SUMMER DAY CAMPS
WILD WEEKS summer camps at the Nature Center are fun, educational experiences for all campers. Experienced teachers draw upon the Nature Center staff naturalist and the natural history collection to present a program designed to involve children in the wonders of the natural world. The classroom provides a headquarters for crafts, lessons and shelter from summer heat and thunderstorms as the children engage in exploratory activities throughout the Nature Center.
Each WILD WEEKS session offers a unique theme using both plants and animals to create fun learning activities encompassing the arts, sciences and social studies. As a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, we celebrate the continuous promotion of making proper ethical choices for our environment!
Camp Schedule & Hours
June 1 – August 5, 2011
Weeks One, Two & Three only: June 1-3, June 6-10 & June 13-17 are 9:00 a.m.-12 noon
Weeks Four through Week Ten: Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (arrival time 8:15-8:30 a.m.)
AfterCare: 3:00-5:00 p.m (additional fee, see below)
About Camp
Week One, Two & Three: Pee-Wee Camps are for preschool and kindergarten children with a parent or guardian. All other camp sessions are for children only and designated by grade level.
Weeks Four -Ten offer AfterCare, 3:00-5:00 p.m., for children who need extended care at the 3:00pm close of camp each day. Campers are responsible for bringing closed-toed shoes, a lunch, water bottles and sunscreen. Snacks are provided daily and drinks are available at the gift shop. A refrigerator is on site to store drinks, lunches, and/or medications.
Grade Level & Class Size
Registration is based on the grade the child will be entering in the fall 2011 school year. Example: A rising first grader may register for any camp for grades 1-3. Unless otherwise noted, each class is limited to a maximum of 21 children to ensure individual attention and safety considerations.
Special Needs
The primary goal is safety for campers and staff, and a positive camp experience for all. Camp staff is happy to assist should a camper with a special need require full-time adult supervision. Parents are asked to discuss the need with the program director. Camp registration may be denied if the need is determined to be in excess to camp resources and capabilities.
Fees
Fees include activities, snacks, all materials and a Wild Weeks t-shirt. Pee Wee camp participants receive a special Nature Center gift in lieu of a tee shirt.
Week One $45/child-parent combo, $15 each additional participant
Week Two $75/child-parent combo, $25 each additional participant
Week Three $75/child-parent combo, $25 each additional participant
Weeks Four – Ten:
Friends of the Nature Center Members:
Camp Registration $150/week
AfterCare $50/week
Non-Members:
Camp Registration $175/week
AfterCare $50/week
How to Register
Pre-registration is required with full payment to guarantee enrollment in the camp session of your choice. To register, you may visit the Nature Center on March 1 starting at 8:00am. Please MAKE SURE your membership is up to date – those without a current membership to the Friends of the WNC Nature Center will be required to first obtain a membership and then will be able to get in line for camp registration (you will not be able to obtain your membership AND camp registration in the same line). March 1 is registration for Members Only! Open registration will begin for non-members March 2, 2011. Call 828-298-5600, ext. 305, or go to www.wildwnc.org for more information. No telephone registrations will be accepted. Payments will be deposited promptly upon receipt. NOTE: Those adults who come to the WNC Nature Center at 8:00am March 1 will have preferential acceptance over registration forms that had been mailed and received by our office prior.
Download the WILD WEEKS registration form (pdf)
Cancellation Policy
A fee of $25.00 will apply to all cancellations. Cancellations must be received at least three weeks prior to the camp session to receive a full refund (minus $25 cancellation fee). 50% of the registration fee will be withheld for cancellations made less than two weeks prior to the session (plus the cancellation fee). No refund for cancellations made three days or less prior to the session. Allow four to six weeks for refunds to be issued from the time of cancellation. We highly suggest making payment with a Credit Card as these refunds can be quickly processed.
Camp Descriptions
Week One
Pee-Wee Camp I : Young Scientists (3-day)
June 1-3 (Parents, Pre-K, K children)
Start the summer off right with Pee Wee Camp at the WNC Nature Center. This is the perfect camp for young children (ages 2 to 5) and an adult partner to get acquainted with the wonderful world of animals and nature. Participants have the chance to explore the animal habitats, our Trillium Trail and get crazy with hands-on activities. A wonderful way for parents and grandparents to spend quality time with that special little person in their lives. This camp runs from 9:00 am – 12:00 noon, Wednesday – Friday. Cost is only $45.00 for one child and one adult combination. Additional siblings or adults are $15.00 each.
Instructor: The WNC Nature Center education staff will be hosting our first week of camp.
Week Two
Pee-Wee Camp II : The Animal Kingdom (5 Day)
June 6-10 (Parents, Pre-K, K children)
Our second round of camp for young children (ages 2 to 5) and an adult partner. Each day the children will be introduced to a special animal topic which will include stories, crafts, games, songs, snack, and live animal encounters that tie in with our theme. This camp runs from 9:00 am – 12:00 noon, Monday – Friday. Cost is only $75.00 for one child and one adult combination. Additional siblings or adults are $25.00 each.
Instructor: Carlton Burke operates Carolina Mountain Naturalists, a local educational service which specializes in wildlife and nature programs for camps, schools, and other organizations. Carlton was a former staff member for more than 25 years at the Western North Carolina Nature Center, retiring in 2005 from his position as Curator of Exhibits.
