Ages: 4–5 (preschool/kindergarten)
In this all-day camp, preschoolers and kindergartners will fuel their curiosity and explore the natural world with some time focused on tiny plants like moss, ferns, algae, and lycopodiums (which look like tiny pine trees). Each day will include a balance of games, several trips to the bathrooms, exploration, some restful or lower energy time, activities focused on learning in and about nature, a short Camp Stamp Puzzler search (like a scavenger hunt), and afternoon circle. Note that while there are plants chosen to focus on each day, those serve more as a guide and are a way to focus exploration energy. We will not go deep into any topic, emphasizing creative play and other learning “objectives” (like shapes, colors, and numbers) appropriate for this age group.
Registration Information
Cost:
$260 for nonmembers (save 15% with membership)
Time:
Tuesday–Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Friday, 5:00 p.m.–Saturday, 8:00 a.m. (Optional family programming — see schedule for details)
Dates (Choose one):
June 17–21 , 2025
June 24–28, 2025
July 1–5, 2025*
July 15–18, 2025
July 22–26, 2025
July 29–August 2, 2025
*Please note that camp will run as scheduled on July 4.
Optional Transportation for the weeks of July 1 and July 29 only:
Bus transportation will be provided for an additional fee ($70 per camper) from the Spikes Stadium at Medlar Field, 701 Porter Road. Drop-off (Tuesday–Friday) will be from 8:00–8:30 a.m., and pick-up (Tuesday–Thursday) will be from 4:30–5:00 p.m. Pick-up on Friday is at 5:00 p.m. at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center. You must register for bus transportation separately during the registration process in order to secure space.
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
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Tuesday |
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.: Biodiversity Day What is it about moss that makes it so magical? And who knew there were so many different kinds?! Today we take time to get up close and hands on with that fluffy green layer of plants that is so fun to touch and practice comparing what makes one moss different from another. |
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Wednesday |
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.: Adaptations Day To help us become more curious about adaptations, today we take a closer look at ferns and the things that make them neat. What are those dry, brownish-reddish things on the bottoms of their leaves? And why do they grow in the forest, under the taller trees? Perhaps by the end of today we will have a few more answers and a lot more questions! |
|
Thursday |
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.: Cycles Day Algae is so wild, and without it we, and the wild animals, would have less oxygen to breathe. What other cycles in nature might algae be a part of or what cycles of their own might we be able to explore today? Let’s go find out! |
|
Friday |
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.: Interrelationships Day “Lycopodium” is a big word. But scientists haven’t chosen anything easier to refer to the plants that look like tiny pine trees growing in the forest. After sounding the word out (“lie-co-podium”), we will search for and get to know these incredible plants. This day also includes swimming at a local beach area; have your camper WEAR a swimsuit under their clothes and pack a towel and clothes to change into later in a plastic bag! And if you would like for them to wear any kind of floatation device, we can assist with making sure it is put on correctly. (Note that campers are only allowed into the water as deep as their knees.) |
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Friday evening–Saturday morning
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Optional Family Programming Friday 5:00 p.m.: Enjoy your own self-provided dinner on the front lawn. With no cooking facilities available, please bring something that is easy and quick. Plan to take home any leftovers, plus the dishes the food came in and any plates/cups/silverware/napkins that you bring with you. *Please note that although we love dogs, only service dogs are welcome on Shaver’s Creek property. Setup for all Friday evening activities (including the picnic and camping) begins no earlier than 4:45 p.m. This includes all types of tents, food, blankets, chairs, sleeping bags, tarps, and other materials related to any Friday evening activity on any part of Shaver’s Creek property, including the Front Yard, forested areas, open areas, and parking areas. People arriving before 4:45 p.m. will be asked to return to their vehicles with all their gear and remain there until 4:45 p.m. This is to ensure that all programming happening up until 5:00 p.m. can provide closure to the week for each participant. We appreciate your understanding and assistance to make the end of everyone’s camp week the best that it can be! 5:30–6:30 p.m.: Aviary open with an interpreter available to answer questions! 6:00 p.m.: Shaver’s Creek bookstore closes. 6:30 p.m.: Interested in staying for more camp fun? Meyer Dairy ice cream to be provided! 7:15 p.m.: Campfire program! Campers and staff from Discovery, Explorer, and Investigator programs will present a myriad of poems, skits, stories, and adventures from the camp week. Bring along a blanket/chair or sit on the giant rocks in front of the stage. 8:30–9:30 p.m.: It’s time to head out on the trail for a night walk! Bring warm layers and wear closed-toed shoes. Flashlights not needed. 10:00 p.m.: Settle into your tent for the night! Note that open flames (including lanterns and candles) are Saturday 7:00–8:00 a.m.: Breakfast is served! Featuring freshly made pancakes and coffee, plus juices and 8:00–8:30 a.m.: Clean up all overnight gear and get started with the rest of your day. |
What do campers need to wear and bring each day?
Have your camper wear comfortable outdoor clothing and close-toed shoes each day for camp! The trails can be VERY MUDDY in some places and, in order to follow Leave No Trace principles, we will be walking through the mud.
In a backpack suitable for carrying throughout the day, please bring the following items:
- Lunch and snacks — nutritionally balanced, nut-free, and packed in reusable containers when possible. Anything brought in will need to be packed back out. Do not send nuts or nut butters in lunches or snacks. (Food processed in a facility that also processes nuts is alright.)
- 2 water bottles full of water — reusable, non-glass, filled, 20+ oz/each
- Raincoat or poncho — even on sunny days, as storms may roll in through in the afternoon
- Sunscreen and hat
On Friday, you need to wear your swimsuit and bring a towel and sunscreen!
Important Notes: If you are using insect repellent, apply it to your child before arriving at camp. Due to allergies, do not send the spray along with your child. We do our best to avoid natural areas that are conducive to high tick numbers, but still check your child for ticks every day.