Forest Friends: Week 1
July 10-14
Nature Head to Toe + Wildlife Wonders
Day 1:
Today was an exciting first day of camp here at the Johnson Nature Center! Our Forest Friends began the day by having a chance to explore the outdoor classroom and get to know one another. Campers got to feed Autumn, the friendly deer that lives here at the nature center. After giving Autumn her breakfast they explored the hawk’s meadow and decorated a tree with clay and pieces of nature. The afternoon activities consisted of playing in the sugar bush, an area consisting of trees and a cabin where maple syrup is made. Campers had the opportunity to observe different plants and critters up close with magnifying glasses, build forts, and draw their surroundings. After all the busy activities, campers then headed home to get some rest before tomorrow!
Day 2:
Day two with our Forest Friends started off with a fun game of ‘chase the stewards around the outdoor classroom’! Autumn the deer was then fed her breakfast with the help of campers. After, our two groups split off to begin their nature lessons. One group traveled to the Lookout Tower, where a story about fairies was read to the campers to begin their exploration. They then got to create their own fairy homes. The other group learned about plants before getting to plant their own in the greenhouse. They then went on a hike through the woods, before heading to lunch. Prior to being picked up, our chefs got to play in our special mud kitchen that is stocked with cooking supplies and natural items to make fun dishes! The cabin and woods were also traveled to, where campers were able to swing or play on a seesaw. Then we parted ways and said farewell to those who will not be returning for other camps this summer!
Day 3:
Today was the first day of Wildlife Wonders with our Forest Friends! Campers got to play with one another and animal pelts in the outdoor classroom to start the day. The next activity was helping to feed the Nature Center owl. Campers then read a story about owls to learn about their behavior, lifestyle, and habitat. Next, they got to investigate sterilized animal pellets. Campers discovered bones from a variety of different owl prey, such as mice, birds, shrews, etc. After lunch and playing on logs, they traveled to the sugar bush to build forts, look at bugs with microscopes, and dig for worms! After reflecting on their first day campers were sent home.
Day 4:
As our Forest Friends got dropped off today, the campers played in the tent we had set up, played lots of chase, and painted rocks, trees and a canvas! Our first lesson and activity today focus on bugs and other insects! After learning about bugs, campers worked together to build a bug hotel! They built both a home and a kitchen with a bridge across the two for bugs to travel around. Since we did not have much time to explore the sugar bush yesterday, we returned back to it today. Campers helped add twigs and branches to the fort at the sugar bush, played hide and seek, and found more worms before heading home.
Day 5:
For the last day of Wildlife Wonders, we continued with our lesson on bugs. The day started with lots of chasing and imprisoning the stewards, a game that they all love. The Forest Friends read another book and worked more on constructing their bug hotel. Today’s hike took us back to the Sugar Bush which seems to be a favorite amongst the campers, before heading towards the lookout tower. Campers climbed to the top and spotted different objects like bird houses. Then we stopped to look at the falcon before heading back to the outdoor classroom. After lunch we made a final trip to the mud kitchen, and campers played with more kitchen supplies working to make meals requested by staff. We then said goodbye to the campers and look forward to see those who will be coming back for another week this summer!
