UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Parents may get squeamish when their kids bring insects home as "pets." But in June, some parents will encourage their children's fascination with bugs.

Bug Camp for Kids is an educational day camp for 8- to 11-year-olds, offered by the entomology department in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, June 26-29, on Penn State's University Park campus. Organizers this year are marking the annual camp's 10th anniversary.

Maryann Frazier, senior extension associate in entomology, says children have a curiosity about insects that often opens the door to an interest in nature and science. She says the camp encourages children to continue pursuing their science interests long after the camp is over.

"Also, with so many kids focused on things such as computers and TV, this camp gets them outside and exposes them to a fascinating world that many of them don't even know exists," Frazier adds.

The campers will take field trips to observe and collect insects for hands-on laboratory exercises, which will cover a broad range of biological, ecological and environmental topics.

Daily sessions will include "Bugs by the Billions," which will focus on the different types of insects and what they are good for; " Hard Knocks and Soft Bellies," which will cover the development of insects and the difference between young and adult insects; "Eat or be Eaten," which will highlight how and which animals find and eat insects, how the insects hide from their predators, and how these predators are used to control pests; and "Socializing with Insects," which will inform the campers about social insects and how they colonize and communicate with one another.

Registrations will be accepted until June 9, but space is limited to 30 campers, so early enrollment is suggested. A registration fee of $220 covers instruction and materials, including a "Tool Box" (insect net, magnifying lens, forceps, identification book, journal and collection box), camp picture, T-shirt and diploma.

Parents or guardians are responsible for providing a box lunch and beverage each day and for dropping off and picking up children promptly at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Payment of fees and completion of a medical history and release form are required to complete registration. Online registration is available at http://conferences.cas.psu.edu/ if paying with a credit card, but medical history and release forms must be printed and mailed or faxed to the office.

For more information, contact the Office of Conferences and Short Courses by phone at 814-865-8301 or by e-mail at shortcourse@psu.edu, or visit the Web site.

Bethany Fehlinger Writer brf5002@psu.edu

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Chuck Gill Editor Phone: 814-863-2713 E-mail: cdg5@psu.edu