Miami Herald

Scientist bugs kids the right way at camp

by Marcia Freidenreich

How many camps have Ph.D.'s as counselors?

Camp Live Oak was lucky enough to snare David Serrano of Plantation as its science specialist this summer.

Serrano has a doctorate in entomology, the branch of zoology that deals with insects. During the year Serrano, whose specialty is bees and wasps, teaches science at South Broward High School in Hollywood.

''I thought it would be great to spend the summer with the camp kids,'' said Serrano, who had a special incentive: his daughter, Isabella, 6, attends the camp.

Live Oak operates out of two locations: Hugh Taylor Birch State Park in Fort Lauderdale and Oleta River State Park in North Miami Beach, where Serrano is.

On a recent morning, Serrano brought in part of his collection of specimens. He has about 10,000 in all, some of which he collected himself and some he traded for with other scientists and collectors.

''My goal is to use insects to sneak fundamental science into the group,'' said Serrano. ``Kids love creepy crawly things. Through that window of interest I can teach them about biodiversity, pollination and some medical stuff.''

Serrano discussed the wonders of insects, how many species have survived on Earth since before the dinosaurs and their various levels of intelligence. The youthful-looking Serrano discussed theories of hive intelligence and the social characteristics of ants and termites.

He also revealed how to tell a flying ant from a termite.

''The termite has a wide waist and the ant has the sexy, pinched waist,'' he said.

During his presentation, Serrano pointed out various parts of the exoskeleton of a Goliath beetle, which can reach up to 5 inches in length and is one of the largest insects on the planet. The beetle, which comes from equatorial Africa, is as big as Serrano's fist.

''It's cool,'' said camper Nick Caine, 11.

Camp Live Oak will continue through Aug. 10. Upcoming sessions at both locations include Ocean Quest, July 30-Aug. 3, and Adventure Camp, Aug. 6-10. For information, visit www.campliveoakfl.com or e-mail info@campliveoakfl.com. For the Birch State Park location, call 954-491-2917; for Oleta, call 305-940-4748.