Summer Camp 2022

Summer memories start with summer fun. Outdoor experiences, new friends, and creative learning opportunities will help develop your child’s love of science and nature. We aim to inspire a life-long love and respect for the natural world, while cultivating a curiosity about the environment and a fondness for science. With over 500 acres of fields, forests, ponds, and river, the Environmental Education Center at Lord Stirling Park offers unique opportunities in a natural learning environment. COVID protocols as dictated by the NJ Department of Health will be in effect. Camps run Monday through Friday.

Registration

Registration begins Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at 9:00am. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit somersetcountyparks.org or call 908.722.1200 Ext. 5002 to register. Individuals with a hearing/speech impairment may call the Relay Service @711.

Payments/Refunds/Cancellations

• Full payment is due at the time of registration.
• Cancellations made by May 1 will receive a full refund.
• Cancellations made by June 20 will receive a 90% refund. A fee of 10% the total amount paid       will be retained.
• Cancellations made after June 20 will receive a 90% refund only if the position is filled. A fee of
   10% the total amount paid will be retained. There will be no refund if the position is not filled.
• A doctor’s note must be provided within 5 days of illness in order to request a medical refund.
• The Somerset County Park Commission reserves the right to cancel or modify all programs.         Refunds will be provided if programs are cancelled by the Somerset County Park Commission.

Eligibility

Programs are age specific. Participants must fall between the minimum and maximum age at the start of the enrolled session. The Environmental Education Center welcomes everyone to participate in its programs. If you have individualized needs due to a disability, please call 908.722.1200 Ext. 5324 after registering and we will be happy to arrange reasonable modifications. Six weeks’ notice is required to ensure that appropriate modifications can be provided.

Come Prepared

Each group will have a designated indoor space for limited use and during inclement weather. Indoor bathrooms and hand washing will be available. Camp will take place rain or shine. Please be prepared to be outside in varying weather conditions. Please wear comfortable summer clothing, sturdy footwear that can get wet/dirty, and a hat. Bring a day bag with a complete change of clothes, sunscreen, bug spray, snack, water bottle, and towel.

Participant Expectations
he following expectations are designed to ensure a successful, positive experience for all camp participants.

• Arrive on time.
• Dress according to each day’s weather and activities.
• Be respectful to staff, peers, and the surrounding environment.
• Follow directions and rules as presented by staff.
• Keep cell phones and other electronic devices in backpacks or at home.

Coyote Kids
(Ages 4-6)

Hoooowl! Join the pack for a fun nature program full of outdoor exploration, activities, and more.
Eight, one-week sessions are offered Monday through Friday, 9:00am-Noon.

Section 09 has an adjusted fee of $144 due to the Independence Day holiday.

$180 per person, per session
Activity Number: 51911
EEC-08 Monday, June 27-Friday, July 1
EEC-09 Tuesday, July 5-Friday, July 8 (No program Monday, July 4)
EEC-10 Monday, July 11-Friday, July 15
EEC-11 Monday, July 18-Friday, July 22
EEC-12 Monday, July 25-Friday, July 29
EEC-13 Monday, August 1-Friday, August 5
EEC-14 Monday, August 8-Friday, August 12
EEC-15 Monday, August 15-Friday, August 19

Eco-Explorers
(Ages 7-9)

Get ready to explore! This weekly summer program offers participants a fun-filled adventure in learning and discovery! Eight, variable nature and science-themed sessions are offered. Each week includes hiking, nature exploration, games, live animal presentations, science activities, art projects, and free play. Your child will be challenged with fun jeopardy quizzes, teamwork activities, individual projects, and creative thinking. If feasible, local off-site trips may occur. We are sure to have a fun and educational summer!

