Up close with nature

Fifth graders Mallarie Thomas, left, and Jocelyn Wilkins from South Penn Elementary School watch as a mouse climbs Thomas’ sleeve Wednesday afternoon while they study at outdoor school at the 4-H camp in Bittinger in Garrett County. Students got a chance to handle some native and non-native animals after a nature hike as they took part in classes. The weeklong stay concludes today. All Allegany County fifth-graders were given the opportunity to attend the unique learning experience.