Area Youth Explore the World of Wildlife
Jr. Naturalist day campers make their own t-shirts June 21 at Russell Wildlife. Photo by Hailey Brown
By Hailey Brown
(New Sharon, Iowa) – Children in Mahaska County got a closer look at nature last week during the Jr. Naturalist Day Camp at Russell Wildlife Center in New Sharon.
“Where the Wild Things Are” was the theme during the annual summer camp June 26–28, where children were able to learn about wildlife and nature through fun activities hosted by the Mahaska County Conservation Board.
The camp was divided into two two-day sessions so participants could pick which days to come, accompanied by an adult. Digging for fossils, fishing, hiking, and art were weather-permitting options for campers and some even got up close and personal with the resident hissing cockroach at Russell Wildlife. “Insect Olympics” were held for kids as well as other activities to learn more about bugs.
“We talked about different parts of the insect,” said Laura DeCook, Naturalist and camp leader.
On the final day of camp, children were able to decorate a bug-themed t-shirt using stencils and paint and take it home.
“We [made] very special t-shirts [by sharing] stencils and fabric paint,” explained DeCook. “Every child picks their own stencil and color and the person who came with them can help them make their own unique shirt.”
As far as the next summer camp, DeCook said older kids will take to Russell Wildlife Center for their own day camp experience this Tuesday–Friday.
The next all-ages Mahaska County Conservation event will be fishing camp July 10–11, according to the Mahaska County Conservation website The first day will focus on making fishing jigs, which consists of a lead sinker with a hook molded to it. Typically, jigs are used to create a jerky, vertical motion to attract fish.
During the first day of fishing camp, a conservation professional will teach participants how to make a jig and paint them to attract fish by using hot lead and an air dryer. On the second day of camp, participants will walk out to the Russell Wildlife ponds and put those jigs to work.
“People who come to day one can even use the jigs they made on day two if they want,” explained DeCook.
There will be instruction provided for tying a hook to a line, techniques for casting, and how to select the right rod and reel for each setting. Both days of fishing camp will be from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM at Russell Wildlife Center in New Sharon and will cost $5.00 per person per day. Fishing poles and bait will be provided, and participants can choose to come one or both days. Children 6 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
To sign up, or learn more about conservation activities hosted by the Mahaska County Conservation Board, call 641-673-9327 or visit www.mahaskaconservation.com.
