As part of the 2025 Discovery Camp series, Webster Parish Libraries hosted the LSU AgCenter’s Germ Cave on Tuesday, June 24, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of young campers eager to learn about food safety in an interactive environment.
The Germ Cave, developed by LSU AgCenter agents, is a hands-on educational exhibit designed to teach proper hand washing, surface sanitizing, and safe food handling practices. Children explored the darkened tent-like structure lit with black lights, where they encountered glowing bacteria displays, educational signage, and interactive features such as phosphorescent handprints and agar plates illustrating bacterial growth.
Upon entering, each participant received a High Five from the presenter, immediately revealing glowing contamination under the black light—demonstrating how easily bacteria can spread. Inside, campers were surrounded by glowing balloons, soft stuffed bacteria figures, and posters reminding them of the four simple steps to food safety: Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill.
The activity was part of Discovery Camp’s Mathematics Week and aimed to reinforce practical lessons through fun, immersive experiences. Library staff noted that the campers appeared very engaged throughout the event.
Discovery Camp continues through June 28 and includes weekly STEM-themed programming focused on building literacy, confidence, and real-world knowledge among school-aged children.