January 9, 2008 (Hayward, Wis.) – Conserve School of Land O’ Lakes, Wisconsin, will sponsor a nine hour environmental education camp for Kindergarten through 6th grade children, called Camp Birkie for Kids, at this year’s Birkebeiner. Camp Birkie for Kids runs from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday Feb. 23rd, Birkie race day, at the Cable Community Center. Cost is $25 per child, which includes lunch and snacks.

“The American Birkebeiner had a desire to provide an educational opportunity for young people while their parents participated in the American Birkebeiner events. We felt Conserve School and our students and staff could help the Birkie meet this goal,” said Cathy Palmer, Director of Summer Programs for Conserve School and Camp Birkie for Kids coordinator. “Our high school students are excited to be volunteering their time to help young people learn how to enjoy nature and the winter season. Our program will focus on the environment, sustainable practices through craft projects with recycled materials and a lot of other hands on fun activities.”

The camp will include a field trip to the Cable Natural History Museum where the children will view the exhibit “Birds in Focus”. Children can also expect to participate in outdoor snow activities, and indoor environmental education classes and movies. Throughout the day there will be plenty of time for crafts, games and snacks as well. Lunch will be provided.

The camp is limited to 100 kids. To register for the camp or learn more, log on to www.conserveschool.org, email cathy.palmer@conserveschool.org or call 715-547-1324 to guarantee your child doesn’t miss this amazing opportunity. The deadline for registration is February 15th or when the camp is full. Information is also available at www.birkie.com.

“We’re pleased to team up with Conserve School to offer parents a child-care option for race day,” said Ned Zuelsdorff, Executive Director of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation. “This option makes it possible for parents to be part of the 35th anniversary.”

More than 7,000 skiers are expected to participate in the Subaru American Birkebeiner and its sister race, the 23-kilometer Kortelopet sponsored by the State Bank of Drummond and Cable Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008. Another 2,500 are expected for shorter races and events from Thursday, Feb. 21 to Saturday, Feb. 23.

To learn more about North America’s largest and most prestigious cross country ski race and to register for races and events, log on to www.birkie.com, email birkie@birkie.com or call 715/634-5025.

Sponsors of Birkie 2008 include Subaru, State Bank of Drummond, Cable Chamber of Commerce, Johnson Bank, Sawyer County Record and Superior Publishing, and other businesses throughout the region and country.