Iron County Summer Youth Camp draws 76

By CORTNEY OFSTAD

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MANITOWISH WATERS, Wis. - Another year of Iron County Summer Youth Camp is in the books.

According to Neil Klemme, youth development agent for the Iron County University of Wisconsin-Extension office, things were "amazing."

The camp took place the week of July 7, at the North Lakeland Discovery Center in Manitowish Waters.

This year, 26 volunteer high school students were camp counselors for 76 campers in third, fourth and fifth grades from across Iron County.

"This was the best group of counselors ever," Klemme said. "I don't normally give out compliments like that, but this was the nicest, easiest group to work with. I appreciate all their hard work, and they did a wonderful job."

The theme this year was "Prehistoric Camp," featuring dinosaurs, wooly mammoths and other ancient creatures. Counselors were able to name their cabins after different animals and activities were designed around the theme.

Activities at camp include nature, arts and crafts, recreation and swimming. According to Klemme, students were able to make fossils in arts and crafts and learn about ancient Pangaea and the migration of dinosaurs when the continents began to split on earth during the nature activity.

In addition, students were also able to learn more traditional camp activities like archery. Some were also able to learn not-so traditional games.

"We had a sumo-wrestling activity in recreation which the kids really liked," Klemme said. "I found these suits that kind of look like blueberries and the kids were able to use them. It was a lot of fun."

Campers were also given the chance to earn medallions or charms for extra activities, including learning about astronomy, attending the night hike, joining the polar bear swim, doing yoga or taking a morning jog.

For each activity, students earned a medallion, but Klemme special campers also received an additional medallion for positive behavior.

"We allowed the adults and staff to give charms to kids doing something to help others, whether it was volunteering their time or teaching something to another camper," Klemme said. "The students were awarded for positive behavior during meal times, which worked really well."

Adults also volunteered at the camp throughout the week, helping Klemme.

"We had a lot of volunteers this year, which was awesome," Klemme said. "We have coverage everywhere with volunteers, which set my mind at ease. Everyone did a great job."

According to Klemme, things went well at camp, something he is thankful for.

"The kids were awesome and wanted to participate in everything," Klemme said. "We didn't have any major issues, and the counselors did a great job. Everyone helped clean up camp, parent's night on Friday went really great and everything was awesome. It was a success."

For more information about Iron County Summer Youth Camp, call the Iron County UW-Extension office at 715-561-2695.