Ages: 12–14
Starting with the identification of an “herb,” then moving on to specific species, this week will focus on plants around us that have helped humans for many generations. Using our newly gained knowledge, we’ll create products from these plants to share with our families. Additional time will include nature journaling and building new friendships with peers.
Some other typical pieces of camp include the iron owls, the camp stamp puzzler, games just for fun, exploration and emphasis on creating new/building better friendships with peers are still all part of this week. Friday evening, the program is a parent showcase that highlights take-aways from the week and other pieces campers have selected to share with the families.
Registration Information
Cost:
$240
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 16–20, 2026
June 23–27, 2026
June 30–July 4, 2026*
July 14–18, 2026
July 21–25, 2026
July 28–August 1, 2026
*Please note that camp will run as scheduled on July 4.
Optional Transportation for the weeks of July 14 and July 21 only:
Bus transportation will be provided for an additional fee ($70 per camper) 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.
| Day | Activities | |
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Tuesday |
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.: Biodiversity Day What are these things we refer to as “herbs”? Why are they important? And why is it crucial to make sure we are using the ones we think we are? Today is all about building a foundation of respect and understanding. From there we move into identification and the importance of slowing down; it’s all about relationships, including between the people in our group. |
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Wednesday |
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.: Adaptations Day Building on our identification skills, we will collect plants to be used in our herbal creations, spend time nature journaling as our skills of observation deepen, and begin to get more comfortable with how different populations of people have used plants throughout the generations. |
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Thursday |
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.: Cycles Day If we haven’t been in the kitchen yet this week, making things from herbs, then today is the day! Plants have much to teach us, and inside or out (today likely including both), all we have to do is listen and engage. |
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Friday |
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.: Interrelationships Day No one, plants included, exists in a vacuum. By focusing on interrelationships, today we can investigate that concept with depth and intent. We will also journey to Whipple Dam for some beach and water time with the rest of the Shaver’s Creek campers! |
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Friday evening–Saturday morning |
Optional Family Programming Friday 5:00 p.m.: Enjoy your own self-provided dinner on the front lawn. With no cooking facilities available, please bring something that is easy and quick. Plan to take home any leftovers, plus the dishes the food came in and any plates/cups/silverware/napkins that you bring with you. *Please note that although we love dogs, only service dogs are welcome on Shaver’s Creek property. Setup for all Friday evening activities (including the picnic and camping) begins no earlier than 4:45 p.m. This includes all types of tents, food, blankets, chairs, sleeping bags, tarps, and other materials related to any Friday evening activity on any part of Shaver’s Creek property, including the Front Yard, forested areas, open areas, and parking areas. People arriving before 4:45 p.m. will be asked to return to their vehicles with all their gear and remain there until 4:45 p.m. This is to ensure that all programming happening up until 5:00 p.m. can provide closure to the week for each participant. We appreciate your understanding and assistance to make the end of everyone’s camp week the best that it can be! 5:30–6:30 p.m.: Aviary open with an interpreter available to answer questions! 6:00 p.m.: Shaver’s Creek bookstore closes. 6:30 p.m.: Interested in staying for more camp fun? Meyer Dairy ice cream to be provided! 7:15 p.m.: Campfire program! Campers and staff from Discovery, Explorer, and Investigator programs will present a myriad of 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. 8:30–9:30 p.m.: It’s time to head out on the trail for a night walk! Bring warm layers and wear closed-toe shoes. Flashlights not needed. 10:00 p.m.: Settle into your tent for the night! Note that open flames (including lanterns and candles) are not permitted. Saturday 7:00–8:00 a.m.: Breakfast is served! Featuring freshly made pancakes and coffee, plus juices and pancake toppings! 8:00–8:30 a.m.: Clean up all overnight gear and get started with the rest of your day. |
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What do I need to wear and bring each day?
Have your camper wear comfortable outdoor clothing and closed-toe shoes each day for camp! The trails can be VERY MUDDY in some places and, in order to follow Leave No Trace principles, we will be walking through the mud.
In a backpack suitable for carrying throughout the day, please bring the following items:
- Lunch and snacks — nutritionally balanced, nut-free, and packed in reusable containers when possible. Anything brought in will need to be packed back out. Do not send nuts or nut butters in lunches or snacks. (Food processed in a facility that also processes nuts is alright.)
- 2 water bottles full of water — reusable, non-glass, filled, 20+ oz/each
- Raincoat or poncho — even on sunny days, as storms may roll in through in the afternoon
- Sunscreen and hat
- Notebook and pencil (optional)
On Friday, you need to wear your swimsuit and bring a towel and sunscreen!
Important Notes: If you are using insect repellent, apply it to your child before arriving at camp. We do our best to avoid natural areas that are conducive to high tick numbers, but still check your child for ticks every day.