Archery was among the activities offered to campers at the Friends of Mountwood Park Adventure Camp in July. Applications for the 2025 camp will be available in May. (Photo provided)
PARKERSBURG — The Friends of Mountwood Park hosted their annual Adventure Camp July 22-26.
On Monday, the youth began the day by building a squirrel feeder with guidance from Bob Zellny. Curtis Woodworking of Pennsboro helped cut the wood for the project. Peggy Squires showed participants how to make a survival bracelet from paracord and zip ties.
On Tuesday, the Tyler County Search and Rescue team demonstrated the dogs' skills in finding lost humans. Campers learned that when they are lost, they should stay put until someone finds them, as it is harder to do so if they are wandering.
Campers were given a compass and taught the basic skills to use it. They were also given a whistle and told that they should always have one with them when going into the woods or kayaking, as they can be more easily found if they whistle.
Campers were provided with fishing rods and tackle boxes and the rest of the morning was spent fishing.
Amphibians and reptiles were a topic of discussion for campers at the Friends of Mountwood Adventure Camp. (Photo provided)
On Wednesday, Adam Weaver and Daniel Jonas of the Appalachian Herpetological Society discussed reptiles and amphibians.
On Thursday, Dina Braniff introduced the world of insects and spiders and talked about the benefits of these creatures that people usually don't want to be around. She provided campers with kits to help them explore this other world.
Campers made hand-dyed shirts and ended the day fishing.
On Friday, the campers participated in an archery drill hosted by the Mountain State Sportsmen's Association. The girls won the competition.
Then the fishing resumed and the boys set the record for the largest fish caught. The campers also visited the Mountwood Museum.
Rescue dogs pose with campers at Friends of Mountwood Park Adventure Camp in July. (Photo provided)
Friday ended with a picnic hosted by Mountwood Park Concessions and Allen and Diane Conrad.
Peggy Squires, president of the Friends of Mountwood Park, organized the adventure camp. Friends of Mountwood Park and other volunteers helped work with the campers.
Applications for the 2025 Adventure Camp will be available in May on the Friends of Mountwood Park Facebook page, at the Mountwood Park office and at the Mountwood Museum.
