Scrub Ecology, an Archbold Summer Camp
Schedule for 2008:
- Session 1: June 9 - June 13, 10-12 yrs old
- Session 2: June 16 - June 20, 7-9 yrs old
- Session 3: June 23 - June 27, 10-12 yrs old
- Session 4: June 30 - July 4, 7-9 yrs old
* Campers need to bring own bag lunch (Archbold will not provide lunch) *
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Introduction. Archbold's summer day camp, Scrub Ecology, 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. Started in 1992, and held annually during May and June, Archbold's ecology day camp continues with its popularity with four one-week camp sessions.
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.
Registration. Registration opens in late March and each session is restricted to 16 children. (see below)
Registration for Scrub Ecology, Archbold's summer camp:
- Begins in late March.
- Register early; summer camp fills quickly.
- Registration packets; mailed to previous campers of appropriate age.
- New campers:
- request a registration packet (to be mailed on 10 March 2008) from the Education Office (863-465-2571), or
- access the registration forms online after 22 March 2008.
- Registration by mail or at Archbold by the camper's parent/guardian.
- Registration not accepted by telephone.
- A space will be reserved only upon receipt of:
- 1) completed registration form, which includes a permission to swim, and medical/photo releases;
- 2) a signed release of liability; and
- 3) a payment check.
Fees $145./week for 2008.
Scolarships for Archbold's ecology day camp 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.
Activities ans Schedule. Each day of Archbold's ecology day 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 at Archbold's ecology camp:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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, campers will learn about fire plot research and 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.
Campers should wear:
- light-colored t-shirts, long pants for mornings, shorts for afternoons
- sneakers or hiking boots (no sandals)
- a hat
Campers are urged to bring:
- bag lunch is requested (Archbold will not provide lunch)
- 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
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