“Conservation: We’re All In”

                Area youth gathered once again at Mallo Camp north of Newcastle, WY to participate in the Black Hills Natural Resource Youth Camp June 13-15^th. The purpose of this camp is to give youth the opportunity to experience a wide variety of activities and educational sessions teaching them about the natural world and its resources. Other activities included fishing, the Wildman Hike teaches kids about predators and prey relationships, a talent show, and various games.

            Each child participated in six educational sessions they included: “Survival of the Fittest”, “Migration Mayhem”, “Tremendous Trees”, “and Casting for Food”,“ Wilderness Scavenger Hunt”, and “Target Practice”.

“Migration Mayhem”, presented by Lacey Sloan with the Weston County Natural Resource District taught campers about why animals migrate, how they migrate, and the importance migration to animals. Jessie Halverson, with Project Learning Tree presented “Tremendous Trees” where campers learned about the parts of the tree and what trees need to survive. In the session “Survival of the Fittest” Nate Fulton explained to the youth the importance of being able to survive in the wilderness if you get lost. He showed the kids the items he carries in his day pack and why each item is important. Nate sent home a few survival items with the kids to place in their own day packs. John Marshall taught campers all about “Casting for Food”. This activity taught campers how to cast, fish, and properly care for caught fish. Campers were allowed to practice their casting skills and catch fish. “Wilderness Scavenger Hunt” presented by Brandon Elkins with the WY NRCS, had the kids search nature for items related to animals and their habitats. Items the kids found included a woodpecker hole, bird nest, items animals would eat (seeds, insects, berries), and other animal homes. Finally, Bob Pollo and Steve Miller had “Target Practice”. They taught youth how the correct way to shoot a bow and arrow, safety while shooting and let the kids do a little “target practice”.