Clemson University launches new 4-H2O website in time for summer camp sign-up

Published: April 20, 2011

image by: Clemson University

NORTH CHARLESTON — Clemson University Extension and Carolina Clear have launched a new website for the 4-H2O programs just in time for parents and youth to pick from a lineup of summer camps for 2011.

4-H2O camps are the playing grounds where summer fun meets watershed science. Youth learn about local watersheds through maps, exploration by foot, canoes or boat; water quality testing and how to measure water body health; river and estuarine ecosystems; and how people affect ecosystems.

Each camp may add such fun activities as boating, kayaking, swimming, fishing and field trips.

4-H2O is a water-based science camp and youth education program in more than 15 South Carolina counties. For more than 12 years, the program has encouraged the scientist in each student to learn and experience South Carolina’s rich water resources firsthand.

This field-based 4-H2O program provides youth and young adults with knowledge about their water resources in a variety of ways, including:

• Field skills: Where student learns about safety in the natural environment and on the water.
• Analytical skills: Through standard and proven curriculum, students experience scientific principals in the natural environment.
• Critical thinking: Students are challenged to problem-solve current and future environmental issues.

The new and improved website will help parents and youth identify camps in their area and the exciting choice of activities at each, said Katie Giacalone, Carolina Clear’s statewide coordinator and new coordinator of 4-H2O.

Last year, more than 120 children statewide participated in water-based camps involving Carolina Clear natural resources agents and 2011 is expected to see even more participants.

"Thanks to the many partnerships that make these camps possible, children across South Carolina can learn about the state’s natural resources, and these camps hopefully grow to become better stewards of the natural environment,” Giacalone said.

“The wide variety of camps held across the state every summer are made possible by our terrific partners, dedicated Clemson University agents and staff and many other people who play a role educating the state’s youth,” she said.

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Cooperative Extension Service
South Carolina Cooperative Extension Service is based at South Carolina’s two land-grant institutions, Clemson University and South Carolina State University, in all 46 counties, and at the five Research and Education Centers. Focusing upon research-based information in agriculture, environment, food safety and nutrition, economic and community development and youth and families, Extension engages citizens to help build a better South Carolina.

Carolina Clear
Carolina Clear is a stormwater education and awareness program of the Clemson University Restoration Institute and the Center for Watershed Excellence. The program’s goal is to minimize polluted stormwater runoff by educating the general public, youth, builders, developers, homeowners and government officials about how they can keep water in the state’s streams, rivers and basins as clean as possible.