At Swift Nature Camp, a Summer Camp in Northern Wisconsin, children play outside while learning about Nature and Science. Here are some helpful hints parents can do at home
Teachers tell us the first step in becoming an environmentalist is seeing what nature offers. Often this can lead to a desire and commitment to conserve and protect the natural world we live in. This is one of our fundamental principals at Swift Nature Camp Walking or hiking through the woods is a regular part of Summer Science Camp.
However, with out having a purpose many times staff and campers merely walk along the trail without really noticing what is around them. They overlook the sounds, sights, textures and diversity of the ecosystem.
So when you take your kids out in nature, try these things. Simple supplies are needed, so it will take only a few minutes to collect them. Or you can plan and keep them on the side ready to go.
Groups can stop along the way and do the activities together, or small groups can be assigned particular activities during the entire hike. Campers can choose one or more of the following activities:
Find the Color Supplies: Paint samples--you can get these at the paint store for free. Ahead of time: Pass out the color strips. Assignment: Look for colors in nature that match the color strip. Record what you find. You can collect any samples on the ground, but if the color is on a living plant, you can pick it only if there are six remaining after you have done so. You can even make this a race for younger children Conversation: What surprised you most? Where is your favorite color in nature?
See a Shape Supplies: Index cards and pencils Ahead of time draw a circle, square, triangle, heart, straight line and rectangle on separate cards. Pass out the cards to campers before hike begins. Assignment: With your card find the shape in nature.. I Write down your findings on the card with the corresponding shape. Conversation: Have you see that before?
Sounds of Nature Supplies: Paper and pencil for each, you can get cds with sounds in the library bird field guide Ahead of time: Find out what types of birds are native to the woods around, listen to the cd and study the sounds Assignment: Sit in the woods a slight distance from others, and be quiet Close your eyes and listen. When you hear a sound, see if you can recall the bird call, Conversation: What was your favorite sound and why?
Swift Nature Camp is an overnight summer camp that prides itself in helping children become better stewards of the planet. We hope these nature projects helped give you something new and different next time you are walking through the park. If you child is interested in these sorts of activities have them join us next summer.
If this is your first time thinking about Summer Camp look at Summer Camp Advice a free website that helps parents find the right camp for their child. Summer Camp
Teachers tell us the first step in becoming an environmentalist is seeing what nature offers. Often this can lead to a desire and commitment to conserve and protect the natural world we live in. This is one of our fundamental principals at Swift Nature Camp Walking or hiking through the woods is a regular part of Summer Science Camp.
However, with out having a purpose many times staff and campers merely walk along the trail without really noticing what is around them. They overlook the sounds, sights, textures and diversity of the ecosystem.
So when you take your kids out in nature, try these things. Simple supplies are needed, so it will take only a few minutes to collect them. Or you can plan and keep them on the side ready to go.
Groups can stop along the way and do the activities together, or small groups can be assigned particular activities during the entire hike. Campers can choose one or more of the following activities:
Find the Color Supplies: Paint samples--you can get these at the paint store for free. Ahead of time: Pass out the color strips. Assignment: Look for colors in nature that match the color strip. Record what you find. You can collect any samples on the ground, but if the color is on a living plant, you can pick it only if there are six remaining after you have done so. You can even make this a race for younger children Conversation: What surprised you most? Where is your favorite color in nature?
See a Shape Supplies: Index cards and pencils Ahead of time draw a circle, square, triangle, heart, straight line and rectangle on separate cards. Pass out the cards to campers before hike begins. Assignment: With your card find the shape in nature.. I Write down your findings on the card with the corresponding shape. Conversation: Have you see that before?
Sounds of Nature Supplies: Paper and pencil for each, you can get cds with sounds in the library bird field guide Ahead of time: Find out what types of birds are native to the woods around, listen to the cd and study the sounds Assignment: Sit in the woods a slight distance from others, and be quiet Close your eyes and listen. When you hear a sound, see if you can recall the bird call, Conversation: What was your favorite sound and why?
Swift Nature Camp is an overnight summer camp that prides itself in helping children become better stewards of the planet. We hope these nature projects helped give you something new and different next time you are walking through the park. If you child is interested in these sorts of activities have them join us next summer.
If this is your first time thinking about Summer Camp look at Summer Camp Advice a free website that helps parents find the right camp for their child. Summer Camp
About the Author:
About the authors: Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz are the directors of Swift Nature Camp, a non-competitive, traditional overnight Science Summer Camp. Boys and Girls Ages 6-15 enjoy nature & animals along with traditional camping activities. As a Summer Children's Camp Swift specializes in programs for the First Time Campers as well as Adventure Teen Camp programs
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