedition.
"For many, it's an adolescent experience they remember for a lifetime," says Bob Josaitis, rangeland management specialist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Gooding. He notes that graduates--among them Idaho's state, county and community leaders--often send their children and grandchildren. "Land stewardship passed down through the generations is Idaho's preserving heritage, and this is Idaho's gem outdoor classroom."
Cost is $175 by May 23 ($195 afterwards). Scholarships are available through local Soil Conservation District offices. The workshop is limited to the first 90 students who register. For an application, visit a nearby University of Idaho Extension or Soil Conservation District office or call Mary Fenwick at (208) 736-3605. For more information, contact Moore at (208) 736-3629 or amberm@uidaho.edu in Twin Falls or Josaitis at (208) 934-8481, Ext. 111, or bob.josaitis@id.usda.gov in Gooding.
Participating teachers can earn one or two graduate credits by learning instructional methods that increase students' understanding of the biological, social, economic and political world around them and by developing a lesson plan to teach natural resources.
--30--
About the University of Idaho
Founded in 1889, the University of Idaho is the state's flagship higher-education institution and its principal graduate education and research university, bringing insight and innovation to the state, the nation and the world. University researchers attract nearly $100 million in research grants and contracts each year; the University of Idaho is the only institution in the state to earn the prestigious Carnegie Foundation ranking for high research activity. The university's student population includes first-generation college students and ethnically diverse scholars. Offering more than 150 degree options in 10 colleges, the university combines the strengths of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities. For information, visit www.uidaho.edu .
| ||