UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State Has Camps For Soccer, Football, Basketball, Swimming And Other Activities -- Why Not A Cow Camp? For Many People, The Concept Of "cow Camp" Might Seem Peculiar, But For Four Days In June, 35 Teenagers From 17 Counties Across Pennsylvania Found Cow Camp To Be A Rewarding Experience That Enhanced Their Understanding Of Cattle Production Through A Series Of Intensive Activities.

Penn State's Department of Dairy and Animal Science held its first-ever Cow Camp, June 19-23, for youth 13-18 years of age. The camp was designed to train students in beef cattle production, the biology of beef cattle and meat science, and to provide information about careers available in the animal sciences. It's safe to say that Cow Camp offered one of the most unusual camp curricula teenagers had the chance to experience this summer.

Most of the campers were students who had a casual interest in beef production and science and wanted to heighten their understating of the industry.

"Many of the students interests in cattle were sparked by outlets such as cattle shows," says John Comerford, associate professor of dairy and animal science. "This gave those students a chance to get an idea of the business and science in the cattle industry."

The camp was sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Fulton Financial Corp. and the departments of Dairy and Animal Science and Veterinary Science at Penn State, with additional support from the Pennsylvania Cattleman’s Association, the Pennsylvania Simmental Association, the Pennsylvania Angus Association, Cargill Taylor Beef Packing Co. and Agribasics Inc.

Campers participated in activities such as meat fabrication and packaging, embryo collection, using reproductive tools, evaluation of semen and bull fertility, feed and forage identification, calf extraction, and general management practices. They also received training in clipping and showing cattle.

"We ran the gamut as far as activities were concerned," says Comerford. "We wanted to give a broad view of the field and not stick to just one particular focus, such as production."

This wide array of topics not only pleased campers, who afterwards reported a camp satisfaction rating of 90 percent, but also raised the interest of parents as well. "After the camp we had a lot of interest from the parents," says Comerford. "Many of the parents were like the students in that they didn't have extensive knowledge of the industry, but were really interested in learning more about it."

Though available resources may prevent cow camp from becoming an annual event, anyone who would like additional information can contact Dr. John Comerford by e-mail at jxc16@psu.edu.

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EDITORS: Contact John Comerford by e-mail at jxc16@psu.edu.

Writer: Ryan Szivos Editor: Jeff Mulhollem Office 814-863-2719