Ages: 6–8, entering first through third grades
Campers will delve into the wild, wonderful world of insects through hands-on activities, games, and exploration. Through the lens of insects, topics explored through the week include biodiversity, adaptations, natural cycles, and how all living things are connected. Cycles day highlights a stream exploration (please bring old shoes). The last day of camp includes a trip to Whipple Dam. Friday evening is an opportunity for families to experience the magic of camp together through ice cream, campfire performances, night walks, and a chance to camp out at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center! (Families need to bring all of their own equipment if camping out.) Pancakes are served on Saturday morning.
Registration Information
Cost:
$230 for nonmembers (save 15% with membership)
Time:
Tuesday–Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Friday, 5:00 p.m.–Saturday, 8:00 a.m. (Optional family programming — see schedule for details)
Dates (Choose one):
June 20–24, 2023
June 27–July 1, 2023
July 4–8, 2023
July 18–22, 2023
July 25–29, 2023
August 1–5, 2023
Optional Transportation for the weeks of July 25 and August 1 only:
Bus transportation will be provided for an additional fee from the Spikes Stadium at Medlar Field, 701 Porter Road. Drop-off (Tuesday–Friday) will be from 8:00–8:30 a.m., and pick-up (Tuesday–Thursday) will be from 4:30–5:00 p.m. Pick-up on Friday is at 5:00 p.m. at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center. You must register for bus transportation separately during the registration process in order to secure space. Space is limited.
| Day | Activities | |
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Tuesday |
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.: Biodiversity Day On the first day of camp, we will get to know each other and the environment better through games and exploration while learning about the biodiversity of insects. |
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Wednesday |
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.: Adaptations Day How do insects survive? Today, we will investigate the different adaptations of these incredible biotic organisms! |
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Thursday |
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.: Cycles Day Today, we will delve into the cycles of the natural world, including the water cycle and stream study (featuring exploration and critter catching time in a stream)! Because your camper will be in the stream, please ensure that they have packed an extra pair of old shoes (to go in the water) and an extra pair of socks in a plastic bag. |
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Friday |
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.: Interrelationships Day Tying together all of the topics from the week, Interrelationships Day focuses on how different aspects of ecosystems and how they all tie together. This day also includes swimming at Whipple Dam; please pack a swimsuit and towel in a plastic bag for your camper! |
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Friday evening–Saturday morning |
Optional Family Programming Friday, 5:00 p.m.: Claim your camper and stay with your family to enjoy the rest of the optional activities throughout the evening. Start with your own self-provided dinner on the front lawn!
6:15 p.m.: Ice cream from Meyer Dairy provided. 7:00 p.m.: Campfire program. Campers and staff will present a myriad of songs, poems, skits, stories and adventures from the camp week. Bring along a blanket/chair or sit on the giant rocks in front of the stage. 8:30 p.m.: Bat program. Learn more about our flying mammal friends as they prepare to wake up and seek insect food. 8:40–9:30 p.m.: Night walks. Please bring warm layers and wear closed–toe shoes. Flashlights not needed. 10:00 p.m.: Settle into your tent for the night! Saturday, 7:00–8:00 a.m.: Breakfast is served. Featuring freshly made pancakes and coffee, plus juices, and pancake toppings! |
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What do I need to wear and bring each day?
Every day, you need to wear outdoor clothes that can get dirty, and closed-toe shoes. You should also bring a small backpack for carrying the following things: a zero-waste, nut-free lunch, a full water bottle, a raincoat or poncho, a hat, and sunscreen.
On Thursday, you need to bring an extra pair of old sneakers or a pair of closed-toe shoes that can get wet for stream exploration. Each group will explore streams by actually getting in and gently turning over rocks to look for aquatic life. If you are careful, you will get wet only up to your ankles.
On Friday you need to bring your swimsuit, a towel, and definitely sunscreen!