MISSISSIPPI STATE -- The young and young-at-heart will enjoy studying insects during a unique, five-day camp offered in two summer sessions by Mississippi State University.

The 4-H Entomology Camp will take place at Plymouth Bluff near Columbus June 20-24 and again at Tombigbee State Park near Tupelo July 18-22. The camp is a joint effort by the MSU Extension Service's 4-H Department and MSU's Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology.

Mike Williams, camp organizer, said participants learn the habitat and habits of insects. MSU experts oversee the campers as they collect and study arthropods. Participants learn how to pin, identify and display collected specimens.

Campers are typically between the ages of 10 and 90. Younger participants may attend if accompanied by a parent. Teachers often attend and receive continuing education units. Williams said in past years, 25 percent of the campers have been from outside Mississippi and from as far away as California and Vermont.

Camps cost $150 per person. The registration deadline for the first camp is May 15, and the second camp's registration deadline is July 1.

For more information, contact Williams at (662) 325-2986 or by e-mail at [email protected] or go to http://www.msstate.edu/Entomology/4-H/camp.html.