Bug Camps have concluded for the 2012 Summer, and 50 new little entomologists are out in the world! We hosted two camps this summer and filled up each one with 25 kids. Unfortunately, its getting so popular, we actually had to turn people away this summer. Does this mean we'll need to open a third camp next year? I don't know, but I'll need to start taking some energy vitamins if so!
This year our theme was about adaptations. Campers learned different adaptations insects have to live better in their worlds, such as: raptorial legs for catching prey, mouthpart variations, wings with lots of veins for long flights, big eyes and short antennae for predators, stingers as modified ovipositors, and much more! After many adaptations lessons, campers got to build their own insect and describe them and what they do based on their adaptations. The kids were amazingly clever - each and every one!
We also performed experiments, including some dissections this year. We dissected crawfish and grasshoppers and discovered the differences between the two arthropods and got a peak at the insides of the animals. I believe we may have discovered some future surgeons and medical examiners with that experiment!
It was a fantastic time for all - camp leaders, volunteers, and campers alike! As always, the campers learned more than they can even imagine and I hope they continue their enthusiasm for their sciences like they did for this camp!
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