March 8, 2012

Youths interested in science, agriculture, plants, crops, insects, or diseases will enjoy a new one-week camp being offered by UNL June 10-13. They'll be able to join a team of detectives to solve crop-related problems in the Crop Science Investigation (CSI) Big Red Camp!

Hands-on sessions will allow participants to learn more about  crops, science, and agricultural careers. Youth detectives will interact with agronomic professionals from across Nebraska to solve experiments in nutrient management; disease, insect, and weed control; water management; crop production, and much more!

They'll learn about a variety of careers related to plant sciences such as: agricultural communicator, agronomist, crop consultant, crop insurance adjuster, educator, co-op manager, farmer or rancher, farm credit banker; field or lab researcher, plant breeder, soil or water conservationist, seed, fertilizer, or chemical salesperson or a technical representative.

Big Red Summer Academic Camps are residential camps.  All housing and food is provided.

Camp Scholarships

Scholarships are available in the amount of $300 to participants who enroll in the Crop Science focus area and submit the following:

• A short (< 300 words) essay that highlights past crop or plant science related experience and/or interest in pursuing a degree in agronomy or plant-science related areas.
• A brief essay (< 100 words) on the topic, “What do I hope to learn in the Crop Science Investigation camp?” 

To apply for a scholarship, complete the 2012 Big Red Summer Academic Camp Scholarship Application and submit it. along with the completed registration materials and a check for the full registration fee, postmarked by April 1, 2012. Winners will be notified by April 19 and will receive a refund when they arrive at camp this summer. Scholarships are for camp registration fees only and do not cover the cost of transportation or other expenses.

A limited number of general scholarships also are available.  Access the required form at http://4h.unl.educamps/campfinance

Registration

Space is limited and camps will fill on a first-come, first-served basis. Cost is $300 for registrations received by April 1, $350 by May 1, and $400 by May 15. To register or download a camp brochure, visit BigRedCamps.unl.edu. If you have questions about the camp or the scholarship essays, contact Brandy VanDeWalle at bvandewalle2@unl.edu or 402-759-3712.

Brandy VanDeWalle
Extension Educator, Fillmore County