June 9-13:
Nature Detectives-Tracking Wildlife
Ages 5 – 7
All 5-year-olds must have completed Kindergarten.
Just because animals are hard to see, doesn’t mean
they aren’t there! Animals leave many clues behind:
shelters and nests, tracks, feathers, or even scat!
Learn different ways animals construct their homes,
search for clues of wildlife on the trails, and
even make critter shelters of your own! Limit 25.
$140 non-members, $120 members.
Outdoor Adventurers
Ages 8 — 11
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to
survive in the wild? Come find out how to in this
fun week of camp! Learn how to identify Florida’s
poisonous animals and plants, practice safety during
dangerous weather, and learn how to find your way
using a map and compass. Campers will create shelters
out of leaves and branches; learn how to cook using
the sun, and other useful skills! Limit 25. $140
non-members, $120 members.
June 16-20
Wacky, Wild and Weird
Ages 5 –7
All 5-year-olds must have completed Kindergarten.
Enter the wondrous, wacky, and just plain weird
world of Southwest Florida’s wildlife! From owls
to bobcats, leeches to lizards, come learn about
the strange things animals sometimes do for survival
as we explore the woods for local critters, learn
how to track animals, and experiment with slime!
Limit 25. $140 non-members, $120 members.
Animal Grossology
Ages 8 – 11
What makes a skunk stink? Why do vultures vomit?
Just what is spider spit used for? Spend the week
learning about the fascinating—and gross—things
that animals do to survive. Meet some creepy crawlies
up close, make your own slime, and even eat some
Bugs for Lunch! Limit 25. $140 non-members, $120
members.
June 23-27
They Only Come Out at Night
Ages 5 – 7
All 5-year-olds must have completed Kindergarten.
Experience night during the day at the Nature Center!
Learn about the adaptations of nocturnal animals
like owls, raccoons, bats and more through hands-on
exercises and experiments in this program. Limit
25. $140 non-members, $120 members.
Archaeology-From Bones to Stones
Ages 8 – 11
What is archaeology? Dig and discover! In this
camp, find out how scientists learn about humankind’s
own past through many hands-on activities. Learn
more about Florida’s own fossil past. Prepare to
get dirty! Limit 25. $140 non-members, $120 members.
Coastal Guardians Session 1
Ages 13-18
Spend the week exploring coastal and marine habitats.
We will learn about the importance of water, view
different sea life up close, and do some shoreline
collection of our own! Trips will include a day
at Ostego Bay Marine Science Center, Lover’s Key
State Park, Ding Darling and an adventure cruise
to encounter sea life in the Gulf. Limit 13. $210
non-members, $190 members.
June 30-July 3:
NEW-Space Explorers
Ages 5-7
Just what does an astronaut eat? How does an astronaut
sleep? Join us as we taste astronaut food, explore
the solar system, and watch astronomy shows in
the Planetarium. Each day will be filled with lots
of hands-on activities & experiments. Limit
25. $110 non-members, $90 members.
Space Science
Ages 8 – 11
Join us as we travel through the solar system,
explore the sky, and watch astronomy shows in the
Planetarium. Each day will be filled with astronomical
experiences and lots of hands-on fun. Limit 25.
$110 non-members, $90 members.
Become a Junior Naturalist
Ages 13 – 18
What would it be like to work at the Nature Center?
You’ll learn how we care for our animals and assist
with creating enrichment activities for our animals.
Successful completion of this camp makes you eligible
to enroll in our Volunteer Junior Naturalist Program.
Call for more details. Limit 15. $110 non-members,
$90 members.
July 7-11:
NEW-Planet Protectors!
Ages 5 – 7
All 5-year-olds must have completed Kindergarten.
What is your favorite planet? Ours is Earth! This week we will learn and practice
ways we can help keep our earth clean and green through games, activities, and
environmentally friendly crafts. Limit 25. $140 non-members, $120 members.
NEW- Eco-Enforcers!
