Summer Camps 2012

Half-day Camps for ages 2-7

Itty Bitty Briars

Ages 2-3 with adult
$80
Toddlers and adults learn and play together! Camp instructors weaves stories, games, songs, crafts, live animal encounters and nature walks into the day, making sure toddlers feel safe and comfortable while taking their first adventures in nature. Morning and afternoon camps in each session duplicate curriculum.
Session A
#300 - June 4 – 8, 10-11:30am
#301 - June 4 – 8, 1-2:30pm
Session B
#302 - June 11 – 15, 10-11:30am
#303 - June 11 – 15, 1-2:30pm

Seedlings

Ages 4-5
9:30am-noon
$145
Adventurous and curious, preschoolers love to learn about nature through discovery and play. Each week, mini-lessons on the theme build campers' knowledge of natural concepts while games, crafts, hikes, animal encounters and free time to explore make learning tons of fun.
Session C – Green and Growing
#305 - June 25-29
#306 - July 2-6 (no camp 7/4 - $120)
Session D – Things With Wings
#307 - July 9-13
#308 - July 23-27
Session E – Have to Have a Habitat
#309 - July 30 – August 3
#310 - August 6-10
Session F – Tracks and Traces
#311 - August 20-24
#312 - August 27-31

Saplings

Ages 6-7
1-4pm
$175    
Please note, the summer camp pdf lists this camp's end time and price incorrectly
Young campers put their boundless energy and fearless attitude to good use as they investigate all forms of life in and around the nature center. Each session includes camp favorites like dip-netting in the pond and meeting live animals up-close, plus unique activities, crafts and adventures based on the session's theme.
Session G – What's the Difference?
#313 - June 25-29
#314 - July 9-13
Session H – Animal Detectives
#315 - July 16- 20
#316 - July 23-27
Session I – Circles and Cycles
#317 - July 30 – August 3
#318 - August 13-17
Session J - Nature's Artists
#319 - August 20-24
#320 - August 27-31

Full-day Camps for ages 8-18

All full-day camps run 9:30am-4pm
( * denotes available before/after care)

Earth Trekkers* 

Ages 8-9
June 25-29 (#321)
$305
Adventure is the name of the game! Each day, Trekkers travel to local forests, fields and creeks to hike, splash, chase frogs, compare leaves and discover what’s around the next bend. This camp is designed to encourage a sense of discovery and to stimulate the imagination of the campers as they learn about the natural world around them. By the end of the week, campers will know the secrets to nature simply by immersing themselves in it.

Water in the Wild*

Ages 8-9
July 23-27 (#325)
$305
Kids and water go together like peanut butter and jelly, and what better time to explore local waterways than the hottest part of the summer! Campers travel to a variety of aquatic habitats to learn about the importance of water and discover the cool creatures that live in it. Swimming ability is not required – just a sturdy pair of water shoes and the desire to splash.

Naturally Artful*

Ages 8-9
August 13-17 (#328)
$305

Ages 10-12
July 2, 3, 5, 6 (no camp 7/4) (#322)
$245

For young artists of all skill levels, stepping into nature can open the mind to undiscovered avenues of creativity. Our staff and special guest artists lead campers in creating inspired works of art using a variety of media. Between projects, campers unwind with our resident animals, nature walks and other favorite nature camp activities. On Friday, parents and friends are invited to a special art exhibition unveiling the campers’ projects.

Animals All Around*

Ages 8-9
July 16- 20 (#324)
$305

Ages 10-12  
August 6-10 (#327)
$305

Using both captive and wild live animals, taxidermy and even dissection techniques, campers investigate animals from the inside out. Outdoors, campers learn to identify local birds, mammals, and insects based on appearance, sound, and tracks. Inside, animal enthusiasts spend ample time caring for our resident critters. On Friday, parents and friends are invited to a special camper-led animal program.

Lenape Living*

Ages 10-12
August 20-24 (#329)
$380
What was life like in Pennsylvania 700 years ago, before cars, electricity and indoor plumbing? Campers travel back in time to experience the ways of the Lenape people, making stone tools, building a fire, constructing a natural shelter, even tanning a deer’s hide, all while hearing traditional legends and stories. Campers spend the final night camping at French Creek State Park.

Daring Camp for Girls*

Ages 10-12
August 27-31  (#330)
$305
Girly girl or total tomboy, your independent "tween" is sure to build self-esteem and boost her confidence in nature during this week of no-boys-allowed adventure. Taking our cue from The Daring Book for Girls, campers will work with power tools, build fires, swing from trees and discover how much fun it is to just be themselves.

Overnight Camping Adventure

Ages 10-12
July 30 – August 3 (#326)
$450
Camping benefits kids in so many ways: It immerses campers in nature, requires planning ahead and develops self-reliance through proper equipment use and basic survival knowledge. Teamwork forges social skills and lasting friendships, plus it’s tons of fun! Mark Fallon, senior naturalist and educator, teaches campers how to be safe, comfortable and prepared when venturing outdoors. A local “test run” at nearby Alverthorpe Park the first night (followed by a good night’s sleep back home) will prepare them for a three-day excursion to Hickory Run State Park.

Serve and Learn*

Ages 14-18
July 9-13 (#323)
$305
Whether your teen needs service hours for school or just wants to give back to the community, volunteering is all about getting out, getting involved, and having a fun and rewarding experience. At Briar Bush and other nearby parks, campers will learn about nature and the environment then put their knowledge to good use by completing hands-on projects, some selected or designed by the campers themselves.