Summer bug camp at NAU opens window into fascinating world of science

Campers with Lindsie McCabe

Parents of children looking for summer activities that will engage their child in the fascinating world of science may want to consider enrolling their 6- to 10-year old in Northern Arizona University’s popular Summer Bug Camp.

Campers learn about insect natural history and biodiversity through a series of projects and activities. Children will interact with live bugs and spiders from the insect zoo, collect insects and create their own insect collection and make insect cuisine. Parents will be invited to an insect banquet and open house on the last day of camp.

This year, camps will be held at Willow Bend Environmental Center, which has partnered with NAU’s Colorado Plateau Museum of Arthropod Biodiversity to host them.

Each week-long summer camp is designed for children ages 6 to 10. The first camp will take place June 19-23, and the second camp will take place July 17-21. Both camps run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All the supplies needed for camp activities will be provided. Campers provide their own snacks, lunch, summer clothing and sunscreen.

Scholarships are available for Flagstaff families that fall under 125 percent of the Flagstaff mean annual income, which is $45,920 for a family of four. These scholarships were made possible through grants from the Arizona Community Foundation of Flagstaff and W.L. Gore & Associates.

The fee for the 2017 Summer Bug Camp is $190 per child. NAU staff and students receive a $15 discount per child when they register before June 1 for the June camp and July 1 for the July camp. Contact Neil Cobb for more information.