NEWBERRY COUNTY — The Newberry Soil and Water Conservation District is gearing up to host their annual Camp Conservation for children 6-14. This year’s camp will be held June 25-29, and there is still time to sign up youth for the camp, or volunteer.
“We have 60 spots open, tends to fill up fast. Anyone interested can contact me and get an application or pick one up at our office. As soon as you fill out the application and pay the $35 fee you’ll be good to go,” said Joseph Berry, district coordinator with NSWCD. “The $35 fee will go toward meals and other camp activities.”
For those who plan on signing their children up for camp, please make sure to mention an allergies or medication that Berry may need to know. He said their goal is to make sure this is a safe experience for every participant.
This year camp will have a different theme everyday. The first will be Wildlife Day, Berry said there will be a show and tell with some creatures, and someone from the National Wild Turkey Federation will be there talking about turkey habitats and small game.
There will also be a Recycling Day, where campers will learn about Palmetto Pride Recycling Conservation.
“That’ll be a little more at home conservation, especially for people who don’t live out in the woods or on a farm, what can they do to conserve,” Berry said.
Another day will be farm tours, and the campers will get to visit Lever Farms, Carolina Pride Pastures and Bowers Farm, tentatively. One of the other days will be forestry, where they will learn proper care of forests, including how prescribed fires can help.
Camp will take place on Wilson Farm, 3205 Werts Road, Silverstreet. Drop off will be 8:45 a.m. and pick up is at 3 p.m.
If you are interested in participating in Camp Conservation, but are over 14, volunteering may be an interest to you. Berry is looking for around 15-20 volunteers. Anyone who is willing to work with children, setting up or helping presenters.
“We will ask for your contact information, will have to have a background check, since we are working with children. I’m reaching out to students interested in agriculture education, or just education in general. This is a prime opportunity to get your feet wet,” Berry said. “I’m looking for anyone for a passion for education or the outdoors.”
Registration is going on now, and will continue until all spots are filled. To register call Berry at 803-597-3160 or stop by his office at 719 Kendall Road, Newberry. If spots fill up, Berry will create a waiting list for anyone signed up after that point.