Do you have any young bug lovers in your home? This summer could be an excellent time to nurture interest in the biological sciences.
We’ve never met another true pest control professional that doesn’t have an appreciation for the science of bugs (entomology). When you learn about insect biology and behavior as a means to control their unwanted presence in and around homes, you naturally develop an interest in these amazing creatures we share our planet with.
And, what could be a better way to expose the next generation to insects than the fun, hands-on learning experiences that summer camps provide? So, check out the following options for camps across the U.S. for any budding entomologists or science fans you might know!
Mississippi State University Extension Service
Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, Photo credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast
Type: Overnight Dates: June 14-18, 2015 Times: 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. Ages: 10 and up At MSU’s Bug and Plant Camp, kids will start collecting early every morning at the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge and in other areas. Activities and topics may include: using a scanning electron microscope; a tour of a beehive, edible insects (entomophagy); forensic entomology and lab; forest entomology; insect and plant interactions; medical entomology and insect diseases such West Nile Virus; insect parasites; veterinary entomology; aquatic insects; plant ecology and plant diseases; Integrated Pest Management, and more. More information here. Beekeeping Camp |
Photo credit: Katrien Berckmoes
Type: Overnight
Dates: June 21-25, 2015
Times: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Ages: 10 and up
This camp will give budding beekeepers all the information they need to know to start keeping bees.Topics include necessary equipment, marking and clipping the queen, colony defense, diseases, harvesting honey, basic bee biology, bee communication, swarm management, how to buy bees, income, and much more. The camp will also feature a trip to a commercial apiary, or bee yard. More information here. Kentucky Entomology Leadership Program Jabez, KY |
Photo credit: Barta IV
Type: Overnight
Dates: June 1-5, 2015
Ages: Students entering grade 11 or 12
This week-long outdoor summer entomology camp includes insect collection, identification and forest/insect ecology.
More information here.
Delaware Nature Society
Ashland Nature Center, Hockessin, DE, Photo credit: Chris Foster
Type: Day
The Delaware Nature Society offers several different camps throughout the summer for children ranging from 3 to 15 years old. Camps range from “Moth Wings and Butterfly Things,” “Catching Critters,” “Insect Safari,” “Bug Art,” and much more.
More information here.
University of Maryland Bug Camp
College Park, MD
University of Maryland, College Park, MD, Photo credit: David
Type: Day
Dates: June 29-July 3, 2015 and July 20-July 24, 2015
Times: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Ages: 8-12
This bug camp exposes kids to the value and benefits bugs provide to humans and society. Campers will have opportunities for hands-on activities and interactive field trips.
More information here.
Bell Museum of Natural History, University of Minnesota, Science Discovery Day Camps
Minneapolis, MN
Photo credit: Abigail Batchelder
Type: Day
Ages: From preschool students to those entering grade 7
Bell Museum hosts various camps aimed to allow kids to explore their interests. Outdoor exploration, recreation and hands-on activities are combined in these week-long camps. Options include “Amateur Entomologist,” “Art in Nature,” “Backyard Chemistry,” “Field Biology,” “Nature in the City,” and more.
More information here.
Colorado Plateau Museum of Arthropod Biodiversity Summer Bug Camps at Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ
Photo credit: mriggen
Type: Day
Dates: June 22-26, 2015 and July 20-24, 2015
Times: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Ages: 6-12
Campers will create mazes for bugs, build their own insects, cook and eat insect cuisine and more.
More information here.
Bohart Museum of Entomology, University of California
Davis, CA
Photo credit: Camp Pinewood
Bio Boot Camp
Type: Day + one overnight
Dates: June 15-19, 2015
Times: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Ages: Students entering grades 7, 8 and 9
This camp is for young people interested in the natural sciences. It includes one overnight at UC Berkeley’s Sagehen Creek Field Station outside of Truckee.
More information here.
Bio Boot Camp 2.0
Type: Overnight
Dates: June 22-26, 2015
Ages: Students entering grades 10, 11 and 12
The museum also offers “Adventures in Enrichment: It’s A Bug’s Life” for elementary-school students.
More information here.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Entomology Summer Camp .
San Antonio, TX
Photo credit: Rain0975
Type: Overnight
Dates: June 13-16 and July 20-23
Times: 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Ages: 7 and up
Campers will collect insects, perform experiments and activities with insects, learn how to identity with them and more. They also receive an insect collection kit, which is included in the registration fee.
More information here.
Do you know any other entomology summer camps or do you have any experiences with the camps listed? Let us know in the comments!
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