Delilah Evans, 7, swings her rubber bat in the air during Flying Critters Camp Thursday at Historic Jefferson College.

Evans, Leon Evans, 7, and Jordan Stubbs, 6, swing toy bats.

Historic Jefferson College historian Kay McNeil reads a story to children during the camp, which is geared toward educating children about bats, various birds and owls. McNeil said some people do not understand the important roles of animals such as bats in nature and may try to kill them. “I want to emphasize it’s OK to be different, we all are,” she said. “I want them to respect and appreciate nature.”