By SHELLY STRAUTZ-SPRINGBORN
Michigan Correspondent

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Kids and cows can come together this summer for a series of cow camps throughout Michigan.

The 2009 Michigan State University Dairy Youth Cow Camp series offers youth an opportunity to learn about dairy cattle and the dairy industry in a hands-on one-day camp environment.

“Anybody is welcome to attend,” said Renee McCauley of the MSU Youth Dairy Program. “With fewer and fewer dairy farms in our state, we realize the majority of our campers will not be from dairy farms, and that’s OK.”

Participants will be divided into groups and rotate between learning stations where they will be introduced to a variety of topics including comparing dairy breeds, dairy products, fitting and showmanship, dairy judging and the basics of dairy animal health. Live dairy animals will also provide kids with a variety of hands-on activities such as milking a cow. The event will end with an ice cream social and a game of “Moo Olympics” featuring events such as team relays and simulation of farm chores.

“The goal of the cow camps is to involve a young audience that has a sincere interest in learning about dairy cows and the dairy industry,” McCauley said.

Cow camps will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, and are scheduled on June 9 at the Tuscola County Fairgrounds in Caro, on June 10 at the Isabella County Fairgrounds in Mount Pleasant, on June 13 at the U.P. State Fairgrounds in Escanaba, on June 15 at the Calhoun County Fairgrounds in Marshall and on June 16 at the Kent County Fairgrounds in Lowell.

The registration cost is $10 per person per day and preregistration is required. The registration cost covers all camp materials, lunch, snack and a t-shirt. The registration form is available at www.canr.msu.edu/anscikids/events.html or from any local MSU extension Office. The registration deadline is June 1.

For more information, contact McCauley by e-mail at
nugentr@msu.edu or call 517-355-8319.