Entomology outreach and education through summer day camps

A 2018-2019 survey conducted by Pinkerton et al. showed that middle and high school aged students in Florida had low knowledge levels on topics related to entomology, and that short outreach events can significantly improve student knowledge levels and interest in careers in entomology. Entomology is not commonly covered in Florida classroom curriculum, and the urban setting of Seminole County, Florida reduces exposure to entomology. While the agriculture industry has a market value of over $7.64 billion in Florida ($27 million in Seminole County), the disconnect between the public and agriculture continues to grow. In the U.S., the average age of farmers is 58 years old, with less than 2% of the population working in agriculture. This aging industry needs youth to pursue careers in agricultural fields, which include entomology. For this reason, between 2018-2019, entomology camps were offered for youth in Seminole County, targeting ages 9-12 and 12-18. In 2020, due to covid-19 concerns, an online camp was developed. Camps covered topics ranging from basic insect anatomy, lifecycles, conservation, IPM, and careers, to pinning and preservation for the teen camps. A variety of activities were used in addition to short lectures to teach campers about these topics. 57 youth campers have participated in Seminole County Entomology day camps. Knowledge gain was measured through questions during sessions, self-reporting in surveys, and through games played at the beginning and end of camp. The design of both the in person and online camps and the results of the surveys will be presented.