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The Sitka District is part of Southeast Â黨ÊÓƵ, covering Sitka south to Ketchikan and east to the Canada border with a population of about 32,000. Â黨ÊÓƵ a quarter of the residents across the district are Â黨ÊÓƵ Native, mostly Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian, although the population of some smaller communities such as Kake, Klawock, and Hydaburg is more than 80 percent Â黨ÊÓƵ Native. Tourism, mining and fisheries, including mariculture, and a diminishing timber industry drive the local economy. The region is accessible only by boat and plane.

The district offers outreach programs in health, home and family development; and 4-H and youth development.

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Looking for a summer camp?
Sitka 4-H has you covered

The University of Â黨ÊÓƵ Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service office in Sitka is planning several youth 4-H camps this summer, as well as some that are open to all. Registration and more information for all camps at . For more information, contact Jasmine Shaw at jdshaw2@alaska.edu or 907-747-9440.

4-H True Leaders: May 27-28, 1-6 p.m.; ages 7-12th grade. True Leaders is a training/camp for teens who are interested in becoming camp counselors and youth leaders at Sitka Spruce Tips 4-H camps. Free. 

Muddy Buddies: June 1-5, 9 a.m.-noon; 5-8 year olds. Campers are encouraged to play in the mud while gardening, working on trails, making mud pies and playing mud ball, among other activities. $30.

SCS x SAIL 4-H Kayak Adventure Camp: June 8-11, 1-5 p.m.; ages 10 and older. Partnership between the Sitka Conservation Society’s 4-H Project and Southeast Â黨ÊÓƵ Independent Living. Participants will grow community, have fun, work together and learn safety skills while exploring Sitka Sound in kayaks. $30

Sitka Tuesday Bike Club: Six-week camp that meets 3-4 p.m. on Tuesday afternoons beginning June 23; 4th grade and older. This is a biking program that helps youth become more confident in their biking skills and gives them a chance to learn in a fun environment. Free.

Cloverbuds Summer Harvest Days: June 29-30, 9 a.m.-noon; ages 5-8. Cloverbuds will harvest berries and seaweed for the Jr. Farmers Marketers to turn into products the following week. $10.

4-H Jr. Farmers Market: July 7-11, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; ages 6th grade and older. Youth will develop food and art products using local ingredients from the forest and garden, and sell them at the farmers market. They will also get visits and tips from local vendors. $30.

Bikepacking: July 16, noon to 11 a.m. July 17; ages 6th grade and older. A fun overnight camp with a bike ride on the Sitka Cross Trail from Starrigavan. Activities include biking, setting up camp, cooking, sleeping (!) and possibly swimming or fishing. $35

4-H Splash Mountain Camp: July 20-24, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; grades 6 and up. Youth will learn to safely recreate, harvest and live on the water and land through outdoor experiences with a focus on water and survival skills. Free.

4-H Art of Nature Camp: Aug. 3-7, 1-5 p.m.; ages K-5. This camp features a mash-up of art and environmental science that encourages creativity and science exploration. Taught by adults and teen leaders from Purdue University. $30.

4-H End of Summer Activity Days: Aug. 10, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. for grades 1-5; Aug. 11, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. grades 6 and up. Daylong adventure with Sitka 4-H at the end of the summer. Location and details TBA. There are two age groups for this all-day camp; make sure you register for the correct one. $35.

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