Forest Explorers Camp, 07.19 - 07.23
Thank you to all campers and parents for an amazing first week of camp at the nature center! Campers were split into 2 groups and spent the week exploring the wondrous forest and making friends!
Monday: 07/19
Theme: Habitats
We began our week with a hike and scavenger hunt. Campers each received an egg carton to hold their findings in as they navigated the trails. Each camper received their camp shirt and got to tie dye it. In the afternoon, we began our STEM project of making nests.
Tuesday: 07/20
Theme: Trees & plants
Today each group met the resident animals of the JNC and learned why they live here. One group began with feeding Autumn, our resident doe and Sara, a red tailed hawk. We spoke about the differences in the food that they eat and their needs for survival.
One group had an AMAZING encounter with Summer, the deer. Summer used to live with Autumn in the deer enclosure. The story goes that one night, a thunder storm spooked Summer. and she jumped the fence of the enclosure! She continues to live at the nature center, often coming up very closely to visitors. Without instruction, campers remained very calm and giddy as she approached the group. Her visit to the campers provided a magical and unforgettable experience!
The pictures above show campers feeding the deer, making nature inspired mobiles, and writing in their nature journal.
Wednesday: 07/21
Theme: Insects
Wednesday was our bug day! Campers enjoyed hunting for bugs across the nature center. We rolled logs to observe and collect the creepy crawlies that live underneath as well as used nets to sweep for flying insects in the meadow. Campers demonstrated great curiosity with their magnifying glasses. In the afternoon, we played a bee simulation game to mimic the dynamics of honeybees in a hive.
The pictures above show campers making insect habitats, playing a beehive simulation game, digging for earthworms, and working on their STEM nest project.
Thursday: 07/22
Theme: Birds
Campers spent the day learning about birds and we tied in concepts surrounding navigation. On the hike, campers practiced using compasses. We used oranges to make bird feeders. In the afternoon, we played the Great Bird Migration game, learning that there are many variables and problems that can arise along a bird’s migration path. We finished the day by beginning to construct shelters in the forest.
The photos above show campers filling the JNC bird feeders, making their own bird feeders, sing a camp song, and practicing with their compasses.
Friday: 07/23
Theme: Mammals
The day began with some rain! Campers arrived in raincoats and we provided ponchos for those who needed them. We began the day with feeding the JNC resident animals. On our hike, we set up “track traps” using sand to see if we’d be able to detect which animals were sharing our trail path. The rain inspired us to make foil boats and see which shapes floated the best. Today was also our eggdrop day - campers each recieved a raw egg to put in their STEM nest. They then dropped their nest and egg from the nature center’s deck. Unfortunately, all of the eggs broke! This led to a great discussion around building and structure. In the afternoon, we finished the camp week by continuing to build our shelters and making a special treat - ice cream in a bag!
The photos above show campers dropping their eggs, shelter building, and enjoying their end of camp treat!
We appreciate your participation this week! Looking forward to seeing you next summer :)
Please follow this link to access additional photos from the week.