Digging into Dino Camp at the Marble Falls Public Library
A replica Tyrannosaurus rex skull frames the face of a camper at Dino Camp at the Marble Falls Public Library. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
The Marble Falls Public Library brought in paleontology expert and educator Bethany Burke, better known as “BK Bones,” for Dino Camp on Thursday, July 16. Highland Lakes kids had the opportunity to get hands on with the real and replica fossils of their favorite prehistoric beasts.
“I love talking to kiddos about paleontology because it is a gateway science,” Burke told DailyTrib. “Dinosaurs are usually the first things in science that kids are interested in.”
During Burke’s hour-long presentations at 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Marble Falls Library, she shared her experiences as a paleontologist and serving as the lead marine researcher at Texas Through Time Fossil Museum, where she studies long-extinct aquatic reptiles like mosasaurs.
She also travels all over Texas, fossil hunting for fun, and giving presentations to a variety of audiences on paleontology.
“Half the year I’m digging up dinosaurs and the other half I’m sharing that joy with the young and the old,” she said.
Dino Camp isn’t just informative, it is a physical experience. The campers were able to dig fossils out of replica dinosaur eggs, touch an actual triceratops fossil, see full-sized skulls of famous dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus rex and velociraptor, and touch the tools that paleontologists use in the field.
“We hear from families all the time how great it is to have free events to go to,” Library technician Lauren Banks said. “We try to work around family schedules so kids can come in and experience these great learning opportunities.”
Dino Camp is just one of the many free programs that has been offered at the Marble Falls Public Library this summer. Visit the library’s calendar to keep up with the events, programs, clubs, and opportunities available all year.
