Alfred Stewart
May 25, 2007Yvonne Knudsen- Smith
June 1, 2007
The Wetland Acadian Cultural Center has made its mission educating others on the importance of Louisiana’s bayous and the Cajuns whose travels brought them to our region.
This summer, the center is spreading the word in a hands-on summer camp program aimed at the next generation of leaders.
Now in its eighth year, the center’s exhibits, programs and events interpret the culture of Acadians and others that settled in the south Louisiana’s bayous many years ago.
“The camp is designed to teach the children how to be good citizens. We give them several fun activities to do for the summer, while building a good cultural foundation and helping them understand the land around them,” said park Ranger Billy Finney.
An added unique aspect of the camp is its lessons on how to respond to hurricanes and other natural disasters that threaten the bayou area, he noted.
Daily, campers will learn from regional artisans and storytellers, take boat trips to the E.D. White Home and find out how to save or slow down the land loss happening in their own backyards, Finney said.
“We have artists coming in to show the children how to make crafts native to south Louisiana. The Houmas Nation from down the bayou will come to help the campers build huts,” he said.
The summer camps are divided into two age divisions: 7-9 year olds and 9-11 year olds.
“We have designed age appropriate environmental and cultural activities for campers throughout the day, which include hands on activities and scientific projects. The campers will also have the opportunity to go canoeing up Bayou Lafourche,” Finney said.
Finney said the camp directors divided the other group camp dates into two sessions: the first beginning on June 11 and the second beginning on June 25. Both camps are from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Campers wanting to attend both camps have to pay for each of them separately, the ranger said.
The 7-9 year old camp begins July 16 to June 20 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Registration is limited to 20 campers per session.
Camp fee for the first two camps is $50 each. The third camp is $25.
In addition, the center is open on Monday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To register for the camp, visit the center at 314 St. Mary St. in Thibodaux, or call (985) 448-1375.
