Campers create robots to defend the planet from polluters

This year, for the first time, Ijams has two summer camps going simultaneously. Outdoor Adventure Camp is for the older kids: grades four through eight. Ijams is partnering with the Tennessee Valley Boys & Girls Club, River Sports Outfitters and others to make this camp possible. The activities are centered around Mead's Quarry and the nearby lake and trails.

At the Visitor Center and Plaza and their network of trails and ponds, the traditional Ijams Nature Day Camp is in full swing. This camp is for the younger kids: kindergarten through early fourth primarily.  

Recently the Nature Day Camp featured a week of Kid Concoctions and Contraptions for Ages 7-9 (Entering Grades 2-4).  It was five days of slimy, bouncy, squishy, shiny, glowing, sticky, tasty, glittery, the possibilities were endless. 

Campers grew their own crystals, discovered a substance that is both solid and liquid, found out how to make bubbles bounce, and much more. 

One afternoon they created robot costumes out of totally recycled materials. The nature robots mission? To protect the Earth from polluters. Of, course!

- Story and photos Stephen Lyn Bales