Ages 8-11
What makes our planet so special? Why should we protect it? Learn the importance
of keeping our planet clean and healthy through conservation activities, games,
and environmentally friendly crafts. Limit 25. $140 non-members, $120 members.
Coastal Guardians-Session 2
Ages 13-18
Spend the week exploring coastal and marine habitats. We will learn about the
importance of water, view different sea life up close, and do some shoreline
collection of our own! Trips will include a day at Ostego Bay Marine Science
Center, Lover’s Key State Park, Ding Darling and an adventure cruise to encounter
sea life in the Gulf. This is a repeat of the June 23-27 session. Limit 13. $210
non-members, $190 members.
July 14-18:
Feathered Friends
Ages 5 – 7
All 5-year-olds must have completed Kindergarten.
What has hollow bones, no hair, and travels faster than a cheetah? How is a bird
able to fly? These are just a few of the questions we’ll answer as we investigate
feathers, bones, and nests. We will also meet several native birds. Limit 25.
$140 non-members, $120 members.
Avian Adventures
Ages 8 – 11
How do birds fly? Why do different birds have different beaks? We will spend
the week answering these and many other questions as we explore the world of
birds. We’ll begin a lifetime bird list, learn about bird adaptations, meet some
raptors, and play games. Limit 25. $140 non-members, $120 members.
July 21-25:
Backyard Explorers-Session 1
Ages 4 – 5
This program for little ones is just like big kids’ camp — but not quite as long.
Campers will get to know the great outdoors through games, crafts, and nature
exploration. Daily themes include: 1-2-3 Lift-Off!; Bees & Trees; Furry Friends;
Birds of a Feather; and See You Later, Alligator. Mid-morning snack provided.
Parents welcome to stay with camp. Limit 20. $75 non-members, $65 members.
Reptiles – a Rough Bunch
Ages 5 – 7
All 5-year-olds must have completed Kindergarten.
With live animals and indoor/outdoor activities, we’ll learn what life is like
for cold-blooded creatures. Alligators, turtles, snakes, lizards, and even some
amphibians will spend the week with us. We’ll also look at those reptiles from
the past – dinosaurs. Limit 25. $140 non-members, $120 members.
Happenin’ Herptiles
Ages 8 – 11
What’s a herptile? Find out this week at the Nature Center! Meet some of Southwest
Florida’s common herps (reptiles and amphibians) and go off-trails in search
of those creeping critters. Limit 25. $140 non-members, $120 members.
July 28-August 1:
Wild About Water
Ages 5 – 7
All 5-year-olds must have completed Kindergarten.
What better way to spend the summer than up to your knees in the swamp? We’ll
spend the week diving into the aquatic world to find out how fish sleep, why
crayfish swim backwards, and how water striders can walk on water. Limit 25.
$140 non-members, $120 members.
Water You Doing?
Ages 8 – 11
Why would any plant or animal want to live in the Cypress Swamp? How does water
flow in Southwest Florida? Why should people care about swamps and other wetlands?
Come meet some swamp residents, play lots of games, and get your feet wet in
our swamp. Limit 25. $140 non-members, $120 members.
NEW-Wilderness Survival
Ages 13-18
The sun is setting, the temperature is dropping, and suddenly you can’t find
the trail. Panic sets in as you realize you are lost. What do you do? This one
week course will teach the basics in outdoor survival and camping safety. Participants
will also view a Planetarium show, learn to identify & eat wild edibles,
and spend time doing low-ropes challenge course activities. Limit 25. $140 non-members,
$120 members.
August 4-8:
Backyard Explorers-Session 2
Ages 4 – 5
This program for little ones is just like big kids’ camp — but not quite as
long. Campers will get to know the great outdoors through games, crafts, and
nature
exploration. Daily themes include: 1-2-3 Lift-Off!; Bees & Trees; Furry
Friends; Birds of a Feather; and See You Later, Alligator. Mid-morning snack
provided.
