Conservation camp connects kids to hunting and fishing, outdoors

Forty-five new ten to twelve year olds will be eligible to hunt this fall after attending the Youth Conservation Camp, held this past August, near Cascade, Idaho put on by the Idaho's Conservation Officer Association in partnership with Idaho Fish and Game. The week-long camp was launched in 2010 because Fish and Game officers noticed fewer kids spending time outside hunting and fishing. So the camp gives the officers an opportunity to share their passion for wildlife with the kids. "It's an absolutely positive experience. Not only for the kids, but for the officers," said Barry Cummings, District Conservation Officer for Fish and Game. "It's very rewarding." The youths participated in several hands-on activities including firearm safety and shooting, wildlife conservation and identification, map reading, outdoor survival, challenge courses, fishing, archery, and an introduction to trapping. The camp gives the kids a chance to interact with the officers while also earning their hunter and bow hunter education certification. Watch the video online at: https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/content/icoa-video-2015.