Instructor Ryan Jones gives tips on safety and paddling before shoving off June 25 at Lake Arthur as part of Slippery Rock University's Outdoor Adventures Camp.

This was the sixth year of Slippery Rock University's Outdoor Adventures Camp for youths ages 12 and up — and the second year in its weeklong format.

Steve Roberts, who has served 21 years as an outdoor activity coordinator, runs the camp. Attendees have the chance to try kayaking, caving and other nature activities.

This year's camp began June 25 with boating at Moraine State Park, followed by a trip the next day to Casparis Cave in South Connellsville, Fayette County. Subsequent days featured rock climbing at McConnells Mill State Park and kayaking at Presque Isle in Erie.

"We just want them to experience neat things outdoors without getting hurt and without any electric plug-ins," said Roberts, who graduated from SRU's resource management program in 1983.

He said participants learn how to trust others and work together.

Along with the responsibility of taking care of caving, climbing and boating equipment, the youths also develop confidence and hone their social skills, he said.

"We want (them) to gain awareness of many things about themselves," Roberts said.

Patrick Burkhart, an SRU geology professor, has seen firsthand how such activities impact youths with his own daughter, Mackenze, who attended this year's outings.

"She carries that confidence with her in the classroom and on the soccer field," Burkhart said.

He said his daughter now loves adventure, travel and nature from learning how to take care of herself when she is away from the comfort of her backyard.

"Above all, her curiosity about her world is huge," Burkhart said. "She is eager to learn.

The participants recognized the camp's value based on the good word-of-mouth.

"I heard lots of them making plans for next year and heard from parents that many siblings can't wait to come," Roberts said.

"It's a good, healthy, fun life," Roberts said.