Mid-Summer Camp Check-In
We’re halfway through the summer, and our Escape to Nature summer camps are in full swing— four weeks down, four weeks to go! Canoeing down the creek, getting muddy in the swamp, building forts and fairy houses, and meeting our animal ambassadors, like Phoebe the Virginia Opossum and Winnie the Barn Owl, are just some of the things our campers have been getting up to during these action-packed days.
Reflection Riding Summer Camp, which will run until August 4, is geared toward kids ages 5-12 who love being outdoors, learning about nature, and being wild! Each weekly session a distinct theme…
For “Hide and Seek” week, campers morphed into wild animals as they learned how creatures use physical and behavioral adaptations to survive and thrive in nature. Through a variety of games and activities, campers were able to peer into the mind of our native predators and their prey, becoming experts in how camouflage works in the wild. Even more exciting, we had park rangers from Russell Cave National Monument come visit us to show our campers all about primitive tools, weapons, and survival skills. They even got to practice fire-starting techniques!
During “From the Ground Up,” campers explored our property from the ground up to the treetops. Campers conducted pond studies, held bio-blitz games, honed their tree and leaf identification skills, and more while learning all about food webs: how creatures in an ecosystem depend on each other for survival and forest decomposition leads to new growth!
For “Puttin’ Down Roots,” campers got down and dirty with our native plants! In the course of art projects, games, and other activities, campers learned plant identification skills and explored how plant populations and pollinators work together to create functioning ecosystems. They even hung out at our Native Plant Nursery collecting seeds and learning the basics of plant propagation with our greenhouse staff. Of course, they also found time for exploring the forest and climbing trees!
During “Get Lost” week, campers built skills to become self-reliant in the woods. Through nature play, animal games, and off-trail adventures into the forest, campers were introduced to wilderness survival techniques such as shelter-building, fire-starting methods, and compass-orienteering. They also learned about water filtration and edible plants that can be found in the wild.
And the summer isn't over yet—these themes will repeat for the remaining four weeks of camp! We still have some remaining space during the upcoming sessions, so be sure to sign up now and give your child this opportunity to explore, create and learn at the best outdoor camp in Chattanooga. As always, thank you Local 3 and Rock Creek for sponsoring camp this year and making it the best summer ever!