Stephen F. Austin State University

Three weeks of outdoor educational fun will be offered in June at Pineywoods Camp, sponsored by SFA Mast Arboretum and the Pineywoods Native Plant Center. These camps are a chance for children of all ages to expand their knowledge as they experience the wilderness of East Texas.

Wonder Woods, a camp for 4- to 6-year-olds, will be held June 5-9. Using songs, games, art projects and hands-on exploration, campers will learn about the wonders of the woods at the SFA Pineywoods Native Plant Center at 2900 Raguet St. Hours are 9 - 11 a.m. Monday through Friday, and the cost for the camp is $60.

Connections between people and the natural world will be the theme for Mill Creek Camp, held June 19-23 at Mill Creek Gardens on Highway 1 West.This camp is for children 7 to 11 and will meet from 9 a.m. - noon Monday through Friday. Cost for the camp is $75.

"With plenty of time to hike and explore the woods and streams of the area, campers will become familiar with local trees and plants, develop an understanding of prey-predator relationships with emphasis on deer, and learn some o the skills humans of the past used to coexist with nature," said Elyce Rodewald, Mast Arboretum education coordinator. "On the last day we will canoe on the beautiful Mill Creek Pond."

Older kids will have an opportunity to take their outdoor skills to the next level during Wilderness Adventures, a new camp for kids ages 12 to 16.

"We will spend time at Mill Creek practicing canoeing and camping skills, experience the ropes course at the Pineywoods Conservation Center, and then put our skills to use on a daylong canoe trip and overnight campout," Rodewald said.

This camp will meet from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, June 26-28, and from 9 a.m. Thursday, June 29, until noon Friday, June 30. Cost is $150.

For more information and to register, contact Rodewald at (936) 468-1932 or Kerry Lemon, camp director, at (936) 615-5053.