Archbold Biological Station
P.O. Box 2057 Lake Placid, Florida 33862 USA
Phone: 863-465-2571 FAX: 863-699-1927 send e-mail

On Tuesdays, day-campers sample aquatic life at the Neofiber Pond, just north of the Station's main grounds (Session 2, June 1998). Photo by Nancy Deyrup.
Ranch Safari Day
On Thursdays, Ranch Safari Day, day-campers study examine invertebrates and fishes (Session 4, June 1999). Photo by Nancy Deyrup.

Scrub Ecology, an Archbold Summer Day Camp (2004)


day camp photo album

Introduction. Archbold's Scrub Ecology Summer Day Camp provides hands-on outdoor experiences for children (ages 7-12) that help stimulate curiosity, foster appreciation, and teach about the endless wonders of the natural world. Archbold's Day Camp focuses on the unique and rapidly disappearing Florida Scrub. This intriguing habitat holds one of the greatest concentrations of threatened and endangered species of plants and animals in the United States. Archbold's 8,800 acres is a superb place to explore this special habitat.

History. Annually, since 1992, one-week day camp sessions are held during May and June for nature-loving children ages 7-12.

Registration: Registration opens in April and each session is restricted to 16 children. (see below)

Faculty: Each session is led by 2 adult counselors and 1 adult intern, with help from  4 teen volunteers, and includes 1 Red Cross-certified life guard. Guest lectures (6-10) are delivered by Archbold scientists.

Schedule for 2004:

  • Session 1, ages 10-12, 24 May - 28 May
  • Session 2, ages 7-9, 31 May - 4 June
  • Session 3, ages 7-9, 7 June - 11 June
  • Session 4, ages 10-12, 21 June - 25 June
  • Session 5, ages 7-9, 28 June - 2 July
 

Fees. $125./week for 2004.

Special Topics for 2003.

  • Bats 'n Bugs
  • Animal tracks
  • GPS Trekking (Global Position System)

Activities and Schedule. Each day of camp, campers play educational ecology games, make nature crafts such as bird houses, visit with Archbold scientists, and make nature collections. Early each morning on days 2-5, campers check their live traps for scrub organisms caught and then release them unharmed. All five days have different but overlapping themes.

A typical week's session is:

  • Monday: "Observing Nature Day," is for getting to know other campers and sharpening observation skills by practicing use of sight, hearing, smell, and touch on several different kinds of observation hikes.

    Day-camper Brenna DeHart setting a pitfall trap for insects, 2001. Photo by Nancy Deyrup.
  • Tuesday: "Its a Small World Day," is time to investigate insects and other small organisms. The campers get "down and dirty" exploring a seasonal pond and then learn about the diversity of small organisms.
  • Wednesday: "Lake Annie Day," features investigations into scrub-jay biology with the help of Station scientists. Campers then cool off with a swim in pristine Lake Annie, a 44,000-year-old sinkhole lake located on Station property.

    Intern Eric Delynko teaches day-campers about fire ecology, June 2001. Photo by Nancy Deyrup.
  • Thursday: "Ranch Safari Day," is a special day when a trip to the MacArthur Agro-ecology Research Center (MAERC) allows the campers to view a working ranch with natural and improved pastures for a large cattle/calf operation. Wildlife abounds here in the natural hammock and marsh areas. Campers are likely to see deer, wild hogs, owls, herons, hawks, alligators, fishes, and more. During the visit, the campers also work with ranch researchers to explore the ditches full of frogs, fish, and invertebrates, and learn about water quality studies. On Thursday a "night hike" is held (optional for 7-8 yr. olds) from approximately 9 PM - 10:30 PM (parents encouraged to attend). An overnight stay in Station cabins is included for the older campers. Night-hike activities include listening to and identifying night sounds, watching luminous insects like fireflies and click beetles, finding spiders with flashlights by looking for "eye shine," calling for owls, playing nighttime observations games, and enjoying a bonfire if weather permits.
  • Friday: "Scrub Day," is a time to reflect and review all that was learned, to make animal track casts, and to celebrate the past week of fun with newfound friends.

Information on the upcoming summer camps is available by contacting the Education Office at 863-465-2571.
Ecology summer day camp
Ecology summer day camp (Session 4, June 2000) children and faculty assemble outside the general lab, their headquarters in Archbold's Main Building. Photo by Mark Deyrup.
Registration for Ecology Summer Camp begins in early April. Because summer camp fills up quickly, early registration is highly recommended. A registration package is mailed (in early April) to all previous campers of appropriate age. New campers may request a registration package by calling the Education Office at 863-465-2571. A space will be reserved only upon receipt of: a) your completed registration form, which includes a permission to swim, and medical & photo releases; b) a signed release of liability; and c) a payment check.

Fees. $125./week for 2004. 

Scholarships are offered for low-income families. Any donations toward scholarships or help with transportation for scholarship students would be greatly appreciated. To qualify for a scholarship a verification letter from school, stating the child is on the free lunch program, is required.

Campers should wear:

  • light-colored t-shirts, long pants for mornings, shorts for afternoons
  • sneakers or hiking boots (no sandals)
  • a hat

    Day-camper Morgan Sherwood on the nature trail, May 2001. Photo by Nancy Deyrup.


Campers are urged to bring:

  • canteen/water bottle
  • sunscreen
  • poncho/rain gear
  • Tuesday: extra old sneakers and change of clothes for muddy and wet activities
  • Wednesday: bathing suit, towel
  • optional: camera, binoculars

Home | Top | Index | Education
~

Deyrup, N.D., 30 August 2000; photos added 10 January 2002; annual review 29 January 2004.
© Archbold Biological Station, 17 November 2000.
Webmaster: Fred E. Lohrer  send e-mail