This past weekend the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge hosted a youth game warden camp. We had a full camp of 4th and 5th graders who learned about our local fish and wildlife and the regulations in place to conserve them, were introduced to wildlife forensics, met and worked with our Canine Officer ‘Rex’ and watched him do his job, navigated the woods with GPS units, and participated in archery, boating safety, and fitness. They also had the opportunity to work as junior ‘wildlife officers’ and make field contacts, much the same as the many state and federal officers assisting with the event do every day. They were a great bunch of kids and all involved had a great weekend.
This would not have been possible without the many partners who helped instruct and otherwise supported the camp. My sincere thanks go to the Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Alaska Department of Fish & Game, Alaska State Parks, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Forest Service, Friends of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Kenai Peninsula 4H Chapter, Spenard Builders Supply-Kenai, and Sportsman’s Warehouse.
