Bug Camp 2023, held at the UT Arboretum in Oak Ridge, TN, recently concluded, marking its triumphant return since the Covid-19 pandemic. The three-day camp, held from June 14- June 16, showcased the importance of insects in our world to 14 rising third to fifth-grade students.

Led by Professor Jerome Grant from the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, alongside Michelle Campanis, UT Arboretum education coordinator, and Janet Bigelow, UT Arboretum Society president, Bug Camp 2023 provided a unique platform for children to appreciate the vital role insects play in our ecosystem. Through a diverse range of activities, including bug crafts, nature walks, science experiments, and interactions with the UT Insect Zoo, the camp fostered an environment of fun and learning.

Throughout the camp, the students explored the various aspects of our relationship with insects, examining the good, the bad, and the “buggly” characteristics. They gained a deeper understanding of how insects facilitate pollination, aid in decomposition, and maintain ecological balance, thereby reinforcing the vital role they play in our world.

One of the highlights of Bug Camp 2023 was the opportunity for each camper to take home a pet Madagascar Hissing Cockroach. This hands-on experience not only allowed the children to develop a personal connection but also enhanced their understanding and appreciation of insects.

Bug Camp 2023 was co-sponsored and staffed by the UT Arboretum Society, the UT Arboretum and Forest Resources AgResearch and Education Center, UT Herbert College of Agriculture, and the UT Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology. CRESO (Clinch River Environmental Studies Organization) also provided volunteers. “Bug Camp 2023 was a tremendous success thanks to the tireless efforts of our many volunteers, who shared their time, their energy, their knowledge, and their passion about insects with our young entomologists,” said Grant.

For more information about future Bug Camps and other educational programs held at the UT Arboretum, visit utarboretum.tennessee.edu.