June 11-16 event covers naturalist studies, fishing, shooting sports, and more

Kansas youngsters who are 10 to 12 years of age and who enjoy the outdoors should make plans to attend the Outdoor Adventure Camp (OAC), held annually at the Camp WaShunGa area of Rock Springs 4-H Center, near Junction City. This year's event runs Sunday, June 11, through Friday, June 16, and is sponsored by the Kansas Wildlife Federation .
Days will be spent hiking the grounds at Rock Springs with instructors and gaining knowledge of how various Kansas animals and plants live. Mammals, insects, birds, fish, amphibians, and reptiles will be studied. Instructors come from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Kansas State University, Natural Resource Conservation Service, county conservation districts, and other organizations.

Each afternoon, every youngster will be involved in two activities, including canoeing, horseback riding, pellet gun shooting, archery, fishing (twice), and arts and crafts (twice). Each session lasts about an hour, followed by an afternoon swim in the pool.
The prairie doesn’t go to sleep at sundown, and neither will participants. Nighttime activities include prowling for owls, star-gazing, and watching bats catch bugs. Campfire snacks and storytelling will round out the evenings. Wednesday evening will include a fishing contest.
Other activities include scavenger hunts; rifle, shotgun, and muzzleloader shooting; a volleyball tournament; and a day-trip to the Milford Nature Center and Fish Hatchery. Kids will be assigned cabins for their stay, and Friday, each cabin will perform a skit associating their cabin mascot with some environmental topic.

Participants need to bring a swimsuit, sleeping gear, clothes for a week, sunscreen, insect repellent, a cap, and a water bottle. Food, instruction, and lodging are all included in the price of the camp, which is $225. Space is limited, and the registration deadline is June 6.
For more information or an application, phone 785-526-7466 evenings, 785-658-2465 during the day, or email bergkwf@wtciweb.com.
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