WAYNESBORO – Discover the many animals that roam, swim, crawl or fly around our region during a new summer day camp offered by Buttonwood Nature Center, home of The Institute.
The Animal Adventures camp is on Thursday, July 31, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Buttonwood Nature Center near Waynesboro. It is open to kids ages 7–12.
Students will delve into the world of birds on a guided hike and learn how many birds have adapted to their environments.
“For example, finches have a specific type of beak which allows them to break up larger seeds to eat,” said Shawna Kauffman, Buttonwood’s director of education. “Some birds have webbed feet if swimming is a part of their daily activities, while others have feet designed to grab branches. Every bird species has their own individual adaptations.”
Campers will explore the Chesapeake Bay watershed and create their own “bay in a bottle” craft.
They will also examine pollinators, especially the Monarch butterfly migration. There will be an opportunity to collect and observe insects.
Nature-themed games and activities will focus on the ecosystem as a whole. An ecosystem is a system formed by living creatures and their interaction with their environment. Campers will explore the elements needed for a healthy ecosystem, along with concepts like predator versus prey, and creating a food web.
“Throughout the day, it is our goal to connect the kids to the local ecosystems at Buttonwood, and to give them a glimpse into the wildlife that surrounds them,” said Kauffman.
Campers should wear weather-appropriate clothing that can get dirty with closed-toed shoes, and bring water, two snacks and a packed lunch.
Registration for the camp is required. Camp fee: $50 for members of Buttonwood Nature Center/The Institute, and $55 general public. Readers may register online at www.buttonwoodnaturecenter.org.
For more information, they also may call 717-762-0373 or email to [email protected].
This program is supported in part by Buttonwood’s Today’s Horizon Fund Contributors: The Nora Roberts Foundation; Marge Kiersz; APX Enclosures; Don Gibe and Nancy Erlanson; and the family of the late Carolyn Terry Eddy, with daughters Connie Fleagle & Kim Larkin.
