Journey to Summer Camp
Summer Camp at Reflection Riding is officially here, and we could not be more excited! Each week of June has brought a new adventure, from tromping in the woods to coming face-to-face with a native animal ambassador! We have had such a great time exploring nature with our campers, and we look forward to what July will bring!
Summer is for tree climbing and muddy shoes. At Reflection Riding’s Summer Camp, we bring back the magic of the outdoors with fun for every age. From the littlest ladybug to the largest Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), nature has so much to teach us!
This year, we began an exciting new program for Junior Naturalists. At the beginning of each week, every camper is given a Junior Naturalist Adventure Journal. Upon completing its exciting activities and tapping into creative freedom, each camper is deemed a certified Junior Naturalist with a special pin to prove it. We are so proud of all of our campers who share our passion for the natural world.
Summer Camp is an exciting adventure with friends, fun games, and nature discovery! From canoeing to pond studies, each week shares the joy of being outside with the next generation:
Week 1 was all about Wild Adventures, where our campers embraced their wild side as they learned how animals and plants use adaptations to survive in the wild and ways they can help endangered species. Some of our favorite moments were meeting Ember the red-shouldered hawk, playing all sorts of games (like Skunk Stink, a variant of tag!), crafting pinecone bird feeders, and jumping far like a bobcat!
During Week 2, we became Eco Explorers and Eco Warriors. Our campers discovered the interconnectedness of life through ecology and ways to conserve our natural world. From splashing around at Mud Day (a fan-favorite!) to crafting baskets, we had a blast! We also met American Toads and Green Tree Frogs as we learned about the amazing life of amphibians.
Week 3 was a journey Into the Woods. We explored the diversity of our local forests and learned about the rich biodiversity of the plants and animals that live in each ecosystem. From the upper slopes to the lower woodlands, incredible life is everywhere! We constructed bug hotels, found critters in the woods, and played games like Drip Drip Drop!
Week 4 brought our campers along the amazing ecological journey that is Biodiversity University. We explored the wonderful diversity of woodlands, meadows, grasslands, and wetlands. By learning the complex system of how plants and animals work together in each habitat, our campers discovered the amazing unity of nature. Our highlights were exploring wetlands, learning how dirt is made, and constructing a beaver dam!
With Summer Camp only halfway over, there is still so much more to discover in July. We still have availability for upcoming weeks, so register now to continue the summer fun.
We hope to see you again soon!
