REPOST: Nature camp offers outdoors adventure for kids

Summer camps teach children a lot about the environment, the crucial role it plays in sustaining life on Earth, and how little things can make a strong impact on the preservation of Mother Nature. Get more insights from the article below:

Campers are shown on one of the many field trips provided by Hudson Highlands Nature Summer Science and Nature Camp | Image source: poughkeepsiejournal.com


Although winter is still weighing heavily in the Hudson Valley, spring will be here before you know it, and it’s not too soon to start planning for summer camp for children and teenagers.

The Hudson Highlands Nature Museum is getting ready for summer campers. The Museum’s Science & Nature Camp, for children ages 4-12, takes place in one-week sessions from June 29 until Aug. 28. There is also a two-week program for ages 13-16. The camp features a bucolic setting, small group size and experienced Hudson Highlands Nature Museum staff.

“We are very excited about this year’s summer camp,” education director Lisa Mechaley said in a written statement. “Our experienced staff members bring great strengths to this program and they enjoy sharing science, nature and the outdoors with children.”

Space is limited and early registration is encouraged. Online registration is available. Early drop-off and late pick-up are also offered. There is a 3 percent discount for those who register before April 3.

Here’s a look at this summer’s programming:

•The Ramblers Program is for children ages 4-6. This program meets in week-long sessions at the museum’s Outdoor Discovery Center. Half-day sessions are offered for children ages 4 and 5 from 9-11:45 a.m. and a full-day program is offered for ages 5 and 6 from 8:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Extended hours and a lunch program for the half-day ramblers are an option. Campers will take part in nature adventures, hikes, crafts, games and music. Every week will include a field trip day to the museum’s Wildlife Education Center to meet live animals and experience its exhibits and trails. Parents provide transportation.

•The Trekkers Program is for children ages 7-12. Campers take part in week-long, adventure programs. This camp takes place at the museum’s Outdoor Discovery Center. One day each week is spent exploring the Hudson River at Kowawese Unique Area in New Windsor and another day on a field trip or hike. Campers meet for a six-hour day (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) each week and bring their own lunch, bottled water and snack. Extended hours are an option. Transportation is by chartered bus for field trips. Parents provide transportation to local off-site destinations.

•The Eco-Rangers Program is for children ages 13-16 and features two weeks: July 20-24 and Aug. 10-14. Eco-Rangers will start the week with three days of wilderness adventures, including two day-long expeditions kayaking or canoeing, and hiking or participating in a high ropes course. They will complete the week with one overnight stay, sleeping under the stars with a hammock to keep. Dinner, s’mores, ice cream and breakfast are included. This camp takes place at the museum’s Outdoor Discovery Center, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday-Wednesday; 6 p.m. Thursday to 8 a.m. Friday.

Interested campers can find out more information, become a member or register for camp at hhnm.org and click on “summer camp” or call 845-534-5506, ext. 211.

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