Exploring native and invasive snails, students discovered how to use the snail's shell to determine what habitat it can be found in. They toured the USDA fruit fly facility in Waimea, learning of problems associated with the invasive fruit fly. Students also built ant traps, then looked at collected ants through a microscope, noticing the differences between ant types and trying to find a fire ant. Native and invasive plants were collected, and later identified, during a hike through Kohala Forest, and students created plant identification keys for future use.

Understanding the differences between native and invasive species, learning how to recognize those species and the problems associated with them are some goals instructor Marty Meyer had for the program. Meyer is working on his doctorate in conservation biology, with a focus on land snails, at University of Hawaii-Manoa.

"I also hope to inspire them to enjoy and like doing science," Meyer said. "Science is important to us now, though most people don't realize it. Our habitats are changing. We're bringing in more and more invasive plants, destroying our native ones. Hopefully this program will inspire students to want to protect our native species."

That's why Bond said he attended the weeklong day camp -- to learn about Hawaii's native species.

"It sounded interesting, and there were hikes, which I absolutely love," he said.

Maia Tarnas, 7, said her favorite part was the Kohala Forest hike.

"We got to walk in a cloud forest and we got to walk on moss. It was really squishy," she said. "We also found three snails, one whose shell barely fit on it."

The most interesting thing 8-year-old Liandra Nealy said she learned was how to keep fruit flies away from her fruit, and how to make a fruit fly trap.

"They should definitely do this camp again because people will really like it," Nealy said. "I really liked it."

The camp was sponsored by North Hawaii Community Learning Center at Waimea Elementary School and the Kohala Center, with support from the Department of Water Supply and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The program cost $100 for Big Island residents, with additional financial assistance available for Waimea Elementary School students.

Meyer said he was surprised by how much the students appeared to learn, picking up some complicated concepts.

Sean Perala, 10, said he will not forget the things he learned this week.

"We're learning and having fun at the same time -- that's what makes it so cool," Perala said. "We got to experience new things everyday, not just sit in a class. Marty made it cool and interesting."

"I like watching the kids have these different experiences," Meyer said. "Maybe I'll inspire one out of 20 to become a scientist, or 50 percent of them to enjoy and become connected to the environment. Either way, it's worth it."