JoJo Wells was excited to practice his archery techniques Thursday morning as he eagerly waited his turn at hitting the target.

“I hope I hit the bull’s-eye,” Wells, 7, said. “It is kind of tricky though.”

Wells, along with 17 other kids, participated in the three-day “Outdoor Adventures Camp” hosted by the Chilton County Extension Office at Minooka Park in Jemison.

The camp included activities from 9-2 p.m. July 1-3 that focused on topics including forestry, wildlife, archery, fishing and kayaking.

“We want to help get kids interested in outdoor activities,” said Josine Walter, a 4-H Regional Extension Agent. “Today we are focusing on archery, kayaking, and we will go over how to make a campfire.”

Other activities included in the camp taught kids how to measure the diameter of a tree, leaf identification, and a GPS-oriented scavenger hunt.

Sherry Wells brought her three grandchildren to the camp to get them involved with group activities during the summer.

“We have had a lot of fun,” Wells said. “I have noticed that they have learned patience and the value of teamwork. They have also made a lot of new friends, and commented to me this morning they were all sad to say goodbye to them.”

Wells said this was the first time for her grandchildren to participate in the “Outdoor Adventures Camp,” but she hopes to make it an annual event.

“They have all had a really great time,” Wells said. “They have gotten to be outside and learning different things. It is important to me that they have activities to keep them active throughout the summer.”

Walter said each child, ranging in ages from grade school to high school, more than likely hiked 3-5 miles each day.

“These kids have learned a lot this week,” Walter said.

Walter said the six kayaks used in the camp were provided through a state grant from Cawaco RC&D Council.

Walter gathered all of the kids under a shaded pavilion Thursday morning to go over the activities for the day.

“Today we are going to go kayaking,” Walter said. “Everyone who gets in the water has to wear a personal flotation device. I will also tell you that if you tip, it is OK. I can almost guarantee you will get wet.”

Dallas Day, 10, said she was excited to get in the water, but hoped the water wouldn’t be too cold.

“I think it will be fun,” Day said. “I can tell you this, the food has been great. We got to eat hobo chicken one day and grilled burgers, and it was delicious.”

Although Caleb Carpenter said he was excited to get in a kayak, he wanted to perfect his target hitting before heading to the water.

“I have been practicing with the bow and arrow,” Carpenter said. “I was about an inch away from the bull’s-eye one time.”