(Halsey, NE) – Campers from across the state of Nebraska participated in the first annual Adventure Camp about the Environment (ACE) at the State 4-H Youth Camp near Halsey June 20th-23rd. The camp was sponsored and organized by Nebraska Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) and the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD). The four day adventure drew 55 campers from across the state, and many of the campers received scholarships from their local NRD. The camp was open to all sixth through eighth graders interested in learning more about science and the environment. The camp focused on water resources, soil and land, forestry, range and grassland and wildlife.
During the ACE, campers had the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and dig into nature and form a new understanding of the environment through interactive participation. In addition, campers had the chance to experience nature through activities such as canoeing, zip line, water rockets, the water slide and other adventures. Campers also learned about possible careers in the area of natural resources from the professionals who work there every day.
“This is a great opportunity to get our youth involved in learning about natural resources through hands-on activities with experts that are excited to teach them,” said Denise Vinton, Upper Loup NRD Information and Education coordinator and ACE organizer. “We had a great turnout for the first camp and the campers really took an interest in what NRDs do to protect Nebraska’s natural resources. We are already looking forward to next year’s camp and have some great ideas,” said Vinton.
Nebraska NRDs and NARD partnered with several organizations to help make the camp a success. Partnering organizations included: University of Nebraska Extension Services, Nebraska Natural Resources Conservation Service, University of Nebraska – School of Natural Resources, Nebraska National Forest, Nebraska State 4-H Camp, University of Nebraska Conservation & Survey, and Nebraska Pheasants Forever. For more information about ACE and other natural resources learning opportunities contact your local NRD or visit www.nrdnet.org.

Range Session

Water Quality Session

Wildlife Session

Water Rockets

Natural Resources Career Session

GPS Session

Forestry Session

Soils Session