Summer includes many opportunities for Nassau County youth to have fun while still learning.
This year a new kind of summer program was launched by Nassau County 4-H, the 4-H Wild Hearts Camp. Youth met once a week for five weeks and ended their camp by giving a presentation to parents and agents.
What made this camp worth the extra work was the abundant day trips taken to immerse youth into the careers and concepts behind wildlife conservation. The group went to Cary State Forest and hiked alongside Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers and the Florida Forestry Service. They went to Jacksonville University to dive deeper into marine science research and the Jacksonville Zoo for public communication and enrichment building for the animals.
At White Oak Plantation they learned about reproductive techniques and they visited Catty Shack to learn about the exotic pet trade. Specialty guest speakers included representatives from the Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch and the Jacksonville Herpetological Society.
A clouded leopard was symbolically adopted by the youth to celebrate their time at camp. Gracie Dillingham was awarded Wild Hearts Overall Camper and Zoey Noel was awarded for her project.
If you are interested in learning more about fun, hands-on learning opportunities available for children, call 904-530-6353.