(Posted April 7, 2008)


HUNTINGDON, Pa. -- Parents of children ages seven through 12 can give their kids the opportunity explore the outdoors and learn such skills as rock climbing, canoeing, team building, wilderness survival, camping ethics, as well as take on a host of other activities at the Juniata College Junior Naturalist Outdoor Adventure Camp, which runs from Monday, July 21 through Friday, July 25 at the college's research and education facility at the Raytown Field Station.

The camp, sponsored by Juniata College and operated by American Adventure Sports LLC, offers a residential program where campers stay in Juniata's residential lodges for $625 per camper. The fee covers lodging, meals and 24-hour supervision. There are 12 slots available for the residential program.

"Each camper will gain a positive experience with the outdoors and create a project they can remember throughout their life."


Juniata also offers a day camp option, in which campers must be driven to the field station every morning, for $275 per camper. The fee covers lunch for each child.

Registration deadline is July 11. For more information about the camp, call the Juniata College Office of Conferences and Events at (814) 641-3604. To download an application form or to register online, go to http://www.juniata.edu/services/conferences/JNOAC.html.

The Raystown Field Station is about 100 yards from the shores of Raystown Lake and offers a multipurpose building, Shuster Hall, and two rustic-style residential lodges. Juniata students use the lodges during the academic year to participate at semester-long academic programs.

The adventure camp will focus on three areas. The adventure sports module will center on learning such skills as rock climbing, rappelling, water safety, canoeing and orienteering. Students also will learn knot-tying, wilderness first aid, team-building, Frisbee golf and leave-no-trace camping.

Each camper will receive a minimum of eight hours of conservation education in another module, taught by some of the region's most qualified professionals. Each camper will become a certified Junior Naturalist.

The final module has the campers and staff working together to design and build an environmental enhancement project. "Each camper will gain a positive experience with the outdoors and create a project they can remember throughout their life,"says Christina Hartman, director of conferences and events.


Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.