Spring school vacation just got a little more exciting for military kids who are invited to participate in one of four free vacation camps sponsored by Operation: Military Kids (OMK) and the University of Vermont Extension (UVM) 4-H Program this April.

Any youth with a parent or guardian in the Vermont National Guard or armed forces may attend. Camps are planned for Bennington, St. Albans, Lyndonville and S. Burlington. Each caters to a specific age group and focuses on different themes with fun activities, projects and field trips. Kids may participate in whichever camp best fits their interests and schedule.

The camps, which coincide with area school vacations, are:

FIND YOURSELF: EXPLORING WITH GPS--April 11-15, 8:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Bennington (location to be determined).

Kids, Grades 4-8, will learn the basics of GPS (Global Positioning System) by searching for official geocaches on scavenger hunts and hikes at the Merck Forest and Farm Center in Rupert and other Bennington County locations. All participants should dress for the outdoors and pack a bag lunch and beverage. Snacks will be provided. Registration is limited to the first 20 youths who sign up. The deadline for registration is April 4.

To register or for more information, contact Rita Charlton, UVM 4-H educator, at (802) 773-3349, ext. 276, or rita.charlton@uvm.edu. Anyone needing accommodations to attend, should contact Charlton before April 4.

A LIL' BIT OF EVERYTHING SPRING CAMP--April 18-22, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., St. Albans Armory, St. Albans.

This spring vacation camp, open to Grades 2-6, features a wide variety of hands-on activities including healthy cooking, arts and crafts, environmental education and science projects. Some of the activities will take place at Bellows Free Academy and nearby parks. To sign up, or if requiring accommodations to participate, contact Stephanie Atwood, OMK coordinator, at (802) 656-0346 or stephanie.atwood@uvm.edu by April 4.

MAD SCIENTIST WEEK--April 18-22, 8:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Lyndon Town School, 2591 Lily Pond Rd., Lyndonville.

Kids at this week-long camp will have a chance to explore all disciplines of science including chemistry, biology, environmental science and more by conducting wacky science experiments. Anyone in Grades 4-8 may attend. Contact Candy Daniels, 4-H AmeriCorps member, at (802) 751-8307, ext. 364, or cldaniel@uvm.edu by April 11 to register or if needing accommodations to participate.

OMK CAMP GRATITUDE--April 18-22, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Villari's Self Defense and Wellness Center, 7 Green Tree Dr., Unit 3, S. Burlington.

Staff from Villari's Self Defense and Wellness Center and OMK will lead campers in a full roster of activities from martial arts workouts and swimming to team building and community service projects. Several fun field trips are planned including one to the Catamount Family Center in Williston. Registration is limited to 25 youths, Grades K-6. A $25 fully refundable application fee is required and will be returned on the final day of camp, if the individual attends at least three days.

To register, or if requiring accomodations to participate, contact Stephanie Atwood at (802) 656-0346 or stephanie.atwood@uvm.edu by April 4.

For more information about OMK, visit www.operationmilitarykids.org or www.facebook.com/OMKVermont.

PUBLISHED

03-23-2011
Stephanie Atwood