Boston Nature Center Camp - Sing, Sculpt, Splatter August 15, 2011

Weekly themes (below) will be explored in a multitude of meaningful and interesting ways to ensure that each camper ends the week with a well-rounded understanding of the overall theme, in addition to a better understanding and appreciation of nature in general. The weekly theme is explored through a combination of the following activities: close observations, investigations, simple projects, nature journals, walks on the trails, art activities, related group games, songs, and more. The open house on the last day of every week invites campers to share their understanding of the weekly theme with their friends and families. - - Week 1 - June 27-July 1: Mammals, birds, & bugs, oh my! (Wildlife) - Under rocks and leaves, in tree tops and underground - animals can be found in the most surprising places! We will explore the forest and field for signs of life as we uncover the world of wildlife at the BNC. Be ready to dig in the dirt or search the sky to discover the animals that are all around us. - - Week 2 - July 5-8: Water Wizards (Water) - Where does rain come from? When a puddle disappears, where does it go? What kinds of organisms live in water? Investigate water in its many forms and discover how plants and animals use water to survive. - - Week 3 - July 11-15: Mud Mysteries (Soil) - Dirt, soil, earth...whatever you call it, it's amazing. Grab your shovel and compare different kinds of soil, make a mud milkshake, and sculpt with clay. By the end of the week, you'll have figured out why dirt is so important and leave with the best mud pie recipe. - - Week 4 - July 18-22: Five Alive (Senses) - Nature is a feast for the senses. We will listen for bird songs on the trail, smell fresh herbs from the garden and search high and low for local wildlife. Did you know that our animal friends have amazing senses to help them survive? We will play games to help you see like an owl and listen like a fox. - - Week 5 - July 25-29: Life Under My Feet (Wildlife) - Ever wonder about all the tiny things that live underneath our footsteps? How do they move, eat, and sleep? You will use tools, conduct experiments, and observe with your senses to gain an up close and personal peak into the lives of these small creatures. So, flip over a log, turn over a rock, or dig in the dirt to unearth all the secrets beneath your feet! - - Week 6 - August 1-5: Little Sprouts (Plants & Food) - "Inch by inch, row by row," come learn how the garden grows. Help out in the garden and discover where our food comes from. Find out what plants need to grow and use all of your senses to explore the garden habitat. - - Week 7 - August 8-12: All My Friends are Insects (Insects & Others) - If you and your friends were as strong as ants, you could carry a car. If you were a monarch butterfly, you could fly for thousands of miles. Find amazing bugs and insects living in unexpected places. They're so cool, you'll want them all to be your friends! - - Week 8 - August 15-19: Sing, Sculpt, Splatter (Art & Nature) - Paint, glue, crayons, dirt, berries, and flowers will be the materials and tools you will use to explore nature through art. Celebrate wildlife with puppets, songs and dances. Observe and learn about nature through art projects made from recycled materials. You will spend plenty of time outside painting and drawing in this week filled with art and nature. - - Week 9 - August 22-26: Try It Out (Science Investigations) - Do turkeys fly? What's inside a seed? Can owls turn their heads all the way around? Every time you ask a question, you're thinking like a scientist! We'll take your questions about plants, animals, water, and more - and turn them into fun investigations. - - - - Registration is on a first come, first served basis. Children can attend up to 4 weeks of camp. If additional weeks are desired, you may be put on a waiting list. Registration is required. Call 617-983-8500 for details. See http://www.massaudubon.org/catalog/listing.php?program_code=761-BN11SU7 for more information.