Released July 2, 2009
LITTLE ROCK - Having a parent or both parents in some cases, in the military can be tough on kids; having a parent deployed overseas, can be even tougher. To help kids cope with the stresses they experience from having military parents, the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture's 4-H youth development program is partnering with various groups to offer summer camps for those military kids.
Four different types of camps are offered in July and August. First, several bicycle safety day camps will be offered 10 times from late July to late August. These one-day bike rides explore historical and natural resources throughout the state. Youth ages nine to 19 are eligible to participate, but registration is limited to the first 10 youth.
For the budding filmmaker, a movie camp in August will teach campers everything they need to know to produce their own film. Skills taught during the camp include basic videography skills, storyboarding, shooting and editing. Campers will create public service announcements and documentaries about the special needs of military families. Dates for this camp are Aug. 3-7. This camp will accept 20 youth ages 13-18. Please note that this camp is also open to non-military youth.
The adventurous, outdoorsy camper will enjoy Camo Camp Aug. 9-13. Activities include ATV safety and hands-on driving instruction, canoeing, wildlife ecology, archery and a cardboard boat construction and race competition. Camo Camp will take 40 youth ages 12-18.
If cycling and camping are more along the lines of excitement for the camper, they can register for the Arkansas Cycling Camp and Tour Aug. 9-13. Campers will learn bicycle safety and maintenance for both on- and off-road biking. They will take day tours and conclude the camp with an overnight camping experience. Youth ages 12-18 are eligible for this camp.
All camps are held at the Arkansas 4-H Center in Ferndale, Ark., unless otherwise noted. Registration forms and fees, if applicable, are due Friday, July 17. For registration forms for all of the camps, visit http://www.uaex.edu and click on the dog tags near the bottom of the page, or contact Maureen Rose, at mrose@uaex.edu or 501-671-2066.
The camps are offered as part of Operation: Military Kids. OMK provides support for children of military personnel throughout the year. OMK is a military partnership program of Arkansas 4-H, the youth development program of the Cooperative Extension Service, which is part of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
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http://www.uaex.edu/news/july2009/0702omk.htm
Editor: Elizabeth Fortune, (501) 671-2120, efortune@uaex.edu
