Natural Resources Camp coming

March 26, 2014
Campers ages 12 to 14 years will see and learn about Idaho natural resources in some of the state’s most scenic settings near Sun Valley June 23-28. University of Idaho Extension and the Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts again will sponsor the annual Natural Resources Camp, which has roots stretching back more than 60 years.

Campers will explore and learn about Idaho’s wildlife, fish, forests, water, range and soils during their five-day stay at the Central Idaho 4-H Camp north of Ketchum. The registration fee is $235 by May 21 and $255 after. Scholarships are available through Soil Conservation District offices throughout Idaho.

This is also the second year of a new focus on Idaho volcanism. That topic is tied to the recent revival of a popular University of Idaho Extension 4-H camp tradition that dates back to the 1950s, swimming at Easley Hot Springs, which is heated by geothermal springs. Photos show 4-H members there in 1953.

A Lewis and Clark expedition-style field trip to see examples of Idaho’s natural resources and what campers learned during the week is being revamped this year, said camp director Amber Moore, a UI Extension soil specialist at Twin Falls.

This year’s session also will pay homage to Dorrell Larsen, who helped found the Natural Resources Workshop more than 50 years ago. He passed away Nov. 2, 2013 at age 84 at Boise. He began working with University of Idaho Extension as an irrigation specialist based at Boise in 1956.

An early advocate for environmental education, he established and chaired the workshop, Idaho’s first residential summer workshop, from 1962 to 1991.

The family suggested remembrances may be made to the Dorrell Larsen Memorial Fund, University of Idaho Foundation, 875 Perimeter Dr. MS 3143, Moscow, ID 83844-3143 for the benefit of the natural resources workshop.

More information about the camp, including a video from 2013, is available online at http://web.cals.uidaho.edu/nrc