Parents welcome to stay with camp. This is a repeat of the July 21-25 session.
Limit 20. $75 non-members, $65 members.
NEW-Growing Up Green
Ages 5 – 7
All 5-year-olds must have completed Kindergarten.
Seeds, knees, leaves, and trees, Oh My! How does a tree grow? Why do leaves
change color? What do we use trees for and why are they important? Spend the
week with
us to find out these answers with games, crafts, & activities. Limit 25.
$140 non-members, $120 members.
NEW-Trees, Knees, & Leaves
Ages 8 -11
What is a cypress knee? What is the difference between an oak tree and a pine
tree? Learn what products come from trees and how to ID trees & leaves through
fun games, crafts, & activities. Limit 25. $140 non-members, $120 members.
August 11-15:
Don’t Bug Me!
Ages 5 – 7
All 5-year-olds must have completed Kindergarten.
Get to know the little creepy crawlies around you. During this exciting week
we will meet many insects up-close, make our own insects, and go on six-legged
safaris at the Nature Center. Limit 25. $140 non-members, $120 members.
Small and Spineless
Ages 8 – 11
Discover the difference between arachnids and insects and learn about other
arthropods. We will search the woods for insects, learn how to classify them,
and build some
insects of our own. Limit 25. $140 non-members, $120 members..
INFORMATION ON THE
Become a Junior Naturalist Program
Ages 13– 18
$110 Non-member, $90 Member
Limit 15 participants
Find out what it would be like to work at the Nature Center! Successful completion
of this camp completes one of the eligibility requirements for our volunteer
Junior Naturalist program. Other requirements include:
-Submitting a completed application (during camp)
-Interviewing with the Education Department
-Successfully completing 20 probationary hours
-Committing to four hours of scheduled volunteering per month to be considered
an “active” Jr. Naturalist
The primary goal of Junior Naturalist camp is to train future volunteers. Therefore,
participants should expect to work and learn every day of camp. Your child
will become familiar with Naturalist duties, including public speaking, exhibit
design,
care, and maintenance, plant care and maintenance, animal care and handling,
and preparing and administering (some) animal diets, just to name a few of
the tasks.
Being a Junior Naturalist is a great opportunity to expand one’s knowledge
working closely with well-trained mentors, spend time outside, work with animals,
meet
new people, earn volunteer service hours, and give back to one’s community.
The program is also a valuable introduction to careers in the environmental
and zoological
fields.
To register, choose the Junior Naturalist camp session on the Summer Camp Registration
Form and submit the completed registration form with payment to the designated
address.
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| Important
Information for Parents and Guardians
Payment:
Payment in full must be received no later than
10 days prior to the start of the week the camper
is signed up for. If payment is not received
within 10 days, camper’s registration will be
cancelled and that spot will be opened up for
others.
Drop-off and pick-up of children
Drop-off: 8:30am—9:00am
Pick-up: 4:00pm—5:00pm
Early
drop-off:* 8:00am-8:30am
$20/ week first child, $10/ week each additional
child
Late
pick-up:* 5:00pm-5:30pm
$20/week first child, $10/week each additional
child
Sign up for both early drop-off and late pick-up
and receive a rate of $25/week first child, $15/week
second child.
* Not available for preschool camp.
Early drop-off and late pick-up should be scheduled
in advance, as with regular program registration.
The person dropping off the child must accompany
the child to the check-in area underneath the
Museum building. Check-in is required daily.
The program instructor will be responsible for
releasing the child to the person picking up
the child. Please be sure to notify us in writing
upon check-in if the pick-up person will be different
from the drop-off person. A child will not be
released to any unauthorized person.
What to Wear
Remember, this is nature camp and children will
spend a good part of the day outdoors, so t-shirts,
shorts, and old sneakers are recommended. Children
should be prepared to get wet and dirty every
day; a change of clothes in a bag marked with
the child’s name is also suggested. Open-toed
shoes and jewelry are not allowed. Sunscreen
and insect repellant should be applied prior
to arrival and children should bring a supply
for reapplication throughout the day.
