Community
Called Raptor Ambassador Camp, it is planned for June 28-29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Pittsburg State University Natural History Reserve just south of town.
It will be hosted by Nature Reach, a program of the PSU Biology Department. It will be co-taught by Nature Reach Director Delia Lister and by licensed wildlife rehabilitation expert Pat Silovsky, who is director of the Milford Nature Center and one of the founders of Nature Reach.
“I wanted to offer this camp because I know many sixth and seventh graders are starting to think about what they want to be when they grow up,” Lister said. “Kids love animals and they may be thinking the only ‘animal career’ out there is veterinary science. This will hopefully introduce them to new possibilities.”
Students will get a “nose to beak” introduction to Nature Reach birds and a look at daily diet prep, care, and training; a complete bird necropsy, or dissection; and an overview of wildlife conservation.
“I think it is critical for students of all ages to get hands-on experiences in science. By working with our raptor ambassadors, I hope these students will become ambassadors for all wildlife.”
The cost of the camp is $50 per student. Space is limited. Register at www.pittstate.edu/naturereach. A limited number of spots also are available in the other Nature Reach day camps this summer:
Nature Reach Day Camp: June 20-24
9 a.m. to noon daily
For students who have completed first, second, or third grade, this camp will be held at the PSU Natural History Reserve and will include hands-on learning, daily snacks, interaction with live animals and more. Cost is $70 per student.
Kindergarten Camp: Wednesday, June 15
9 a.m. to noon daily
This single day camp is for students who have completed kindergarten and it, too, will be held at PSU Natural History Reserve. Students will have their first opportunity to see what Nature Reach camp is like, will interact with live animals, go on a short hike, have a snack, and complete a nature art project. Cost is $15 per student.
Pre-K Reading Program 2022: Tuesdays in July
10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. each time
This program for 3- to 5-year-olds will take place in Room 329 Heckert-Wells Hall at Pittsburg State, home to Nature Reach. Each session will feature a read-aloud story and a live animal or group of animals who are part of the story. Come to one or all four sessions — they will each be different. Cost: $5 per student per session. Parents are welcome to join their students if desired.
Need more information? Contact Lister at dlister@pittstate.edu or 620-235-4805.
