For Educators

Kodiak Summer Science and Salmon Camp
(Salmon Camp)

History: Since 1996, the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, in conjunction with the Alaska Natural History Association and Kodiak community, has sponsored the Kodiak Summer Science and Salmon Camp (Salmon Camp). Within two years of its inception, Salmon Camp became the largest science-based camp in Alaska. In 2002 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recognized Salmon Camp as one of its top five environmental education programs in the nation. In 2003, with the help of a grant from The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), Salmon Camp visited all the villages of Kodiak, including the logging camp of Danger Bay on Afognak Island.

Mission and Goals:

• Increase support for responsible land management on private and public lands through increased conservation of fishery resources.
• Raise the level of science literacy in Native American, Filipino, and other minority children.
• Increase children's appreciation of the economic, cultural, and ecological importance of fish, the natural cycles and processes that sustain salmon can other resources.
• Educate and motivate Kodiak youth to better conserve our natural resources as the leaders of tomorrow.
• Encourage children to take action now to help conserve our natural resources
• Create a fun, safe summer program where local youth can explore new friendships and strengthen old ones while enjoying the outdoors.

What Happens at Salmon Camp: Here are some of the many activities campers participate in while at camp:

• Beach Art
• Salmon Dissection
• Visit Salmon Hatchery
• Archeological Dig Site
• Trip to Touch Tank
• Ecology Lessons
• Tide-pooling
• Sing Salmon Songs
• Skits and Plays
• Paper Mache
• Life Cycle Activities
• Trips to Kodiak Museums

For more information on Salmon Camp and how you can attend, call the refuge headquarters at 907-487-2600 or 1-888-408-3514.

Last updated: April 30, 2010