Texas

Two upcoming summer camps will give young residents of Travis County the opportunity to learn about science--and have fun while doing it. The camps, offered through Texas Cooperative Extension in Travis County, are open to kids 9 to 13 years old.

"These camps provide kids with a variety of enjoyable and interesting activities while teaching them about science," said Lillianne Goeders, agent for Extension's 4-H Children and Parents Involved in Technology and Literacy (CAPITAL) program. "They prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that kids can learn about science and still have a good time."

The "4-H Sportfishing Camp" will be June 13 to 17 and the "4-H Aerospace Camp" will be July 18 to 22. Both camps will be at Allan Elementary School, 4900 Gonzales, on Austin's east side.

"Camp days are generally 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.," Goeders said, "but we also have extended hours available to accommodate working parents and in case youngsters want to do more work on their projects."

Each camp is $175, but both have a limited number of scholarships available so young people from low-income families can attend, she added.

Activities during the sportfishing camp will include daily fishing field trips, aquatic ecology adventures, angling skills, tackle crafting and fish biology.

"Campers go fishing every day while at the sportfishing camp," Goeders noted. "They also learn about fish anatomy and the importance of ecology."

At the aerospace camp, young people learn to build and launch model rockets, assemble and race solar cars and boats, plus have an opportunity to ride in an orbital simulator.

"The kids at this camp also learn about aerodynamics, astronomy and how to use global positioning systems," Goeders said. "Aerospace camp introduces kids to some advanced technologies, such as space technology, and also shows them how a lot of technology gets used in everyday life."

Each sportfishing camp attendee receives a rod and reel and tackle box, while each aerospace camp attendee receives a model rocket. Attendees at both camps also get catered lunches and snacks, along with a specially designed T-shirt.

An awards ceremony is held at the end of both camps.

For applications or more information, call 4-H CAPITAL program, Texas Cooperative Extension in Travis County, at 512-854-9600 or go to www.co.travis.tx.us/agext.

Date: 3/24/05