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education scrub ecology "summer camp"
Scrub Ecology, an Archbold Summer Day Camp
registration | fees | scholarships | activities/schedule
Schedule for 2011
Session 1 |
June 13-June 17 |
10 to 12 year olds |
Session 2 |
June 20-June 24 |
7 to 9 year olds |
Session 3 |
June 27-July 1 |
10 to 12 year olds |
Session 4 |
July 4-July 8 |
7 to 9 year olds |
Campers 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 science experiences for children (ages 7-12) that help stimulate curiosity, foster appreciation, and teach about the endless wonders of the natural world. The camp focuses on the unique and rapidly disappearing Florida Scrub habitat. 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, Archbold's popular Ecology Summer Camp is held each summer during June and July with five one-week day camp sessions.
Faculty. Each session is supervised by 2 adult leaders and 1 adult intern, with assistance from 4 teen counselors, and 1 Red Cross-certified lifeguard. Guest lectures are also given by Archbold scientists.
Sessions. Camp comprises of 5 one-week sessions. Each session is restricted to 16 campers. A camper may only attend one session per summer.
2011 sessions & schedule | letter to parents | liability release form | registration forms |
Our forms are in pdf format, to open it you will need to have a pdf reader. Click here for a free one
Registration:
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Begins in mid-March.
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Registration packets to be mailed on March 14, 2011.
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Access registration forms online beginning March 16, 2011.
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Register early; camp sessions fill quickly.
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Previous campers:
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Registration packets automatically mailed previous campers of appropriate age.
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New campers:
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Request a registration packet from the Education Office (863-465-2571), or access the registration forms online.
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Registration not accepted by telephone.
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A space in camp will be reserved only upon receipt of the following:
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Completed registration form (includes a permission to swim, and medical/photo releases;
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Signed release of liability
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A payment check.
Fees (2011)
$150/week for Sessions 2 and 4 (7-9 yr olds)
$175/week for Sessions 1 and 3 (10-12 yr olds)
Scholarships. A limited number of scholarships for Archbold's Ecology Summer Camp program are available for children of low-income families.
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To qualify for a scholarship:
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A verification letter from school is required, stating that the child is on the free lunch program.
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To sponsor a camp scholarship:
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Please contact Education Office (863-465-2571 ext 276).
Activities and Schedule. Each day of Archbold's Ecology Summer 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 Summer Camp:
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Monday: "Observing Nature Day" is for getting to know other campers and sharpening observation skills by practicing use of sight, hearing, smell, and touch through various activities.
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Tuesday: "It’s a Small World Day" is time to investigate insects and other small organisms. The campers get "down and dirty" exploring a seasonal pond (water level permitting) and learning about the diversity of small organisms.
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Wednesday: "Ranch Safari Day" is a special day with a trip to Buck Island Ranch allowing campers to view a working cattle ranch with a large cow/calf operation. Wildlife abounds here in the natural hammock and marsh areas. Campers are likely to see deer, wild hogs, herons, hawks, alligators, and more. During the visit, campers will also learn about research studies being done there by Archbold scientists.
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Thursday: "Lake Annie Day" features investigations into Florida 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. A "night hike" is also held from about 9pm - 10:30pm (optional for 7-9 yr. olds; parents encouraged to attend). An overnight stay in Station cabins is included for the 10-12 year old campers. Night hike activities include listening to and identifying night sounds, watching luminous insects like click beetles, finding spiders by looking for "eye shine," using a flashlight, calling for owls, and playing nighttime observation games.
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Friday: "Scrub Day" is a time to reflect and review all that was learned, 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:
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light-colored t-shirts, long pants for mornings, shorts for afternoons
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sneakers or hiking boots (no sandals)
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a hat
Campers are urged to bring:
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bag lunch is requested (Archbold will not provide lunch)
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water bottle
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sunscreen
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poncho/rain gear
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Tuesday: extra old sneakers and change of clothes for possible muddy/wet activities
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Thursday: bathing suit, towel
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optional: camera, binoculars
