Tick Mitigation and Education at 4-H Camp Shankitunk

Abstract

Every year, thousands of NY State youth attend summer camps to make friends, learn new skills, and enjoy nature. Camps are generally surrounded by wooded areas abundant with mammalian hosts, making campers more likely to encounter ticks than they would in the typical home environment. We implemented innovative tick control strategies at 4-H Camp Shankitunk in Delaware County. Concomitantly, we developed educational resources for three target groups: campers, camp staff, and parents. Our efforts spurred important discussion within and between target groups and greatly raised tick awareness. The results of this project have been shared with camp directors around the state, and they are eager to implement our methods this coming season.