Eco-Discovery Camp
*The event has already taken place on this date: Fri, 08/26/2016
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We'll get up close with beaver dams and birds' nests, snail shells and spider webs, and learn to observe ecosystems as ecologists and engineers. We'll study the ways in which these structures and the environment simultaneously shape each other, and have a blast crafting our own constructions inspired by nature's architects and engineers.
How do campers spend their week?
At the Cary Institute's Ecology Camp, children have a unique opportunity to experience ecological science with our skilled ecology educators and research scientists. During Eco-Discovery Camp, children entering grades 2-7 explore the hills, valleys, ponds, and streams of our 2,000-acre Dutchess County campus. Throughout each 1-week session campers conduct scientific investigations, learn about the natural history of the area, and participate in team building activities.
Each year the camp has a different theme, allowing our many returning campers to have unique experiences year after year. Past camp themes have included: Limno-explorers (2012), Life cycles (2013), Decomposition (2014), and Stream Pollution (2015).
How old are campers, and how big are the sessions?
Each week of camp will have a maximum of 12 campers and will be dedicated to either younger campers (entering grades 2-4) or older campers (entering grades 5-7). In addition, two educators with extensive experience in ecology and education will teach each week. We're also fortunate to have a high school-aged Eco-Leader volunteer helping with camp each week.
Eco-Discovery Camp for 2nd -4th graders runs from 9am to 3pm, Monday through Friday, with a late pick up (4pm) option available. For 5th – 7th graders, the camp day runs from 9am to 4pm. This year, the second week is a pro-rated four day session due to the July 4 holiday. Each week of camp follows the same program, and therefore campers may participate for one session only.
Can campers attend multiple sessions in one summer?
Unfortunately, demand is so high that we are only able to invite each camper to attend for one session per summer. We typically fill each session to capacity, so be sure to reserve your preferred week early. However, middle school students are invited to participate in both our Eco-Discovery camp and our new Art + Science course.
How much does it cost?
Our one week sessions cost $255 and $295 for younger and older campers, respectively.
Late pick-up (4pm) – $50/week
Refund Policy
Withdrawal from camp prior to June 10, 2016 refunded total fee less $25.00 for administrative costs. No refund for any reason after June 10, 2016.
Camp Scholarships:
Through the generosity of community members and local foundations, we are proud to offer a limited number of scholarships to families who could not normally afford to send their children to camp.
For an application and/or more information about scholarships, contact Shelly Forster at 845-677-7600 ext. 303 or forsterm@caryinstitute.org
*Times, dates, and prices of any activity posted to our calendars are subject to change. Please be sure to click through directly to the organization’s website to verify.