| 06/09/08 - 08/21/08 | Camp Eco Fun | Vail Nature Center/VRD Youth Services |
The Vail Nature Center joins Vail Youth Services for a unique 2-day per week camp that encourages the participants to explore ecology and examine their own relationship to local flora and fauna. The campers spend half of each day at the Nature Center where naturalists from the Gore Range Natural Science School lead a variety of activities. Gore Creek, nearby trails and wildflower meadows serve as an exciting natural lab for experiments, games, and lively exploration. Children spend the other half of the day at the Youth Center enjoying nature-oriented arts and crafts and energetic activities to complement each day’s theme.
Campers must bring a sack lunch, beverage and adequate clothing and sun protection for this active camp. Early enrollment is suggested and payment must be received with registration to guarantee space. Registration opens on Monday, April 7th. (Registration opens Monday, April 7 at 8:00 am. All registration forms received before April 7 will be accepted at the END of the day on Monday, April 7.) All paid registrations will be accepted on first received first served basis.
All Camp Eco Fun participants are invited to participate in the new Eagle Explorer Junior Naturalist program hosted by the VRD Nature Center, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, Colorado Ski Museum, Gore Range Natural Science School and the US Forest Service.
Please print the 2008 Camp Eco Fun Form and fax to VRD Youth Services at 970.479.2835.
2008 FEES:
|
Daily One time registration fee of $10 includes a T-shirt |
$65 $50 Eagle County Student $50 VRD Taxpayer |
|---|---|
| 2 Day Session |
$100 $80 Eagle County Student $80 VRD Taxpayer |
|
Core Corps Must register and pay for five or more 2-Day Sessions by April 25th, 2008 |
$90 $75 Eagle County Student $70 VRD Taxpayer |
Hummingbirds
| Ages | 4-6 |
|---|---|
| Days |
Monday & Wednesday (2 groups) or Tuesday & Thursday (one group) |
| Dates | June 9– August 21 |
| Time | 9am – 4pm |
| Late Fee | $1 per minute past 4pm |
| Limit | 14 children/group |
| Ratio | 7 children to 1 counselor |
| Location |
Drop off: Vail Youth Center or Vail Nature Center Pick up: Vail Nature Center or Vail Youth Center |
Note:
Younger Hummingbirds should be self-sufficient and comfortable in a group environment as we change locations and activities throughout each day.
Registration:
Please include your requirements and/or preferences for days and one child with whom your child would like to participate. We will confirm receipt of your registration immediately; we will confirm registration dates and groups in mid-May – please give us time to arrange groups.
Hawks
| Ages | 7-11 |
|---|---|
| Days |
Tuesday & Thursday |
| Dates | June 10– August 21 |
| Time | 9am – 4pm |
| Late Fee | $1 per minute past 4pm |
| Limit | 18 children/group |
| Ratio | 9 children to 1 counselor |
| Location |
Drop off: Lionshead Youth Center Pick up: Vail Nature Center |
Note:
Hawks should be prepared to be in the field for the entire day every Thursday.
2008 Schedule
| Hummingbirds | Hawks | Session Topic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 |
June 9th &11th or 10th & 12th |
June 10th & 12th | Mountain Magic |
| Session 2 |
June 16th & 18th or 17th & 19th |
June 17th & 19th | Rainbows & Sunshine |
| Session 3 |
June 23rd & 25th or 24th & 26th |
June 24th & 26th | Stinky, Slimy, Sneezes |
| Session 4 | June 30th & July 2nd or July 1st & 3rd |
July 1st & 3ed | Pollination Station |
| Session 5 |
July 7th & 9thh or 8th & 10th |
July 8th & 10th | Interesting Insects |
| Session 6 |
July 14th & 16th or 15th & 17th |
July 15th & 17th | Keepers of the Earth |
| Session 7 |
July 21st & 23rd or 22nd & 24th |
July 22nd & 24th | Wet & Wild |
| Session 8 |
July 28th & 30th or July 29th & Jul 31st |
July 29th & Jul 31st | Feathered Friends |
| Session 9 |
August 4th & 6th or 5th & 7th |
August 7th & 9th | Rocky Mtn Mammals |
| Session 10 |
Aug. 11th & 13th or 12th & 14th |
August 12th & 14th | Survival Skills |
| Session 11 |
Aug. 18th & 20th or 19th & 21st |
August 19th & 21st | Food Factory |
Mountain Magic
The land we stand on feels stable under our feet, but our world is in motion. Explore mountain building with sedimentation & volcanoes, and valley formation with glaciers, water & wind. Observe the forces that are still at work and see evidence of the forces that made their changes many years ago.
Rainbows & Sunshine
Learn about the water cycle and the importance of all the different weather we experience in the high country of Colorado. Children will learn about sunshine, storms & rainbows. We will also discuss the different ecosystems and climate zones found in the local area.
Stinky, Slimy, Sneezes
Children will embark on a gross adventure to learn about the slimy, mushy, and stinky things that inhabit their bodies. Learn about the icky germs you can’t see and the ones that make you sick. A visit to the Vail Valley Medical Center Microbiology Lab is sure to have you questioning your innards.
Pollination Station
Flowers, pollination, seeds and fruit...Plants meet, mate and provide new homes for their offspring in amazing ways. Get up close with local wildflowers and have fun watching pollinators at work. Meet some bees and see them at work with a visit from a Bee Keeper and his pollinators.
Interesting Insects
As the largest group of animals in the world, insects play an important role in our ecosystem. Search for insects and explore how they are adapted to the life they lead. Even in this tiny world, there are predators & prey, farmers & gatherers…and, well, some are just bugs. The Butterfly Pavilion will bring interesting and exotic insects that are sure to have you asking, “What is that?”
Keepers of the Earth
Walk through the history of the Rocky Mountains by examining the wilderness ethic of Native Americans, miners, trappers, and settlers who lived in the Vail area. Children will learn the importance of sustainable living, reduce, reuse and recycle. We will have Ute and Oglala Sioux Native Americans make a guest appearance to teach the children about their history, animal sign language and share some personal stories about growing up as Native Americans.
Wet & Wild
Jump in and explore the mountain streams of Colorado and learn about the importance of conserving and protecting our water resources. Be prepared to get your feet wet as you explore the shallow streambeds and the riparian habitat of Gore Creek searching for aquatic plants, amphibians and insects. The Leadville Fish Hatchery will join us for a wet and wild presentation that will teach children the importance of aquatic life and how to preserve our local rivers.
Feathered Friends
The Nature Center has a wonderful location for viewing our local bird life: Hummingbirds, Hawks and everything in between. Learn about the interesting lives our feathered friends lead and understand their role in the ecosystem.
Rocky Mountain Mammals
Learn more about our own Rocky Mountain mammals. We will study bighorn sheep, mountain lions, bears, beavers, deer & elk. Learn these animals’ relationships to each other and the ecological systems they inhabit. The USFS will teach us what it takes for these animals to survive the Rocky Mountain habitat and help us understand how to take care of our local wildlife.
Survival Skills
Learn the importance of low-impact camping, leaving no trace and other simple skills. You may even learn a few edible and medicinal plants found in the local forests! Mountain rescue will visit to teach global positioning system and map & compass skills. They will discuss the correct gear needed for safe travel in the backcountry and there will be a special guest appearance from a local mountain rescue dog.
Food Factory
Green things come in every size and shape – take a close look at the variety in the Vail Valley. Discover how plants produce the food and oxygen everything else on earth consumes! Learn the different types and parts of plants. We will also explore a regenerating forest to see how a forest reacts to a fire or avalanche.