MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi State University is offering different kinds of family vacations this summer.

Four educational summer camps that appeal to families who enjoy the outdoors will be offered: two are based at the MSU campus in Starkville and one will be in north Mississippi at Crow’s Neck Environmental Center in Tishomingo County. The location of the fourth is still being determined.

The Wildlife and Fisheries Camp will take place June 1-5 and July 6-10 at MSU. Each five-day camp will provide instruction in fly fishing, bird identification, and hunting and boating safety, as well as other topics that will appeal to children, parents and grandparents. The Wildlife and Fisheries Camp also provides an opportunity for teachers to earn four continuing education units while enjoying outdoor fun.

The 15th annual 4-H Entomology Camp, often referred to as “Bug Camp,” will be June 15-19 and July 13-17 at a place to be determined. Held at various locations around the state in years past, this will be the first year the first session will be at Crow’s Neck Environmental Center. This camp also offers an intergenerational experience the whole family can enjoy.

Bug camp experiences will include insect collecting, plant and insect interaction hikes, tours of a bee hive, information about pine beetles and an introduction to aquatic insects. Each camper will enjoy an intensive entomological experience.

Both camps cost $225 per person and include lodging, meals, field trips and transportation to various sites, along with a camp T-shirt. The Wildlife and Fisheries Camp will offer intensive wildlife/fisheries experiences and space is limited, so early reservations are recommended.

Call the local Extension office for more information about the camps, or contact John Guyton at (662) 325-3482 or jguyton@cfr.msstate.edu.

Writer: Sylvia Clark