Nature Deficit Disorder and No Child Left Inside are phrases that have been associated with legislative action, grant programs, and phrases to explain the trend that is affecting young people’s mental health. These terms became prevalent in American culture in the early 2000s because we found kids getting outside less, being less connected to the outdoors, and facing more publicly recognized mental health issues. Summer camps focused on hunting and other outdoor skills are great ways to combat this phenomenon.
North Dakota Wildlife Federation (NDWF) is partnering with NDSU Extension 4-H summer camps to educate kids on Beginner Outdoor Skills, Outdoor Adventure, Wildlife, and Advanced Outdoor Education at 4 summer camps to be held in Washburn ND. Beginner Outdoor Skills Camp June 1-5; Adventure Camp June 8-11, Wildlife Camp August 3-7, and Advanced Outdoor Education Camp October 17-19. The NDWF encourages affiliate clubs to send interested youth to one of these great camps. North Dakota 4-H has great scholarship opportunities for youth to attend camp. Check out the 4-H website and check with your county agent for scholarships.
The camps are held at the 4-H facility in Washburn, ND. The North Dakota 4-H Camp is on 80 acres of wooded riverfront property 1.5 miles west of Washburn, N.D., and has provided overnight camping to youth for over 50 years. Camp starts on Sundays at 4 pm and ends on Thursday at 11 am except for the Advanced Outdoor Education Camp which is in October. Check the website for start and end times.
Cara Greger, NDWF Western ND Conservation Coordinator, has been working with Karla Meikle, State Activities Coordinator Bismarck, to find ways to achieve common goals. Karla oversees the camp facilities in Washburn and works with a team who plans the programming for the Outdoor and Natural resources camps at Washburn.
The outdoor skills and wildlife camp will explore ND wildlife, their adaptations, and what makes them unique. The camps invite Game & Fish, US Fish and Wildlife, US Army Corps of Engineers, researchers, and other experts to share their knowledge with campers. Covering topics such as bugs, birds, mammals, reptiles; hibernation and migration, plants; activities like dissecting owl pellets, building bug houses, kayaking, wildlife photography, hunting skills & safety, waterfowl identification, and fishing.
Visit the website below to register for camp and apply for scholarships. Or visit your local county NDSU Extension office to register and apply.
Location: 2702 8th St SW in Washburn, ND between the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and Fort Mandan.
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