Lunches
Children must bring a lunch every day. Refrigeration
is not available, so we recommend that lunches
be brought in small coolers or insulated lunch
bags. We encourage you to pack an “earth-friendly”
lunch: one that only contains recyclable items
or reusable items. The Museum has drink and
snack machines, which children will have limited
access to. Drinking water will be available
all day; please provide your child with a water
bottle to refill.
Medication
Instructors need to be notified in writing about
any medication that the child is to take during
the day. Please provide specific details for
the instructor about medication procedures
when checking-in. Only trained staff will be
allowed to administer medication.
Cancellation Policy
If for any reason you need to cancel your registration,
please contact us as soon as possible.
More than 2 weeks prior to the first day of the
weekly session– Full refund less $20.00 administration
fee
Between 2 weeks and 1 week prior to the first
day of session – 60% refund less $20.00 administration
fee
Less than 1 week prior the first day of session
– no refund
The
Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is
a private, not-for-profit environmental education
center which offers fun for people of all ages!
Voted Best Nature Center in Florida for 2004
by the readers of Florida Monthly magazine. The
Museum, Aviaries and Trails are open Monday through
Saturday from 9am to 5pm and on Sunday from 11am
to 5pm. Please join Volunteer Docent Norm DeWolfe
every Tuesday and Friday at 9:30am for a guided
walk of the Cypress Swamp Boardwalk. He has been
leading the walk for years and is one of the
best interpreters of the swamp.
The Center consists of the Living Natural History
Museum with live native animals including a skunk,
bobcat, raccoon, Butterfly Aviary and Native
Plant Nursery, an Audubon Aviary which houses
permanently injured birds of prey (hawks, vultures,
a bald eagle, owls and more!), nature trails,
a picnic area, a gift shop with an excellent
assortment of nature books and a Planetarium
which features astronomy programs.
The Center is located at 3450 Ortiz Avenue at
the intersection of Colonial Blvd. and Six Mile
Cypress in Fort Myers, one minute from I-75 at
Exit 136. Additional information is available
at www.CalusaNature.com or by calling 275-3435.
Admission to the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium
is $9 for adults and $6 for children (ages 3-12).
This one-price admission includes the Museum,
Butterfly Aviary, Trails, and all Planetarium
shows scheduled that day. Group rates are available
for 15 or more people. Family memberships are
available which entitles members to free admission
for a year and many other special prices on programs
and discounts in the gift store. We welcome new
volunteers; please call 275-3435 to schedule
an orientation.
Programs are sponsored in part by the State
of Florida, Department of State, Division of
Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council, and
the National Endowment for the Arts.
Attention Campers:
Want to see your artwork on the Calusa Nature
Center’s 2008 Camp T-shirts?
Enter our Summer Camp 2008 t-shirt contest, and
if you win, every camper will receive a shirt
bearing your masterpiece, AND as the winner,
you will receive a free week of summer camp!
To
enter: Please complete and mail in the registration
form below and include an original nature or
wildlife drawing or painting (no photographs,
please!) on an 81/2 x11 sheet of paper. Please
create a title for your entry, and list that
below. Entries should reflect what is fun about
nature camp to you, and must be received no later
than Monday April 21, 2008. Winner will be notified
no later than May 5, 2008
Send
Entries to: Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium
Attn: Summer Camp
3450 Ortiz Avenue
Fort Myers, FL 33905
Or
fax to: (239) 275-9016, attn: Summer Camp.
Summer Camp 2008 T-Shirt Contest Entry Form
Camper Name : ____________________________
Age: ____________________________
Parent/ Guardian Name: ____________________________
Telephone: ____________________________
Street Address: ____________________________
City: ________________ State: __________ Zip:
__________
Entry Title: _________________________________________________
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