In order to protect our resident birds from the ongoing avian influenza outbreak, ALL visitors are required to use the disinfecting mats located at the main entrance of the Klingsberg Aviary. Thank you for doing your part to help our Avian Ambassadors stay safe and healthy! Learn more

Discovery Camp

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.

Visit the Camp Registration page

Schedule
Day Activities

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

  • With no cooking facilities available, bring something that is easy and quick.
  • We are striving to be a zero waste facility. Please bring reusable plates and utensils if possible.
  • Families may “adopt” a staff member by bringing food for them and enjoying the picnic together! A signup sheet will be available starting Wednesday afternoon on a first-come basis.

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!

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!