You can make a bug collecting kit yourself.
You will need a net of some sort, they have them at most dollar stores, some plastic containers with lids (you will need to poke really small holes in the lids, to let air in but to also keep your bugs in.)
If you are going to catch, photograph and release your bugs this is pretty much all need except an adult willing to help you take pictures of your subjects. Now look up the bugs you found and discover if they are bad bugs or good ones, and why.
If you are going to mount your collection check out this site for instructions: https://arthropods.nmsu.edu/mounting-and-preserving-insects/
Maybe: Butterflies are more your idea of fun, you can order and grow your very own butterflies. Then you can release them in your yard or garden, most butterfly kits contain painted lady butterflies which will return to the same garden for years, (do butterflies live that long? Or is their offspring? ….what a great research question for youth.) Check out this site for more information on how to purchase your own butterfly kit: https://www.insectlore.com/collections/butterflies-butterfly-kits-with-live-caterpillars
Basically quite a few insects are good for our environment, and our gardens, check out this site to learn who helps your plants and why it is better to have the good bugs hanging around to keep the bad bugs away: https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/beneficial-insects/
So what do we do about the insects that are just pests? Those flying, biting, pests that can ruin a picnic or a playdate? Check out this WEBMD site for tricks and tips to keep your family comfy this summer: https://blogs.webmd.com/from-our-archives/20100707/10-non-toxic-tips-to-keep-bugs-from-biting
Brought to you by:
Lisa Shrout
4H Educator
lr79@cornell.edu
