CONSERVATION CORNER
Tara Wildlife Offers Kid's Conservation Camps
by James L. Cummins

With the mid winter chill having its hold on daily activities and spring and summer warmth only short days in front of us, memories of my youth brightens up those gloomy days. In the past, large families were the norm, with enough chores for everyone.

According to Mark Bowen of Tara Wildlife, "We could make up games and build toys. Toys like slingshots were made from practically anything. Making bows and arrows - piece of cake. Bird box building from hollow limbs and logs to making stick figures from odd limbs and branches could occupy hours. Frog and snake hunts were competitive, entertaining and often. Fishing holes and mud puddles had honorary names given them from creative wildlife encounters. Talking with buddies and telling secrets, dirt clod wars and carving a sharp stick with a dull knife were great summer moments which could only be interrupted by yells of 'supper time'. Afterwards, games of kick the can and tag occurred. Sounds like a summer camp."

Tara Wildlife has a secret that is ready to be shared. The secret is their summer camps - camps so fantastic and full of activities and memories, that it would impress any old timer's thoughts of childhood days of fun. Mississippi backwaters, oxbow lakes and hardwood forests serve as the setting for Tara's Summer Youth, Jakes and Conservation Camps.

This 17,000 acre playground is where wildlife study and conservation takes giant hops forward. They even teach kids how to navigate by the stars - and that is not the Hollywood kind. Orienteering and compass usage are taught for perhaps that day when you may be lucky enough to get lost in big woods. Safe water retrieval and shelter building are included. "Supper time" yells are met with wonderful "southern favorites" and plenty of it. Activities such as archery, shotgun/skeet, .22 rifle training and shooting are taught by professional guides.

Professional guides and invited guests, provide instruction toward a safe and practical outdoor oriented learning experience. Our invited instructor's, practically a who's who list of outdoor industry experts, provide new insight for campers eager to learn and experience the outdoors. When camp is not in session, the Center is also a great meeting place for family reunions, workshops, and retreats for corporate, business and nature based associations, providing meeting accommodations for up to 100 and overnight lodging for close to 70.

"Sure, Tara Wildlife enjoys a reputation of possibly the South's premier white-tail game destination; however it's Tara's contagious philosophy which is founded on a true commitment of resource management and conservation that is the prevailing message. It's that message; we want all who visit this incredible Mississippi treasure to leave with and to hold that memory until travels return them to us! Come join us and let us introduce you and your children to our camp director - 'Mother Nature' - she lives at Tara Wildlife," continued Bowen.

Please call Tara for further details and pricing at (601) 279-4261, log onto their web site at www.tarawildlife.com, e-mail them at tara@tarawildlife.com or write them at 6791 Eagle Lake Shore Rd, Vicksburg, MS 39183.

Camps are co-sponsored by the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

James L. Cummins is Executive Director of the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation in Stoneville, Mississippi. Known as "Wildlife Mississippi," the Foundation is a non-profit, conservation organization founded to conserve, restore and enhance fish, wildlife and plant resources throughout Mississippi. Their web site is www.wildlifemiss.org.