Session Themes Summer Nature Camp Program

Our Growing Garden (One Week Session) June 7-11

The Children's Garden will be the focal spot for this week. Children will dig in the dirt, plant seeds and tend to the plots. We'll investigate pollination (bees and others), look for decomposers (worms, bugs, etc), and learn about composting. Plus we'll plant seeds and decorate pots to take home at the end of the week. Then join us for the Children's Garden Harvest in August. Check out the Nature's Harvest session.

Forest Fun (Two Week Session) June 14-18, June 21-25

Come discover why the forest truly is a "Wonderful Place." Outdoor adventures will investigate every inch of the forest looking under each rock, rolling over every log, peering up at every tree, and spying beneath every bush and much more.

Our Wild Kingdom (Two Week Session) June 28-July 2, July 6-9

Get up close and personal with the Animal Ambassadors of NCNC. Examine what makes these critters tick as we head outdoors to discover all about Our Wild Kingdom of Animals living at NCNC. Get a behind the scenes peek at Animal Care central & lend a helping hand to help care for these amazing animals. Explore importance of camouflage as campers experiment with how well they can blend in with the woods.

• Age 6 & up: Gain a first-hand understanding of predator/prey relationships through games and interactive activities. Practice naturalist skills with some tree ID.
• Age 8 & up: In addition, become an expert on a specific Animal Ambassador and present your knowledge during our Summer Showcase (end of session).
• Age 10-12: Practice operant conditioning and field zoology through games and demos. Field trips may include exploring Devil's Den, going behind the scenes at Maritime Aquarium, Beardsley Zoo or exploring careers in animal care at a local ver's office.

Wet, Wild & Wonderful Water (Two Week Session) July 12-16, July 19-23

Come cool down on these hot days of summer while we explore Marsh & Kiwanis ponds and get up close to an array of aquatic creatures. Hop around with the frogs and see what makes salamanders so slick. Discover the importance of water to the denizens of NCNC and to us. Become a beaver for the day and see why these animals are always so busy.

• Age 6 & up: explore our connection to Long Island Sound by creating your very own Sound in a jar. Design and investigate your very own watershed model.
• Age 10-12: Visit Long Island sound, learn about water safety & perfect your paddling skills with a canoe trek on a local waterway plus a thrilling whitewater dash down the Housatonic (w/overnight).

Keepers Of Our Earth (Two Week Session) July 26-30, Aug 2-6

Explore the many ties we have to the earth and leave your mark on NCNC for others to see via special stewardship projects. Explore recycled art projects and act out Native stories/folklore about plants, animals, and the Earth. Try your hand ad traditional Native American games and learn how these "games" really mean so much more.

• Age 6 & up: Experiment with paper making and using wood as a resource.
• Age 12-15: NEW ENGLAND EXCURSION / ADVENTURE TRIP

Nature's Harvest (Two Week Session) Aug 9-13, Aug 16-20

See what the Children's Garden has yielded over the summer and use its bounty as part of a yummy summer snack to enjoy with other campers. Go hunting for berries and other wild edibles on the tract. Explore the Apple Orchard to see what treats are dangling from the branches.

• Age 6 & up: Head out to do some tracking - see what's around and practice tracking other camp groups. Explore the importance of teamwork in making the harvest a success.
• Age 10-12: Visit a working farm and help harvest. Hike a section of the Appalachian Trail nearby the farm. Prepare for the hike by making your own provisions (ie. dehydrate food to take on trail; GORP, etc).

Summer Medley Madness! (One Week Session) August 23-27

Choose your own adventure during this last week of camp. Each day we will have a super fun medley of activities/games/crafts taking a quick sample of all the previous sessions. Enjoy tons of good old fashioned camp fun during this final week of camp!