At Swift Nature Camp, in Northern Wisconsin, children play outside while learning about Nature and Science. Here are some helpful hints we do at Summer Camp that you can try at home,
Experts tell us the first step in becoming an environmentalist is noticing what nature offers. Such observation often leads to a desire and commitment to conserve and protect the natural world.
Being in nature is a regular part of our Science Summer Camp at Swift Nature Camp. Yet it is so important that we are intentional so we do not overlook the sounds, sights, textures and diversity of the ecosystem.
Please read these simple programs that can be done while walking through the woods. You may need supplies but it will take only a few minutes to get them.
One you feel you have a feel for these activities invite your children's friends to come along, I'm sure they too will enjoy being away from their scheduled lives and enjoy the peace of nature,
Look Down Supplies: Yarn and scissors Ahead of time: Cut the yarn into 15-inch pieces, have one for every two campers. Assignment: Move off the trail, and make a square on the ground with the yarn. Study what you find within the square. What lives there? What is the soil like? What grows there? Use a stick and dig into the ground a little. What do you see? Conversation: What did you find in the square or circle that surprised you?
Life is Full of Decay Supplies: Several magnifying lenses, flashlight Ahead of time: know that you can find some rotten logs. Assignment: Find a downed tree in the woods. Examine what is growing on the log, such as moss or mushrooms. Look for any insects living in or on the log. Shine the flashlight inside the log. Is there evidence of any creatures, such as raccoons, opossum or snakes inside? Examine the bark to see what is happening to it. Turn the log over to see what is happening underneath. How is the forest recycling itself? Use the magnifying glass to look closely at anything that interests you. Conversation: What additional changes would you see next summer?
Take A Wildflower Hike Supplies: Wildflower field guide Ahead of time: Try to do a little research what might be blooming in your area. Assignment: Stop at any wildflower, observe it, and try to figure out how it grows, how it produces seeds, and what type of soil it grows in. Use the field guide to identify the flower. If you have extra time even draw it in nature. Conversation: How are the flowers alike? How are they different?
Swift Nature Camp is an overnight summer camp that prides itself in helping children become better stewards of the planet. We hope these nature projects helped give you something new and different next time you are walking through the park. If you child is interested in these sorts of activities have them join us next summer.
If this is your first time thinking about Summer Camp look at Summer Camp Advice a free website that helps parents find the right camp for their child. - 29291
Experts tell us the first step in becoming an environmentalist is noticing what nature offers. Such observation often leads to a desire and commitment to conserve and protect the natural world.
Being in nature is a regular part of our Science Summer Camp at Swift Nature Camp. Yet it is so important that we are intentional so we do not overlook the sounds, sights, textures and diversity of the ecosystem.
Please read these simple programs that can be done while walking through the woods. You may need supplies but it will take only a few minutes to get them.
One you feel you have a feel for these activities invite your children's friends to come along, I'm sure they too will enjoy being away from their scheduled lives and enjoy the peace of nature,
Look Down Supplies: Yarn and scissors Ahead of time: Cut the yarn into 15-inch pieces, have one for every two campers. Assignment: Move off the trail, and make a square on the ground with the yarn. Study what you find within the square. What lives there? What is the soil like? What grows there? Use a stick and dig into the ground a little. What do you see? Conversation: What did you find in the square or circle that surprised you?
Life is Full of Decay Supplies: Several magnifying lenses, flashlight Ahead of time: know that you can find some rotten logs. Assignment: Find a downed tree in the woods. Examine what is growing on the log, such as moss or mushrooms. Look for any insects living in or on the log. Shine the flashlight inside the log. Is there evidence of any creatures, such as raccoons, opossum or snakes inside? Examine the bark to see what is happening to it. Turn the log over to see what is happening underneath. How is the forest recycling itself? Use the magnifying glass to look closely at anything that interests you. Conversation: What additional changes would you see next summer?
Take A Wildflower Hike Supplies: Wildflower field guide Ahead of time: Try to do a little research what might be blooming in your area. Assignment: Stop at any wildflower, observe it, and try to figure out how it grows, how it produces seeds, and what type of soil it grows in. Use the field guide to identify the flower. If you have extra time even draw it in nature. Conversation: How are the flowers alike? How are they different?
Swift Nature Camp is an overnight summer camp that prides itself in helping children become better stewards of the planet. We hope these nature projects helped give you something new and different next time you are walking through the park. If you child is interested in these sorts of activities have them join us next summer.
If this is your first time thinking about Summer Camp look at Summer Camp Advice a free website that helps parents find the right camp for their child. - 29291
About the Author:
About the authors: Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz are the directors of Swift Nature Camp, a non-competitive, traditional overnight Animal Summer Camp. Boys and Girls Ages 6-15 enjoy nature & animals along with traditional camping activities. As a Summer Kids Camp Swift specializes in programs for the First Time Campers as well as Adventure Teen Camp programs
