Boredom does not stand a chance against the eclectic mix of summer camps being offered by Northern Arizona University.<\/p>\n
One such camp, titled Bug Safari, is a chance for youth ages 8-14 to learn about the inside world of nature’s creepy critters.\u00a0Robert Delph<\/strong>, an entomologist at NAU, will be hosting this series of three summer “bug camps” where campers will get up close and personal with a variety of bugs.<\/p>\n “Through these camps, I hope the kids develop a stronger appreciation of entomology (the study of bugs),” Delph said. “A lot of people hate bugs, but it’s good to have them\u2014insects are essential to the environment.”<\/p>\n At each week-long camp, participants will explore the diverse 200-acre landscape of the Flagstaff Arboretum to collect, classify and mount a variety of insects and arthropods, a broad category that encompasses many types of bugs.<\/p>\n In each activity, Delph said there is an emphasis on learning about the bugs’ habitats, predator-prey relationships and overall relationships to the world.<\/p>\n In addition to time outdoors, campers also will be spending time in labs identifying, drawing and sending the bugs they collect through a maze, Delph said.<\/p>\n On the last day of each camp session, Delph and the kids will cook up a “bug feast” comprised of a variety of bug-based dishes for the campers and their families to enjoy.<\/p>\n The Bug Safari camps will also feature hands-on projects like “Caddis fly Cribs,” where participants will decorate larva encasings with colored beads.<\/p>\n “These camps really engage kids,” he said. “There’s definitely no busy work.”<\/p>\n Information on the Bug Safari camps, which take place June 16-20, July 14-18 and July 28-Aug. 1, is\u00a0online<\/a>, or contact Rachel Edelstein at (928) 774-1442 ext. 110 or\u00a0Rachel.Edelstein@nau.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n NAU summer camps:<\/p>\n A variety of camps will be happening throughout the summer for young adults.<\/p>\n Forest Academies<\/a> NAU Junior and Senior Summer Music Camps<\/a> Dolphin Day Camp<\/a> Mountain Jacks Kid’s Camp<\/a> Louie’s Leaders<\/a> STEP UP Engineering Camp for Girls<\/a> Engineering Camp for Young Men<\/a> Center for High Altitude Training\/ NAU Track and Field<\/a>
\nThe NAU Centennial Forest offers a chance for the entire family to have fun while being connected to the forest and natural world through a variety of camps throughout the summer.<\/p>\n
\nMusically inclined junior high and high school students can enjoy working hard and improving their skills at these two summer camps.<\/p>\n
\nChildren ages 5-11 can benefit from swimming, arts and crafts, field games, water safety education and weekly field trips.<\/p>\n
\nChildren ages 3-11 can enjoy both the indoor and outdoors through recreational games, arts and crafts and weekly field trips.<\/p>\n
\nYoung adults ages 12-15 can learn valuable life skills through volunteer projects, field trips and American Red Cross certification programs.<\/p>\n
\nHigh school girls interested in math, science or engineering can gain hands-on experience and work with professional engineers at this week-long camp.<\/p>\n
\nHigh school age males interested in engineering can gain experience in multiple disciplines of engineering during this week-long camp.<\/p>\n
\nFor young adults participating in track and field, these camps offer the chance to improve campers’ skills in distance, speed and throwing.<\/p>\n