Armand Bayou Nature Center

Summer EcoCamp

EcoCamp is a day camp for 4 to 13 year olds that offers a variety of exciting activities and learning opportunities using Armand Bayou Nature Center as a living laboratory. These opportunities may include fishing, seining, canoe rides and pontoon boat rides for age and class-appropriate children. Students should be enrolled in the grade level they will be entering in the fall. These camps are available regularly throughout the June, July, and August.

Complete the on-line EcoCamp Registration formEcoCamp Summer 2012 and pay with credit card, check or bring the completed form by the nature center. Download and complete the EcoCamp Registration formECO-Camp Summer 2012. Please fill in the shaded areas and print the form. Fax or mail the completed to the address provided.

PreK-K

Acting Like Animals:

Feel, see and hear the characteristics and movements of animals through fishing, insect sweeping, games, live animal demonstrations and crafts.

Edge of the Pond:

Many animals’ lives overlap at the edge of the pond. Be a pond life detective and look for their signs along the water’s edge. Go fishing, hiking, play games and make crafts as you discover the pond.

Awesome Owls

Whooo can resist the round fluffy face, huge bright eyes, and wise expression on an owl? Discover the awesome owl through song, finger play, activities and go for an owl prowl.

Colors & Shapes of Nature:

A number of creatures are shaped or colored to blend into their surroundings. The many forms of camouflage are among nature’s most creative designs for survival. Create, explore and find these different shapes and colors through hiking, fishing and hands on art projects.

1^st-3^rd Grade

Poking in the Pond:

Become a field biologist and discover what’s on, in and below the pond using nets, fishing poles and canoes. Identify the inhabitants, make a craft and learn how to protect and conserve our water.

Wet & Scaly

Spend the week with the fish, reptiles and amphibians of ABNC through animal demonstrations, fishing, canoeing and hiking. Compare reptile adaptations, make a fish print and investigate their homes.

Pioneer Folklore

Play in the past through storytelling, Native American skills, crafts and games. Live and work on the Martyn farm and discover the relationship between bison and prairie.

Backyard Ecology

Through games and activities learn about the many different ways to enjoy the outdoors in your neighborhood. Explore nature, hike, fish, canoe, and take a hayride through our tall grass prairie.

4^th – 6^th Grade

Armor-Plated

What do Armadillos, fish, snakes and lizards have in common? Explore why these animals use armor plating for their survival through animal demonstrations, fishing, seining, canoeing, and hiking.

Wetland Odyssey

Discover the under-water food chains through hands on activities. Seine, fish, and inspect bayou life. Canoe, dip net and fish on Mays Pond. Compare and contrast fresh and brackish water communities.

Nature Adventures

What does it mean to be a naturalist? Catch and observe insects, build a birdhouse. Go canoeing, fishing, learn to identify a tree by its leaves and find out what happens in a pond.

Invertebrate Safari

Explore the secret lives and hidden habitats of insects. Take a prairie hayride to gain a better understanding of an endangered ecosystem. Sweep for aquatic and terrestrial insects.

7^th & 8^th Grade

Bayou Ventures

Plan for a wet week while discovering the importance of aquatic ecosystems; Seine, fish, and inspect bayou life. Canoe, dip net and fish on Mays Pond. Build a shelter at the water’s edge.

Local Wildlife

Investigate how feathers, fur, scales and skins of wildlife help them survive. Identify wildlife along Armand Bayou and in your own backyard through canoeing, fishing, hiking, and animal demonstrations.

Fees: Members: $130.00 Non-Members: $150.00

Registration:

• Call 281 474 2551 ext 13 for information or to register by phone; or register online at Summer Eco Camp Registration.
• Full payment is due at the time of registration. Please make checks payable to ABNC.
• You will receive a confirmation letter and health form via email once we have received your registration. Please provide a legible email address.
• Campers should be enrolled in the grade level they will be entering in the fall.
• There is no before or after care.
• Camp starts promptly at 8:30 or 12:30. Please arrive on time!

Cancellations:

• If you notify the Nature Center 1 week prior to the start date of your camp, you will be refunded the full amount, minus a $50 administrative fee.
• If the Nature Center cancels a class, every effort will be made to reschedule, or a full refund will be provided.
• If your camper is dismissed from the program, NO refund will be given.

All campers need to dress appropriately for the weather and outdoor activities. Campers may get dirty and wet! Sneakers and socks are required. Please bring a snack/lunch and a refillable water bottle for your child; snacks and lunch will not be provided.

For the safety of your campers, all outdoor activities will depend on the weather.