Youth from around the area have been connecting with nature this summer through camps organized by the Driftless Area Wetlands Centre in Marquette.

Director Alicia Mullarkey estimates this is the seventh or eighth year the facility and its staff have offered the camps, which include Wetland Explorer Wednesdays for kids age 3 to 5, Wild Critter Camps for 5 to 7 year olds, then Nature Explorer Camps for those age 8 to 11.

“We do a range in ages,” Mullarkey said. “Our first one, on Wednesdays, is just a shorter hour and a half preschool-age camp. They come with their caregiver. Usually, it’s themed, and we do a craft and go outside. Last week, we did camouflage. Another week, I did a bug theme. Sometimes it’s whatever we’re observing in the wetland that week that’s fun and interesting.”

The camps for older kids span two days, on Thursdays and Fridays. Three camps were held in June and three more in July, rotating the 5-7 and 8-11 age groups.

Mullarkey—and the kids—appreciate having that extra time, which field trips or the Wetlands Centre’s after school program don’t always allow.

“Just being here all day is totally different. Then they get to spend two whole days here and explore further,” she said. “And they’re still often wanting to stay here on Friday at 4:30.”

Camp attendees don’t just come from MFL MarMac communities, but from around the area.

“We have a lot from Clayton Ridge, some from Postville and Central, and several families from Prairie,” Mullarkey said. “It’s a good mix of kids from different areas, so it’s nice in the summer to be able to serve more. And the kids get to interact with other kids outside their school, which is kind of fun.”

With a name like the Driftless Area Wetlands Centre, it’s no surprise the wetland is often the top attraction for youth. Mullarkey said most themes tie into the wetland, playing up amphibians, reptiles or aquatic insects.

“That’s generally where they want to spend their time, so we always incorporate some level of exploration there,” she stated. They get to see the life in the wetland, exploring down on the dock. They learn why having wetlands and streams and rivers matters for others outside our human community, like our biological community.”

Camps this year explored water even further, thanks to the artesian well that can feed into the wetland. Staff provided pipe, allowing kids to build waterways and enjoy other STEM-related play.

“We just give them the parts and then they figure out how it works and what they need to do,” Mullarkey said.

The activity sparked discussion about water resources: Where does water in our houses and schools come from? How does it get from one place to another? How many resources does that take? Can you drink it?

Camps even visited the nearby Marquette sewer treatment plant, where public works director Jason Sullivan explained operations.

“Jason talked to us about the other end, not just where your water comes from, but where it goes, like wastewater type stuff,” Mullarkey said.

While Wetlands Centre camps often incorporate morning activities, and maybe one in the afternoon to break up the day, the kids largely guide the interests and play.

“I think it’s something they don’t get to do enough,” Mullarkey reflected. “That’s how you learn science. It’s a process.”

Some attendees would spend the whole day on the dock, while others take to the nature play area, building forts and creating their own civilizations. Some love the mud kitchen and its opportunities for creative, imaginative play.

“They usually are very good at entertaining,” Mullarkey said.

Wetlands Centre staff are grateful to be able to offer these opportunities in a small community. Not all kids have the space or range of activities available in their own backyards or neighborhoods.

Even if they do, noted Mullarkey, it’s a different experience with friends or new acquaintances. They’re encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and explore further.

“Just you or just you and your siblings is different than if you have a community of people. There’s different dynamics, so they are learning a lot of social-emotional interaction. Staff is here to encourage them to get curious and get excited,” she said. “You can’t connect with things if you don’t have time and space. This allows them a positive space to explore the world around them, and then they take it back to their own yards.”