Ages: 4–5 (preschool/kindergarten)
In this all-day camp, preschoolers and kindergartners will meet forest friends to guide their experience. Be it a butterfly, squirrel, woodpecker, or worm, these friends will give campers a charge for the day before sending them out and about for an incredible experience in the natural world! Additionally, each day will include a balance of games, several trips to the bathrooms, exploration, some restful or lower-energy time, activities focused on learning in/about nature, a short Camp Stamp Puzzler (scavenger hunt–style search), and afternoon circle.
Registration Information
Cost:
$255 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 18–22 , 2024
June 25–29, 2024
July 2–6, 2024
July 16–20, 2024
July 23–27, 2024
July 30–August 3, 2024
Optional Transportation for the weeks of July 23 and July 30 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.
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
|
Tuesday |
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.: Biodiversity Day Today’s forest friend is the Pileated Woodpecker! After meeting this magical friend, campers will learn about the biodiversity of birds around Shaver’s Creek. |
|
Wednesday |
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.: Adaptations Day To help us become more curious about adaptations, today we meet a worm! Their request will take us on a journey to new places and help us to consider the importance of these amazing creatures. |
|
Thursday |
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.: Cycles Day Flip, flap, and flutter! There goes our friend the swallowtail butterfly! Once we are able to get them to pause for a moment, they will guide us in the topic of cycles. |
|
Friday |
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.: Interrelationships Day Our final friend for the week is the squirrel, and they have much to share with us about how people and nature are connected. This day also includes swimming at a local beach area; have your camper WEAR a swimsuit under their clothes and pack a towel and clothes to change into later in a plastic bag! And if you would like for them to wear any kind of floatation device, we can assist with making sure it is put on correctly. (Note that campers are only allowed into the water as deep as their knees.) |
| 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-toed shoes. Flashlights not needed. 10:00 p.m.: Settle into your tent for the night! Note that open flames (including lanterns and candles) are Saturday 7:00–8:00 a.m.: Breakfast is served! Featuring freshly made pancakes and coffee, plus juices and 8:00–8:30 a.m.: Clean up all overnight gear and get started with the rest of your day. |
What do campers need to wear and bring each day?
Have your camper wear comfortable outdoor clothing and close-toed 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, filled, 20+ oz/each
- Raincoat or poncho — even on sunny days, as storms may roll in through in the afternoon
- Sunscreen and hat
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. Due to allergies, do not send the spray along with your child. We do our best to avoid natural areas that are conducive to high tick numbers, but still check your child for ticks every day.