What is Camp Conservation?

• Camp Conservation is a component of UESEP (Urban Environmental Science Education Program).
• Camp Conservation is an on-site or online field trip alternative for youth that otherwise would not have the opportunity to experience firsthand environmental science education.
• Extension professionals set up camp on your designated site (schoolyard, outdoor classroom, youth organizations, etc.)
• Cost: a nominal fee may be charged per participant. The fee depends on the event type, size, and time. Contact your local Urban Extension office for fee information.
• The camp is offered in spring, summer, and fall (Tuesday through Saturday) and can be 4 to 6 hours long. Lunch is not provided

Camp Conservation is Online

Camp Conservation offers online learning experiences for youth and train-the-trainer sessions for teachers. Join a public session or reserve a private online series for your youth group, classroom, or professional organization.

• Camp Conservation for Teachers: A Virtual Workshop Series (Coming in May 2025)
• Exploring Your Future in Forestry: A Camp Conservation Webinar (Coming in May 2025)

Who Can Participate?

• Camp Conservation is designed for youth in 3rd through 5th grade.
• The program can manage 90 to 150 participants by dividing youth into groups of 15 to 25 youths to rotate through each session.
• Each participant must have a signed Parental Consent/Release Form to participate.
• Camp Conservation is also available as professional development for educators and youth leaders.

Camp Conservation’s Goal

• Encourage children, through relevant demonstrations and hands-on activities, to become environmental stewards of Alabama’s abundant natural resources and thereby sustain its unique biodiversity.

Curriculum

• Traveling through six 30-minute STEM-related field stations, children will experience a closer look at the wild side of Alabama. (More field station information below.)
• Participants will explore environmental science topics and learn firsthand about local urban wildlife habitats through a variety of interactive activities, games, and unique take-home projects. For educators, supplemental materials are provided to make the easy transition into the classroom setting.
• Camp Conservation content is age-appropriate and supplements many of the Alabama State Department of Education’s science content standards.
• Camp Conservation gets the AAA rating for science Awareness, Adaptability, and Activities.
• To measure its success, Camp Conservation uses an assessment tool that identifies each child’s increased ability to PERFORM: Problem Solve, Evaluate, Reason, Focus, Observe, Research a Problem, and Measure.

Field Stations

1. Aquatic Invertebrates—Bio-Indicators of Water Quality: Water Monitoring and Biological Assessment
2. Oceans, River, and Streams—Journey of Water: Enviroscape and Water Journey Bracelets
3. Tracking Ventures—In Search of Wildlife: GPS-Geocache
4. Natural Resources—Alabama’s Flora and Fauna: Skins & Skulls and Longleaf Forest
5. Obstacles to a Cleaner Environment—Recycling Relay
6. Creation Station—Animal-Track Magnets and Birdseed Popsicles

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