May 31, 2007

Media Advisory- SIUC Summer Camps

Reporters, photographers and camera crews looking for interesting summer activity stories are welcome to visit any of the youth camps going on in the next couple of weeks at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. The camps, coordinated with the assistance of SIUC's Division of Continuing Education, feature a variety of opportunities for interesting photographs, video and stories.

The schedule, brief description, good times to capture noteworthy stories and contact information for each camp follows.

• Eco U summer nature day camps at Touch of Nature Environmental Center offer children entering grades one-six hands-on activities and experiences to enhance their knowledge of nature. June 4-8 is "Plantopia- Oxygen and a place to live"; June 11-15 is "Animal Adventures- In every nook and cranny, animals are amazing!" Best media opportunities are Tuesday through Thursday each week 8:45 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and Friday 8:45-11 a.m. and 12:15-2:30 p.m. Leave a message for Kate Hellgren, environmental educator, at 618/453-1122, extension 250, to schedule a visit.

* Saluki Swim Camp: Swimming and diving day camp for ages 8-15 with emphasis on fun with water sports and games, 30 participants from around region, swimming activities 9-11 a.m. Monday, June 4, at SIUC Student Recreation Center pool; boat and pizza party at Lake on the Campus Boat Dock (rain location Student Center alumni lounge) 12:30-1:45 p.m. Wednesday, June 6, contact for more information is Vanessa Sneed, 618/536-7751.

* Southern Illinois Cooperative Youth Conference: High school juniors and seniors participate in workshops, a field trip and other activities sponsored by the Illinois Cooperative Council and the SIUC College of Agricultural Sciences to gain insight into cooperatives of all kinds. About 80 teens will enjoy mixer games and activities outside the Agriculture Building at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 11, and will participate in a live auction using 'coop cash' to purchase SIUC memorabilia in room 102 of the Ag Building at 12:30 p.m. Friday, June 8. Contact Jackie Welch for more information, 618/453-5672.

Additional information about all of the camps is on the SIUC Web site at http://www.dce.siu.edu/youth/youthmain.htm