Volume 17, Number 1, Fall 2006

4-H Great Lakes & Natural Resources Camp Explores Fishing, Boating, Ecology

Judy Ratkos

A record number of teens attended 4-H Great Lakes and Natural Resources Camp and had fun fishing, boating and exploring Michigan ecology—aquatic and terrestrial—July 30 to August 5, 2006. The camp is for teens ages 13 to 15 and held at Camp Chickagami in Presque Isle, nestled between the shores of in-land Lake Esau and Lake Huron, between Alpena and Rogers City. During this exciting MSU pre-college program, campers attend a morning session on Great Lakes charter fishing and fisheries, coastal processes, forestry and wildlife, wetlands and lakes and watersheds. A multitude of afternoon recreation options are offered, including swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, photography, touring a sea lamprey research station and fossil hunting at a local quarry. Besides having loads of fun in the outdoors, campers learn to appreciate and understand Michigan’s natural resources and management issues. They also find out about careers related to the Great Lakes and natural resources. Sessions are taught by MSU faculty, MSU Extension and Sea Grant staff members and volunteers who are natural resources experts.

Next year’s camp is tentatively scheduled for July 29 to August 4. Camp applications will be available early in 2007 from county MSU Extension offices and on-line at http://web1.msue.msu.edu/msue/cyf/youth/glnrc.html. Applications will be due to county MSUE offices by May 1, 2007. Space is limited to 65 campers, so it’s best to apply early!