The Dominion Post
West Virginia Botanic Garden offers several options for entertaining and educating are youngsters in the coming summer months.
There are options sof Curious Kids and Nature Explorers Camp to SOAR Camp, you can’t go wrong.
The Summer Nature Camp is the perfect fit if your child loves to spend time outside exploring the beauty of nature. Their curiosity will be truly fulfilled with what this specific camp has to offer. The
Curious camp is structured for the younger campers, having a shorter time span. The camp provides an opportunity for kids to explore and learn about nature.
“From walks in the woods, hands-on investigations, fun activities and crafts, and instruction by knowledgeable educators, your child is sure to have an educational yet fun time when participating.” Erin
Smaldone, camp director, “Children will investigate different types of plants and trees, search for insects in the forests and fields, discover salamanders under logs, birds in the sky, and catch crayfish in the creek.”
During their time at the camp, they will be using a magnifying lense to closely watch and observe flowers and different insects. They will be performing many outdoor activities that are not only educational but fun and enjoyable. They will be provided with the opportunity to engage with other children and meet new people as well. On the more educational side, the children will be conducting outdoor experiments.
Each child will keep a journal of their own with detailed descriptions of their observations and experiences throughout the camp. Also, they will plant seeds they can take home and watch bloom into flowers.
Another option is camp SOAR (Stewardship & Outdoor Appreciation and Readiness), for children entering Grades 5-8 (10 years-old minimum age). During this time, campers will observe, focus, and reflect on the outdoors of the WVBG.
“What an amazing week we shared! From building a fantastic trail by-pass and trail-blazing team stewardship project, to hiking every trail at the wondrous WVBG together; then creating uniquely personal maps throughout the week, while pausing to observe, connect, ask questions, and reflect in our nature journals.” Stacy Clovis-Woofter, SOAR camp director, said about last summer’s camp.
Camp SOAR highlights include visits from community members in nature-oriented careers and an on-site group volunteer project focused on stewardship and conservation. As you can see, this is another fun opportunity for your children to have this summer. Learning, sharing, and enjoying is the goal behind what these camps have to offer.
You can find information on the days and times the camps are offered as well as the grades for each camp on their website: http://wvbg.org/index.php/activities-events/summer-nature-camp .
