KETCHUM, Idaho—Natural Resources Camp, a University of Idaho Extension tradition tucked away in some of the state’s grandest scenery, will again offer Idaho youth a unique opportunity to learn about and explore the environment June 22-27.
The camp for 12- to 14-year olds will celebrate its 55th anniversary this year with a program that focuses on wildlife, rangeland, forests, water and soil. The camp is located north of Ketchum in Idaho’s Smoky Mountains.
New staff members joining the camp this year are experts in water-related topics and fire management, said Amber Moore, NRC camp director and UI Extension soil specialist in Twin Falls.
Youth interested in attending camp are encouraged to contact their local Soil Conservation District offices because they offer scholarships to help defray the $235 registration fee, which rises to $255 after May 21.
New staff members this year include program director Jess Helsley, a camp alumna who now works as a fish habitat biologist for the Quinault Indian Nation in western Washington; water instructor Jim Ekins, UI Extension area water educator in Northern Idaho; wildlife instructor Scott Scroggie, a U.S. Bureau of Land Management field biologist with the Sage Grouse Initiative; and fire educator Ryan Berlin, a fire education and mitigation specialist for the BLM Twin Falls District.
One of the camp’s goals is to continue drawing youth from eastern Idaho and the Boise area, Moore said, and including youth from urban areas in the mix of campers.
Teachers also attend the camp to learn about natural resources and to earn continuing education credits through the University of Idaho.
More information is available from soil conservation district offices, UI Extension county offices and from camp coordinator Megan Satterwhite at the UI Twin Falls Research and Extension Center at 208-736-3634.
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