March 20, 2008

LINCOLN, Neb. —: Several new camps and some old favorites will give youth even more fun and learning opportunities during the 2008 4-H Summer Camps, Jill Walahoski, director of 4-H camp operations, said.

New to the Eastern Nebraska 4-H Center near Gretna, Up, Up and Away will be offered July 21-25. This camp will introduce future aviators 11-15 years old to fun activities focusing on air and space technology, said Buzz Wheeler, Eastern Nebraska 4-H Center camp director.

Campers will take field trips to Omaha's Offutt Air Force Base, Duncan Aviation and Nebraska's Air National Guard facility in Lincoln and for an overnight lock-in at the Strategic Air and Space Museum near Ashland.

"UNL astronomers will guide campers as they explore the stars and learn about the night skies," Wheeler said.

Campers also will enjoy building and flying bottle rockets, zipping down the zip line and climbing the high wires – to name a few other elevating activities, he said.

For those who are more down to earth, the Microscopes and Spotlights camp Aug. 4-7 also at the Eastern Nebraska 4-H Center may be of more interest, Wheeler said.

Investigators ages 11-15 will use their deductive reasoning and scientific skills to discover "who done it" during a dinner theater mystery. The traditional 4-H talent show will let those seeking the limelight showcase their unique abilities, and the musically inclined can rock out to their favorite tune on stage with the karaoke machine, he said.

"Campers will enjoy two trips to Mahoney Water Park to practice synchronized swimming and a luau-sandbar party complete with campfire and roasted pig, apple and all," Wheeler said.

The new Nighttime Navigations camp June 23-25 at the South Central 4-H Center near Alma will seek out nocturnal adventures with campers ages 8-15.

"After sleeping in, you can take advantage of daytime activities like canoeing, fishing and shooting sports, but when the sun goes down the real fun begins," said Debi Schulz, South Central 4-H Center camp director.

The campfire signals the start of the evening's festivities. Capture-the-flag, flashlight tag and owl calling are just a few of the dark things Nighttime Navigators can expect, she said.

The Nebraska State 4-H Camp near Halsey is hosting a variety of camps that will interest explorers and athletes. Discovery campers 8-11 years old are offered two chances to Tank and Tube the Loup this summer. The first expedition is June 30-July 2, and the second is July 28-30.

Campers will explore the river during the day and camp on the banks overnight in Nebraska's scenic Sandhills. Campers will eat breakfast around the campfire before returning to camp to slide down the new water slide, sail across the high wires or take a ride down the zip line.

The Summer Camp Olympics June 23-26 also at the Nebraska State 4-H Camp will offer athletes 8-15 years old a selection of non-traditional sports.

"Competitors will try their hand at some wild and crazy sports just to see if they can take home the gold, but no one knows just what sports lay ahead," said Connie Cox, Nebraska State 4-H camp coordinator.

Past challenges included chicken clucking competitions and Frisbee golf. Other activities available are glow in the dark golf, the T.R.U.S.T. course, water slide and the zip line.

Camps are open to all Nebraska youth whether or not they are 4-H members.

Early registration for all camps is April 1 to receive a discounted fee. Regular registration is accepted up to the date of the camp or until full.

For a complete list of camps, dates, descriptions and costs, visit the Nebraska 4-H Camps and Centers Web site, contact Jill Walahoski at (402) 472-1710, e-mail jwalahoski2@unl.edu or contact a local University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension office.

Extension is in the university's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

3/20/08-JL

Jill Walahoski
4-H Youth Development
Director of Camp Operations
(402) 472-1710

Sandi Alswager Karstens
IANR News and Photography
(402) 472-3030

Department: 4-H Youth Development