Groovy Photos from Crawdad Camp 2003!

     In June, youth and adults took part in an environmental work camp at Fossil Creek, AZ, and enjoyed an intergenerational primitive camping experience. Participants at Crawdad Camp spent a week working with the Arizona Fish and Game Department to manage the non-native crawdad population in Fossil Creek. Crayfish are not native to the area (or to any part of Arizona), so their presence is causing many problems to other species residing in riparian habitats. Participants camped in a rustic desert setting along the banks of Fossil Creek, and had the challenge of working within the limits of their environment to remove crawdads from the local stream. Campers spent time learning about the Fossil Creek area, with daily talks given by experts on biology and ecology, as well as time spent in Bible study focused around themes of Creation and stewardship.
      Campers had a great time learning to do fish surveys while snorkeling in the clear blue waters of the creek, setting and checking traps, and taking field trips to unique sites. Places visited included the Tonto National Forest fire tower and special breeding ponds where the Arizona Fish and Game Department monitors native species of Leopard Frogs.
     Thanks to campers, counselors, and the congregation of Papago Buttes, for giving time, energy, prayer and other resources to ensure the success of this camp. Special thanks to Jim and Karen Walters who served as onsite coordinators, and to everyone who worked so hard to provide this challenging ministry opportunity for our youth!