Blaze Anthony, a fourth-grade student at Southeast Lauderdale Elementary School likes how he can be hands on, especially when he is learning about rocks and the environment.

Anthony was one of many fourth grade students in the Lauderdale County and the Meridian Public School districts who participated in a nature conservation and natural resources camp Tuesday at Camp Binachi. In its fourth year, the camp allows students to gain experience in how they protect the environment.

“The event is basically teaching students to be good stewards of the environment,” Deidre Bland, Meridian Public School District dropout prevention specialist, said.

There are many partnerships with federal and state agencies, such as the Mississippi Science museum, Mississippi Power and Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, that help with the effort. Students had a chance to visit stations that involved learning about fossil fuels, erosion, pollution, electricity and boat safety. Students had opportunities to touch items in exhibits and to ask questions.

Bland said not only is the camp providing students with an outdoor experience but it also introduces them to potential careers, such as civil engineer or soil scientist.

Anthony said his favorite part of the field trip was learning how the soil and water work together and how he can be safe around electricity. While at the Mississippi Power station, students learned about the dangers of a tree falling on a power line as well as what could happen if a child touches an electrical box.

West Hills Elementary School student Roderick Crawford said while learning about erosion he learned that the Earth will still be here after everyone is gone and how water is important for life on Earth. Crawford said he also learned how we should protect ourselves when we are on the water by wearing a life jacket.

“I learned about safety and how we can protect the animals,” Crawford said.

Janice Turange, a fourth-grade teacher at Oakland Heights, said she liked how students can get hands-on experience with science to help them to become intrigued by the subject. Turnage liked how her students just jump into the activities at each station with smiles on their faces.

“They are finding this trip very exciting, making them want to do more with science,” Turnage said.

One goal of having trips like this are to get children exposed to nature in the way that inspires them to protect the environment. Kelvin Jackson, Lauderdale County school district board president, said the students have to appreciate the natural resources around them.

Jackson said the main goal is for students to take care of the earth’s natural resources.

“Use them but not abuse them, so that we have them for future generations to use,” Jackson said.