Virtual Vet Science Camp gives youth a peek into the profession

By Tracy Courage
U of A System Division of Agriculture 

Fast facts

• June 26 virtual camp is free, open to youth ages 11-19 interested in animal science
• Register at www.uaex.edu/4hvetscience  
• Program includes talks with veterinarians, demos, tiger sanctuary tour

LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas 4-H Veterinary Science Camp is going virtual this summer, offering a free half-day online camp for youth ages 11-19 to learn about animal science and the veterinary science profession.“It’s a great way for youth interested in animals to learn about the field of animal science and to explore career options in veterinary medicine,” said Heidi Ward, assistant professor and veterinarian for the Cooperative Extension Service, part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

During the one-day camp, youth will hear from a panel of veterinarians, including a public health veterinarian, wildlife veterinarian, zoo veterinarian and mixed animal practicing veterinarian.

Participants will learn about animal mating behaviors, aquaculture and chicken embryology, and see demonstrations in embryo transfer and castration. A virtual tour of a tiger sanctuary also is planned

The 4-H Vet Science Camp is usually a three-day summer program at the Arkansas 4-H Center but has moved online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The camp is an outreach effort of the Arkansas 4-H Veterinary Science program, which provides youth with hands-on opportunities to learn skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

All camp participants will also have chances to win prizes through an online trivia quiz, a t-shirt design contest and by submitting pre-recorded demonstrations. All youth who complete the quiz will receive a 4-H Vet Science t-shirt.

For more information, visit uaex.edu/4hvetscience, or follow the program on Facebook at facebook.com/4hvetscience.

For more information about the camp, contact Dr. Ward at hward@uaex.edu. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.edu. Follow us on Twitter at @UAEX_edu.