Sixty-three young campers from Box Butte, Dawes, Sheridan and Sioux counties converged on Camp Norwesca near Chadron in early June to test and develop new survival skills that will help them navigate life as young learners at home and school.
The Wilderness Wonders camp, an annual event put on by Extension staff, featured archery, paracord bracelets, cooking challenge, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), sun dials, and more. The first day included youth who will be in third through fifth grade in the fall, and the second day mas made up of kids ages 5 to 7. Nebraska 4-H professionals, camp counselors consisting of 4-H alumni and Junior Leaders, and Camp Norwesca staff, led the groups as they rotated through a full day of hands-on activities.
The activities taught the youth a variety of skills. For example, they learned to correctly and safely make and use fire starters. They learned patience with archery; measuring skills while cooking; and how to work as a team to accomplish a task. The youth practiced implementing directions to help them find their way. The younger group learned how to tell time using the sun and about the directions, about different types of insects, and how to use rocks and sticks to communicate with others via a trail marker.
