Last Week, the Centennial Cultural Center hosted its annual Science Camp in Olla, Louisiana. Throughout the five-day camp, children from the ages 5 to 10 learned fascinating facts about the world around them through hands-on activities, experiments, and interactive lessons.
Campers discovered a variety of scientific concepts while participating in exciting challenges designed to spark curiosity and encourage exploration. Throughout the week, they learned unique ways scientists identify and classify living things.
One of the camp’s main focuses was animal classification. Participants learned how scientists identify mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and a variety of invertebrates by observing their unique characteristics. To reinforce what they learned, campers sorted animals into classification groups, solved mystery animal challenges, and explored how animals adapt to their environments.
The camp emphasized curiosity, teamwork, and critical thinking as participants worked together to solve problems and apply their new knowledge through hands-on activities.
Several special guests visited during the week to make the experience even more engaging. Bro. Steve Jensen introduced campers to a variety of snakes-reptiles and other reptiles while teaching them about reptile characteristics. Tanya Sturman with Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries shared information about mammals, while Kathy Littlepage led activities focused on insects, worms, soil, and plants.
Littlepage also served as a guest instructor at the experimentation station, using Louisiana Farm Bureau’s Ag in the classroom materials to provide additional hands-on learning opportunities.
Throughout the week, former LaSalle Parish science teacher Prentiss Powell demonstrated how everyday household objects can be transformed into fun and educational science projects.
Topics covered during Science Camp included vermiculture, plant parts, hydroponics, fertilization, pollination, plant and animal interactions, composting, and egg quality.
The Centennial Cultural Center thanked its sponsor DRAX, for helping fund this year’s camp. Although Science Camp marked the final summer camp of the season, the center plans to continue offering a variety of educational and community activities throughout the year.
