Want to get your child away from the computer and video games? Have you noticed that they are avoiding the outdoors? The Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge may have a remedy for what ails them – Kids with Cameras Summer Camp.
"We want to reconnect kids to their nature coast roots with the help of a camera. The activity is FREE. Disposable cameras, film developing, and lunch will be provided by the Friends of the Lower Suwannee & Cedar Keys NWR," reports Ranger Pam Darty.
"We would prefer kids with little or no prior experience taking pictures, but it's not a requirement."
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service held a landmark meeting with the health care industry to discuss the health of our nation`s children and opportunities to get kids involved in outside activities. Emerging research shows that children who feel connected to nature have better physical, mental, and emotional health. Nature also improves student learning. Check our website for more information: www.fws.gov/children/index.html.
Kids will be discovering wildlife and their habitats along the Refuge's River Trail and the new Bottomlands Boardwalk, through the lens of a camera. They will be taking shots of birds and other wildlife, trees, flowers and herbaceous shrubs, facilities such as the boardwalk, observation deck, and each other. A simple hands-on lesson with digital photography and downloading will familiarize kids with software capabilities. Each camera-camp day will accept 10 students on a first-come, first-served basis. The 9am until 3pm schedule will be: Tuesday, August 5, for grades 3-5; Wednesday, August 6, for grades 6-8 and, Thursday, August 7, for grades 9-12. Traditional as well as home-schooled students are welcomed to attend. This is an outdoor activity, so be prepared for mosquitoes, and wear comfortable clothes and closed-toed shoes that can get dirty.
Don't pass up this special opportunity for your child to get into the outdoors at the scenic Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge and learn to use a camera at no cost. Be the first to call 493-0238, extension 223 to sign-up your child. | 