How many people have actually seen a fawn in the wild? Our campers did! They also saw several adult deer on the White Tail Trail in the Parkville Nature Sanctuary. That was one of many experiences for some of our community’s eight, nine and ten year old Day Campers during the fourth annual Parkville Nature Sanctuary Day Camp held In June, 2001.

Under the leadership of PNS Director, Jim Reed, and teachers, Dianne Kixmiller and Erwin Carney, the campers enjoyed many experiences of a Missouri woodland in summer.

Jim Reed could not turn away children on the waiting list so he expanded day camp to include two sessions this year. There were five campers in the first session, and 15 in the second.

Children and their parents in both sessions were invited to see the National award winning presentation called "Batty for Bats" prepared and presented by a group of eighth grade girls from St.Therese North Middle School. Everyone agreed this was the highlight of all the camp experiences. Information provided by the girls included everything and more than campers ever thought they wanted to know about bats! They now know bats are not dreadful, dangerous, or frightening, and are very beneficial. Bats catch thousands of mosquitoes and other flying insects each night. Bats also pollinate many of our plants in Missouri. Many species of bats are endangered because of loss of habitat and because they are misunderstood.

Digging around in owl pellets is always a memorable experience. "Yuk!" and "Ooo!" was heard at first, but with toothpicks, tweezers, and hand lenses the campers gingerly investigated the regurgitated pellets and found tiny bones!

More squeals of excitement were heard as they matched the discovered tiny bones to the bone pictures on their guide sheets. They were able to actually identify the mammals that had been eaten by the owls.

Campers were delighted with "leaf-relief print t-shirts" they created with leaves collected along the trail during a hike with a theme of identifying Missouri trees.

Above average rainfall during the weeks prior to camp resulted in spectacular roaring waterfalls in the sanctuary. Squealing, giggling, and a few wet clothes were the results of a "creeking" activity which included wading in a creek.

Campers were thrilled with the hands-on experience of building their own bird feeder. They hammered, glued, and followed directions given by the bird feeder/carpenter expert, Walt Morris.

Safety was a big part of the camp. Identifying dangerous plants, such as poison ivy, and campfire safety were stressed. The ending activity was a first time experience for several campers. They roasted wieners and marshmallows on an open fire for lunch!

We would like to thank the volunteers who have worked on the trails of the Parkville Nature Sanctuary. We also appreciated the beautiful new roof on the shelter at the "Girl Scout Cabin" location during the drizzling rain.

Thanks, also, to appreciative parents and eager children with inquisitive minds for their enthusiastic participation in the Parkville Nature Sanctuary Day Camp; it takes both to achieve a pleasant and rewarding experience.