Week Three
Pee-Wee Camp III : Fur & Feathers (5 Day) ** NEW **
June 13-17 (Parents, Pre-K, K children)
Our third round of camp for young children (ages 2 to 5) and an adult partner. With such a high demand for this age group, we have decided to include a third week for our youngest of campers. Our focus will be birds and mammals. This camp runs from 9:00 am – 12:00 noon, Monday – Friday. Cost is only $75.00 for one child and one adult combination. Additional siblings or adults are $25.00 each
Instructor: Lesley Walden is a North Carolina certified teacher with a bachelors degree in Child and Family Development from Georgia Southern University. She has taught and worked with many ages, ranging from Pre-K to 5th grade. Lesley has a great love for children and the outdoors!
Week Four (Classroom Camp)
Rhythms of the Earth ** NEW **
June 20-24 (Grades 1-3)
Everything we do on our planet is connected. This week we will get our hands covered in earth, make friends with red wigglers, grow our own seeds, learn the patterns of local wildlife, and find our own rhythm that connects us to our earth. Our camp focuses on these cycles. Among other things, campers will make worm compost bins, terrariums, rain chains, and recycled art masterpieces. Every child will leave this week excited about how to be an active part in the environmental circle. They will also have the tools and projects to continue this study in their own kitchens and backyards! The rhythms we create will last all summer long......
Instructor: Nicole Phelps is a graduate of University of Tennessee and received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and then a master’s degree in Special Education. She has been teaching for 12 years, four in TN and eight here in western North Carolina.
Week Four (Log Cabin Camp)
ATBI (All Taxa Biodiversity Index) Camp
June 20-24 (Grades 6-9)
Join visiting state scientists for a documentation effort of our Appalachian flora and fauna called the All Taxa Biodiversity Index (ATBI) along the Trillium Trail and Swannanoa River at the WNC Nature Center. Participants will research multiple forms of living organisms found on our property which are then registered into the ATBI database. Prepare to get wet, dirty and challenged! All activities are based on scientific collection modules and will involve digging, seining, netting and identifying species of mollusks, fungi, mammals, birds, fish, flowers and ferns. With any scientific research, we may find a new species not yet documented! Sponsored in part by Kevin Fitzpatrick, naturalist and Friends of the Nature Center board member.
Week Five
Pioneer Living
June 27 – July 1 (Grades 5-7)
Come celebrate the best of American pioneer life with lots of new activities this year. Call our authentic 1850’s Appalachian mountain cabin “home” for the week as we grind local corn for griddle cakes, have a taffy pull, make cheese, barter for goods at our general store, listen to live Appalachian music, play harvest games, make herbal soaps, do barn chores, and more!
Instructor: Barbara Swell has 30 years experience working with children. She has published five historic cookbooks including “Log Cabin Cooking: Pioneer Recipes and Foodlore.” and “Children at the Hearth: 19th century cooking, manners and games.” Barbara has been a Wild Week’s instructor for many years. She will surprise you with her historic creativity
Week Six
Wild Encounters
July 4-8 (Grades 1-3)
If you haven’t seen Carlton Burke’s animals yet, here is your chance. Discovering some of the worlds most fascinating wildlife, you will have a chance to see living specimens of all sort, from crawling creatures to ones that fly gracefully through the air! Outdoor activities, games, and crafts all play a vital role in understanding how animals live and breathe on this Blue Planet of ours. Instructor: Carlton Burke, see Week Two for biography
Week Seven
Reptiles and Amphibians: Fact or Fiction
July 11-15 (Grades 2-4)
Direct observations of snakes, lizards, turtles, toads, frogs, and salamanders will lead to a study of their life cycles and life styles. Coloration, patterns, and shapes will be explored through many crafts and activities.
Instructor: Jeff Menzer holds a Bachelor of Environmental Science from Sierra Nevada College as well as a Bachelor of Fine Arts. He has presented reptiles and amphibian programs to school children locally and worked as a visiting artist in school systems in North Carolina, California and Nevada. Jeff returns to our Wild Weeks program for his 14th year.
Week Eight
Appalachian Explorers
July 18-22 (Grades 1-3)
Get psyched for a “funtastic” week of hands-on exploration as we examine the world of our animal neighbors through crafts, games, stories, cooking, hiking, and exclusive close-up animal encounters...Turtles, Birds, and Snakes-Oh My! You won’t want to miss out on all the excitement!
Instructor: Appalachian Explorer’s Jodi Clere is a third grade teacher for Buncombe County Schools. She has an extensive background working with children. She is a Gold Award Girl Scout, former summer camp leader and has worked as an Outdoor Science Educator in California. She loves the natural world and working with children. “What better way to spend a week of my summer than to combine two things I love...the outdoors and kids!”
Week Nine
Staying Found
July 25-29 (Grades 3-5)
The positive side of how not to get lost! Our week is dedicated to paying attention to the world around you and developing an understanding of basic geography. Map and compass skills, sun rise and sun set, city smarts, and just common sense development will be our priorities during our camp session. S.T.O.P (stop, think, observe & plan) will be our motto.
Instructor: Jeff Menzer, see Week 5 for Jeff’s biography
Week Ten
Forest of Lilliput ** NEW **
August 1-5 (Grades 1-3)
Our final week brings us another new camp. The "Forest of Lilliput" is the discovery of the Appalachian forest; its canopy, the waters and its subterranean inhabitants. An exploration into colors, shapes, and populations of small organisms (insects, plants, fungi and more) will include the use of scientific methodology, games, and crafts to reveal some of nature's secretes of survival. Treks onto the Trillium Trail will require campers to be prepared daily with light backpacks, hiking shoes, and lots of water! Jodi Clere is excited to share the marvels of our tiny inhabitants found deep in our mountain home.
Instructor: Jodi Clere, see Week 8 for Jodi’s biography