During last summer’s “Junior Geology” Xtreme Science Camp, Geologist Jay Bach rocked a session when he paid a personal visit and shared some professional knowledge.

 

“He told us he was also a bee keeper and that he could bring his bees in an observation hive to talk to the kids,” said camp co-organizer Kellee Shuttleworth.

 

Off went the proverbial light bulb.

 

“We thought we could do a critter camp,” said Shuttleworth, speaking of her partners in Xtreme Science Camp crime – Kay Burnett and Candy Belcastro.

 

After all, they had thrown the idea around for a while. The wheels of planning went in motion and the time has come to put plans into action.

 

“Critter Camp” will be held July 14-18 at the Benedum Civic Center and there is still room for want-to-be scientists in second through sixth grades to take part.

 

“I’m really excited about this camp,” Shuttleworth said. “We’re going to have different critters for the kids to observe – including a snake, tarantula , cockroaches, frog and fire-bellied toad – and we’ll have hands-on activities and some guest speakers.”

 

On board is a representative of the West Virginia Raptor Rescue Center, who will bring along various bird species; WVU Entomologist Vicky Korn, who will discuss her profession and the education requirements and, of course, Bach, who will bring along an observation bee hive for up-close-and-personal learning.

 

Eastern Pet Supply is supplying critters for the five-day camp. Among them will be bugs and spiders, with campers observing their lives and habits.

 

“We’re going to go on a web hunt – learning about different types of spider webs and functions,” Shuttleworth said. “We’ll use hairspray and paper to get imprints from the webs.”

 

Participants will also create their own insects and thereafter explain the species, its character and whether it has two or three body parts.

 

“They’ll have to explain if the creature they’ve discovered is an insect or spider - and why,” Shuttleworth said.

 

As always, Xtreme Science Camp will include creative snack time.

 

“Our critter café will be serving up some delicious creepy, crawly snacks,” Shuttleworth said.

 

Cost for the five-day camp is $100. Class will be held 9 a.m.-noon at Benedum Civic Center or outside in the lawn. Registration can be made through Bridgeport Parks and Recreation 304-842-8200 or in person at the Benedum Civic Center office.

 

“We’ve had a blast planning this camp,” Shuttleworth said. “I hope we have a good turnout.” 

 

The first Xtreme Science Camp of 2014 was held June 23-27 and featured a “Let’s Get Dirty” theme. Above photos were taken during that camp by Ben Queen of Ben Queen Photography. See more of those images HERE.