Summer programs set

The Jefferson County Conservation Board is planning several summer programs for youth.

Bear Creek Geodes is an exploring program where participants third-grade and above, or first and second if accompanied by an adult, will travel to Van Buren County to visit Bear Creek and search for geodes from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 20 or July 2. A registration fee of $20, and $5 for an accompanying adult is due by June 7.

Third graders and up can explore the timber and gullies of Whitham Woods from 9 a.m. to noon June 25. Parents can drop participants off at the Whitham Woods parking lot. A registration fee of $10 will be required, with a limit of 14 explorers.

Kayak basics for beginners is a program for fifth graders and up. Students will be introduced to kayak basics, followed by time on Pleasant Lake to practice. The class will be 9:30 a.m. to noon or 1-3 p.m. June 21 at Pleasant Lake on Pleasant Plain Road. The class is limited to nine participants. A registration fee of $10 is due by June 7.

For younger children, Nature Tots I: Hands-On Nature, and Nature Tots II: Wet and Wild, are programs for children 3-5 years old.

Nature Tots I will be 10-11:30 a.m. or 1-2:30 p.m. June 27, and children and accompanying adults will explore at the Jefferson County Park Nature Center. No fee is involved, but pre-registration is required. Adults must accompany children.

Nature Tots II will be 10-11:30 a.m. or 1-2:30 p.m. July 11. Children and their accompanying adults will start from the Jefferson County Nature Center and explore the creek that runs through the park. A small section of the creek will be used to play and explore. No fee is involved, but pre-registration is required.

A survival skills workshop for fourth graders and up will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 1 at Jefferson County Park. Participants will build debris huts, which can be used as survival shelters. The workshop has a $15 registration fee and a limit of 20 youth.

An outdoor skills workshop for fourth graders and up will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 9 or 10. The workshop will teach participants how to build, light, and properly care for a fire. Once the fire is going, participants will make their own lunch. Limit of 12 youth per session, with a registration fee of $20 due by July 1.

The final youth program for the summer, Tadpole Camp, will be from 9-11 a.m. or 1-3 p.m. July 16 through 18 for youth going into first or second grade. The camp will feature a nature walk, hunting for frogs and tadpoles, and exploring a stream. Adults may, but are not required, to accompany children. Meet at Jefferson County Park Nature Center. A fee of $10 per day for children and $5 per day for adults will be required for registration.

A full newsletter for the Jefferson County Conservation Board can be found at www.jeffersoncountyconservation.com.