Creature Feature
Earth is home to a variety of amazing animals. Meet special animal guests and become an animal expert!
$360 per person
Activity Number: 51910
EEC-08            Monday, June 27-Friday, July 1
                         9:00am-4:00pm

Back in Time
Go back in time while we explore what Earth was like long ago!
$288 per person
Activity Number: 51910
EEC-09            Tuesday, July 5-Friday, July 8
                         (No program Monday, July 4)
                         9:00am-4:00pm

Swamp Scientists
Put your lab coat on and conduct fun, wacky experiments while learning about the science behind nature!
$360 per person
Activity Number: 51910
EEC-10            Monday, July 11-Friday, July 15
                        9:00am-4:00pm

Mystery in the Swamp
There are a lot of mysteries to solve in the Great Swamp! Bring along your sense of discovery and adventure!
$360 per person
Activity Number: 51910
EEC-11            Monday, July 18-Friday, July 22
                        9:00am-4:00pm

Aquatic Adventures
Learn about the properties of water and observe aquatic wildlife during this water-filled week!
$360 per person
Activity Number: 51910
EEC-12            Monday, July 25-Friday, July 29
                        9:00am-4:00pm

Swamp Scientists II
Continue the science fun! Conduct interesting science experiments and discover the ways in which nature works!
$360 per person
Activity Number: 51910
EEC-13            Monday, August 1-Friday, August 5
                        9:00am-4:00pm

Scales & Tails
What do Bearded Dragons, Ball Pythons, and dogs all have in common? They are all pets! Meet a variety of critters and learn the importance of pet care while assisting with the Environmental Education Center’s critter care.
$360 per person
Activity Number: 51910
EEC-14            Monday, August 8-Friday, August 12
                        9:00am-4:00pm

Bugtastic
Fly, crawl, hop, and buzz through the week while learning about bugs and their amazing characteristics!
$360 per person
Activity Number: 51910
EEC-15            Monday, August 15-Friday, August 19
                        9:00am-4:00pm

For more information regarding Eco-Explorers please contact Naturalist Vanessa Darras at 908.722.1200 Ext. 5335 or vdarras@scparks.org. A parent handbook is also available at www.somersetcountyparks.org

AWESIM KIDS
(Ages 10-13)

Animals, Wetlands, Environment, Science, Imagination, Minds, Knowledge, Interdependence, Discovery, and Solutions! Four, two-week sessions of fun await your child

Water World
Splish, splash! Salty or fresh, hot or cold, a lot or a little, every living thing on earth depends upon water. From tiny cyanobacteria to giant whales, water is the key ingredient. Join us as we learn about this amazing compound, conduct experiments, and explore water as a habitat
$648 per person
Activity Number: 50102
EEC-54            Monday, June 27-Friday, July 8
                        (No program Monday, July 4)
                         9:00am-4:00pm

Swamp Things
Embrace your inner Swamp Thing and be ready to get wet and muddy as we head into the swamp in search of the perfect berry! Along the way we will spy animals and observe fascinating plants and flowers as we spend time hiking the trails and completing challenges in the Great Swamp.
This session only! Wednesday, July 13 - join us for an irregular ‘day’ of camp; get dropped off at 2:00pm and picked up at 9:00pm. By the light of the full moon, we will spend the evening searching for fireflies, glow-in-the-dark fungus, and learning about swamp life after dark! Weather reschedule date is Thursday, July 14.
$720 per person
Activity Number: 50102
EEC-55            Monday, July 11-Friday, July 22
                         9:00am-4:00pm
                         (2:00pm-9:00pm on July 13 only)

Survive
Learn the basics of both animal and human survival! Finding safe water for drinking, creating shelter and gathering food, along with the basics of knots, compass use, shelter building, and more are the essentials of human survival. These handson activities will be fun and potentially lifesaving!
$720 per person
Activity Number: 50102
EEC-56            Monday, July 25-Friday, August 5
                        9:00am-4:00pm

Wings & Things
From butterflies to bees, we will search the swamp high and low to find things with wings. Learn the art and science of monarch butterfly care and feeding, from egg to adult. Explore the physics of aerodynamics by playing with rockets and gliders. The session will fly by!
$720 per person
Activity Number: 50102
EEC-57            Monday, August 8-Friday, August 19
                        9:00am-4:00pm

For more information regarding AWESIM KIDS please contact Naturalist Christa Wood at 908.722.1200 Ext. 5337 or cwood@scparks.org. A parent handbook is also available at www.somersetcountyparks.org.