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At the Bug Camp we strive to teach the campers about all aspects of entomology; from collecting insects, pinning insects, taking care of live bugs, learning and doing experiments.

 

Some common issues and questions we would like to address are below.

 

Pet Cockroach:  

 

While we have never had a problem with campers wanting to keep their camp pet cockroach, parents of the campers are usually hesitant. We provide the campers with either Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches or Orange Head Cockroaches to take home with them at the end of camp if the parent allows. Both are non-native to the United States and if escaped would not survive on their own. They are fruit feeders and do not carry any diseases. These are very safe, fun and low maintenance pets to have and the campers just adore them. If at any time you do not want your pet any more you can bring it back to the lab, and we will gladly take it back.

 

Collecting,Pinning & Killing Insects:

 

Collecting insects is a large part of what an entomologist does. Unlike mammals and birds it would be impossible to tag and recapture insects to properly study them. During camp we share these collecting techniques with your children. As part of this process proper methods of humane killing of insects is taught early on in the program by freezing them. Because insects are ectothermic, freezing them allows them to feel no pain. For the entomologist, killing an insect is the only way to document biodiversity, and it does not impact the population of an insect species.We have found while most children are comfortable with this, some children are not.

 

While local collecting has no impact on overall insect populations, habitat deforestation can.  Children will be taught that some insects are habitat sensitive and we do not allow participants to collect those insects. i.e. Monarch Butterflies. Another thing to remember is adult insects live a very short time while most of their life is spent in the larval stage. By the time children have collected them they have already lived 90- 99% of their life. Collecting and curating insects is a large part of our camp. Please talk to your child and if they are not comfortable with this process please do not register them for this camp. We find if the child is uncomfortable with this process they will not enjoy the camp as much and could create a negative camp experience for others.

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Discipline policy

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Bug Camp staff uses the positive techniques of guidance, including logical, redirection of children to more acceptable behavior, anticipation of and elimination of potential problems and encouragement of appropriate behavior rather than comparison, competition or criticism. Consistent and clear rules are established. Staff members encourage children to solve problems rather than imposing solutions and help children to recognize and respect one another’s feelings. Counselors encourage pro-social behavior such as cooperation, helping, taking turns and constructive verbal communication to solve problems.  Bug Camp reserves the right to dismiss a child for consistent behavior that makes it difficult or impossible for the staff to meet his/her needs and/or the needs of other children in the group. This will occur without a refund (or portion thereof). This will occur only after parent/staff discussion has occurred.

 

Electronics and Toys

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Bug Camp strives to provide a program free from video games, cell phones, audio players, toys and other distractions. Please do not permit your child to bring any of these items to camp as they will be busy throughout the camp day and these items also tend to get lost or misplaced when brought to camp.

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Parent/Guardian's Authorization

 

The child or children herein described has permission to engage in all camp activities (unless otherwise noted). If any medications are required during the time the child is at camp, it will be administered by Bug Camp staff. Absolutely NO tobacco, liquor, or illegal drugs will be brought, used or possessed during the session(s). If a child is removed by parent or guardian, dismissed from camp for disciplinary reasons, or for actions/behaviors incompatible for participation, no refund will be made or equivalent time given. If asked to leave, I understand the child must depart the program as soon as possible, and I (the parent/guardian) will arrange for such transportation at my sole expense. If the child is asked to leave for disciplinary reasons, I understand that the child may not be allowed to attend a future session. I have read and agreed to the terms in this application.

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