Junior master naturalist camp at Chain O'Lakes

Indiana DNR Release:

A Junior Indiana Master Naturalist Camp for students entering grades 5-8 this fall is scheduled for Aug. 9-13 at Chain O' Lakes State Park.

The program will bring young people together with natural resource specialists to foster an understanding of Indiana’s plants, water, soils and wildlife, and promote volunteer service in local communities. Topics will include aquatics, botany, zoology, geology, outdoor skills, and people and natural resources.

“This is a great opportunity for any child interested in the outdoors to learn hands-on from experts working in the field,” said Howard Luehrs, interpretive naturalist at Chain O'Lakes. “Campers can hike away on Friday understanding more about the environment around them and how to safely explore it.”

Camp hours are 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday. On Friday, campers will meet at 9 a.m. for a two-hour session of volunteer time, followed by a barbeque picnic.

The camp fee is $50, which includes course materials, snacks, and Friday’s picnic. Campers must pay in advance to reserve a spot.

Campers are expected to attend all sessions and perform six hours of volunteer service to complete the camp and receive certification. Campers should bring their own lunch and swim trunks/towels.

To learn more, go to http://www.in.gov/dnr/masternaturalist.htm. To register, email chaininterp@dnr.in.gov or call the park at 260-636-2654.