It was a pretty normal morning at state 4-H marine camp last week, with youth also enjoying snorkeling, deep sea fishing and swimming. The marine camp is so popular that dozens of youth were turned away this year, even though an extra week was added to the camp's schedule to accommodate twice as many kids. Another week of marine camp is slated for July 24-28, and it filled up weeks ago. But kids say the camp is fun. The girls became friends on the bus on the way to camp and have been inseparable ever since.
Social experiences are important for kids, say organizers.
Young people need to understand the importance of marine habitats, but they need to have social activities too. If they care about the environment but can't communicate with people, they will have a hard time making a difference later in life. Of course, even for the most gung-ho marine student, there is still time for the usual summer camp hijinks. The combination of fun and education works. I came because I love animals.