Wild About Nature
Camp Information
Fee: $325/wk ($300 for multiple children/weeks)
Schedule: 9am drop-off; 3pm pick-up (4pm pick-up option for an additional $25/child)
Group size: 10 campers, 2 counselors
Week 1: June 21-25 – Common Senses
Just like humans, wild animals are constantly using their five senses. During this week, campers will learn how animals use their senses to survive, while comparing them to our own. Will you hear as well as a deer? Can you follow a trail using just your sense of smell? Find out during this exciting week of discovery!
Week 2: June 28 – July 2 – Ecosystem Insanity
Spend a week exploring the diverse habitats of Camp Denison! Campers will search fields, forests, and wetlands for native animals while learning a bit more about what makes these ecosystems work. Campers will be challenged to make their own soil, catch frogs and dragonflies, and to create a terrarium based on their favorite ecosystem. Become an ecosystem expert!
Week 3: July 5 – 9 – Animal Homes
Just like humans, animals need a home to come back to after a long day in the woods. Some of these homes are very complex; beavers build extensive dams and lodges, birds construct sturdy nests, and several local animals create deep, winding tunnels. During this week, we will explore these unique animal homes and hopefully watch their construction! Campers will also have an opportunity to build their own homes. Will you be able to create a waterproof structure?
Week 4: July 12 – 16 – Tracking and Trailing
In order to be a great tracker, you must be patient and sneaky; are you up for the challenge? Spend a week learning how to find game trails, identify tracks and animal sign, as well as how to sneak up on unsuspecting prey. We will hone our stalking skills and learn how to camouflage our bodies and our scents. By the end of the week, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a skilled tracker!
Week 5: July 19 – 23 – Woodland Safari
The woods and wetlands that make up Camp Denison and the adjacent Baldpate State Forest are home to an astounding number of animals; which makes it a great place to go on a safari! Each day you’ll focus on a different local animal, learn about what makes it special, and then head to its habitat in the hopes of seeing it! Over the years we’ve seen deer, fox, muskrat, and otter just to name a few!
Week 6: July 26 – 30 – I’ll Fly Away
The gift of flight allows certain animals to have a serious advantage in the wild. Spend a week studying birds and bugs and learning the secrets of flight. Be prepared to create your own airborne devices while also catching dragonflies, building bird blinds, and searching for baby ducks on Baldpate Pond!
Week 7: August 2 – 6 -Ecosystem Insanity II
Spend a week exploring the diverse habitats of Camp Denison! Campers will search fields, forests, and wetlands for native animals while learning a bit more about what makes these ecosystems work. Campers will be challenged to make their own soil, catch frogs and dragonflies, and to create a terrarium based on their favorite ecosystem. Become an ecosystem expert!
Week 8: August 9 – 13 – Wetland Wonders
There’s an entire world of creatures just below the surface of the water. Spend a week getting to know these underwater creatures as well as those that dwell above the waterline. We’ll study how beavers make their dams and lodges, how insects breathe underwater, and see if we can catch any of the fish that live in Baldpate Pond!
Cancellation policy: If a week or weeks of camp need to be cancelled due to COVID-19, all camp families will receive a full refund.
All payments are fully refundable prior to June 1. After June 1, you are entitled to a refund (less deposit) only if we can fill your camper’s spot off our wait list.