We Are Now Accepting Registrations for Our 2012 Nature Day Camp Sessions!
RHA’s Nature Day Camp programs encourage children to explore, create and play in a vibrant outdoor setting. This unique outdoor learning experience is absent of video games, tv and competitive sports. Instead, children experience nature together, developing a strong appreciation for the outdoors and learning how to protect our natural environment. Each course is led by RHA’s Associate Naturalists and trained assistants, with a teacher to child ratio of 1:4. Children discover wildlife, habitats, adaptations, plants, insects, birds, predator-prey interactions and more through field activities, stories, crafts and hands-on projects.
What Is a Typical Day at Nature Camp Like?
Every morning children are greeted by their Camp Counselors and Helpers and start off with a new sight or sound for the day – maybe a bird song, a painted turtle sunning itself on the edge of the pond or a traditional story about nature. This reflection helps us to set the focus for the day, be it water, weather, bugs, soil or any other of the fun subjects we explore.
On hot days, we like to get our exploring done in the cool morning hours, so we often set right out on a hike to one of the special places on Fairview Farm’s beautiful 170 acres! Favorite destinations include the Bird and Butterfly Garden, a stream, our pond or a shady forest glen. With magnifiers and binoculars in hand, campers set the pace and decide on the destination.
Alternating between action and restful activities, after exploration time we grab a snack and drink of water and then enjoy a hands-on activity under the shade of a tree or in our nature classroom. Following up with a game such as camouflage, a scavenger hunt or building our own habitats with found materials, we are always ready for mid-day lunch! Another cool-down activity (Drip Drip Splash is a big favorite) is followed by camper’s choice – more outdoor exploration or finishing up our craft for the day.
At least once a week we have a special visitor – a scientist that studies snakes, turtles or butterflies, a fisherman, or other interesting guest who help us understand and appreciate the outdoors even more! To remember each day for years to come, every camper keeps a Nature Journal in which they record their reflections at the end of each day of Nature Camp.
With a day full of fresh air, fun and exploration, campers leave Nature Day Camp feeling happy and full of new discoveries to share with friends and family!
TREE FROGS
July 9 – 13
Ages 7-10 • Fairview Farm Wildlife Preserve • 10:00am – 2:00pm
Adventure is waiting for you! Learn about the birds and animals living in the woods and fields on Fairview Farm and investigate the creatures living in our pond. Join us as we explore the outdoors with hikes, games, projects and more! Look forward to guest naturalists and learn how you can make a difference by protecting the wild creatures of central New Jersey.
*Cost: $175 per child
PLEASANT VALLEY MILLS FARM CAMP
July 16 – 20
Ages 9-13 • Pleasant Valley Mills Farm, Roxiticus Road, Mendham • 8:00am – 2:00pm
Experience the workings of a family farm! Roll up your sleeves and pitch in to take on the daily care of the farm animals, work in the organic vegetable garden and learn about local wildlife. Each day will involve creative projects, outdoor experiences and exploration of the neighboring habitats along the North Branch of the Raritan River!
*Cost: $225 per child
RED SQUIRRELS
July 23 – 27
Ages 5-6 • Fairview Farm Wildlife Preserve • 9:30am – 1:30pm
Get ready to explore the exciting mysteries of nature. Discover who lives where, who eats whom, and what’s hidden high and low! Join us as we learn about woods, fields and streams with adventures, stories and games. Take home projects each day to help you explore the secrets of nature in your own backyard.
*Cost: $175 per child
HONEY BEES
July 30 – August 3
Ages 3-4 • Fairview Farm Wildlife Preserve • 9:00 am – 11:30 pm
Bring your little one to Fairview Farm for a morning full of fun nature games, stories and crafts. We will buzz all over Fairview Farm, exploring the environment and making new discoveries each day!
*Cost: $125 per child
Registration Form
Registration and Refund Deadline: June 1, 2012
*Non-Members: Paying one $50 family membership fee will qualify you to register for RHA’s Nature Day Camp! Click here to renew your membership now.