Robert Delph, NAU entomologist, and Jessica Vespi, plant ecologist and graduate student, pose with last summer's Bug Safari camp participants. Delph and Vespi will be running three "bug camps" at the Flagstaff Arboretum this summer.

One-of-a-kind summer adventures beckon local youth

Boredom does not stand a chance against the eclectic mix of summer camps being offered by Northern Arizona University.

One such camp, titled Bug Safari, is a chance for youth ages 8-14 to learn about the inside world of nature's creepy critters. Robert Delph, an entomologist at NAU, will be hosting this series of three summer "bug camps" where campers will get up close and personal with a variety of bugs.

"Through these camps, I hope the kids develop a stronger appreciation of entomology (the study of bugs)," Delph said. "A lot of people hate bugs, but it's good to have them—insects are essential to the environment."

At each week-long camp, participants will explore the diverse 200-acre landscape of the Flagstaff Arboretum to collect, classify and mount a variety of insects and arthropods, a broad category that encompasses many types of bugs.

In each activity, Delph said there is an emphasis on learning about the bugs' habitats, predator-prey relationships and overall relationships to the world.

In addition to time outdoors, campers also will be spending time in labs identifying, drawing and sending the bugs they collect through a maze, Delph said.

On the last day of each camp session, Delph and the kids will cook up a "bug feast" comprised of a variety of bug-based dishes for the campers and their families to enjoy.

The Bug Safari camps will also feature hands-on projects like "Caddis fly Cribs," where participants will decorate larva encasings with colored beads.

"These camps really engage kids," he said. "There's definitely no busy work."

Information on the Bug Safari camps, which take place June 16-20, July 14-18 and July 28-Aug. 1, is online, or contact Rachel Edelstein at (928) 774-1442 ext. 110 or Rachel.Edelstein@nau.edu.

NAU summer camps:

A variety of camps will be happening throughout the summer for young adults.

Forest Academies
The NAU Centennial Forest offers a chance for the entire family to have fun while being connected to the forest and natural world through a variety of camps throughout the summer.

NAU Junior and Senior Summer Music Camps
Musically inclined junior high and high school students can enjoy working hard and improving their skills at these two summer camps.

Dolphin Day Camp
Children ages 5-11 can benefit from swimming, arts and crafts, field games, water safety education and weekly field trips.

Mountain Jacks Kid's Camp
Children ages 3-11 can enjoy both the indoor and outdoors through recreational games, arts and crafts and weekly field trips.

Louie's Leaders
Young adults ages 12-15 can learn valuable life skills through volunteer projects, field trips and American Red Cross certification programs.

STEP UP Engineering Camp for Girls
High school girls interested in math, science or engineering can gain hands-on experience and work with professional engineers at this week-long camp.

Engineering Camp for Young Men
High school age males interested in engineering can gain experience in multiple disciplines of engineering during this week-long camp.

Center for High Altitude Training/ NAU Track and Field
For young adults participating in track and field, these camps offer the chance to improve campers' skills in distance, speed and throwing.

NAU Athletics Camps
For middle and high school students looking to "elevate their game" in a variety of sports.

NAU Language and Literacy Camp
For children ages 4-8 looking for a boost in language and literacy skills. For information call (928) 523-8110.