DAY OFF CAMPS AT IRVINE
Your child will love spending their day off from school with Irvine’s award-winning environmental educators for a day of exploration and outdoor activity. Our young environmental stewards will be inspired to explore nature as they are led through a day filled with animal encounters, science experiments, hiking, nature crafts, and more. Irvine Nature Center’s Day Camps are a great option for working families. Drop your child off for a day of nature and fun… while you’re at work getting the job done!
Ages: 5 – 12 years old (split in two age groups)
Dates: September 26, October 5, October 21, November 8, January 16, January 23, February 20, April 10, April 21
Time: 9:00AM – 4:00PM
Price: $110 per day (member discounts apply)
SPECIAL OFFER: ENROLL IN ALL NINE DAY OFF CAMPS AND SAVE – Buy 8, get the 9th for free!
Questions? Contact Moriah Munsch at 443-738-9215 or MunschM@ExploreNature.org
DAY OFF CAMP DESCRIPTIONS 2022-23:
Monday, September 26, 2022- Fabulous Fall
Fabulous is the best way to describe fall here at Irvine, and we invite your child to join us in enjoying some of our favorite fall activities! We will head out on the trails to experience the crisp fall air and nostalgic smell of fallen leaves as we hike to the Native American site. There, children will get to explore the 3-Sisters’ Garden and take part in several fall themed games and activities, including s’mores by the fire to round out the day!
Wednesday, October 5, 2022- Indigenous Peoples of the Chesapeake
In celebration of upcoming Indigenous People’s Day, we will commemorate the Native American tribes of the Eastern Woodlands for all they have taught us about connecting with the environment and using our natural resources sustainably. We will hike to Irvine’s Native American Site where children will get an insider look at Longhouse and Wigwam replicas that pre-colonial Native American tribes would have lived in. Participants will develop a respect for Native American culture as they learn about tool use, clothing, food, fire-making methods, and even games that are different than we see in today’s world.
Friday, October 21, 2022- Resilient Reptiles
Reptiles come in all different shapes and sizes and are some of the most resilient animals on the planet! Join us this National Reptile Awareness Day and meet our diamond back terrapin, hognose snake and several of their reptilian friends here at Irvine! Additionally, we will explore the Wetlands in the hopes of catching one last peek at some of our wild reptiles before they disappear for the winter!
Tuesday, November 8, 2022 – All About Animals
If your child loves getting up close and personal with animals as much as we do, this is definitely the program for him or her! Participants will learn about the 5 classes of vertebrates and the adaptions that make them unique through animal meet-and-greets, hands-on exploration of animal artifacts, and experiencing animals in their natural habitats as we take to the trails! Our animal programs fill up fast, so don’t wait too long to sign up!
Monday, January 16, 2022 – Animal – “ations”
Do you ever wonder where some of our coolest native species disappear to during the winter months? Come learn the ins-and-outs of how different animals prepare for the colder months. Hibernation, migration, and brumation are a few of the “ations” we’ll learn about through a fun-filled day of activities, habitat exploration, and visits from some of our favorite animal ambassadors!
Monday, January 23, 2023 – Winter Wonders
One can only marvel at the abundance of natural wonders during an Irvine winter. In this Day Off Camp, we will be taking a closer look at the often unnoticed beauty that our coldest season has to offer. Participants will take to the trails to search for signs of wildlife as they hike down to see some of Irvine’s picturesque streams and ponds in a frozen state. After some icy experiments and games, we’ll warm up with some hot cocoa by the fire before returning to warmth at the Nature Center to finish the day with some winter themed crafts.
Monday, February 20, 2023 – Maple Magic
Maple syrup season is one of our favorite times of the year here at Irvine, and we hope your child will join us for a close up look at the process of collecting maple sap and turning it into the delicious syrup we all know and love! Participants will hike through our trails to visit our tapped trees and learn how the process has changed over time. We will visit the Barn to observe the process of sap changing to syrup as we enjoy some delicious treats by the fire!
Monday, April 10, 2023 – Wilderness Survival
What would you do if you got lost in the woods? In the Wilderness Survival Day Off Camp, children will learn outdoor survival skills that can keep them safe in the event that they ever find that they have lost their way. Students will learn how to properly pack for an outdoor excursion so that they are prepared for different conditions and scenarios that may arise. They will learn skills such as basic navigation and map reading, shelter building, fire building and safety, water collection and filtering, and how to use the resources around them to help them survive. Don’t miss out on this awesome learning experience for your child!
Friday, April 21, 2023 – Stewardship Superheroes
To commemorate Earth Day, we want to bring our youth together to explore different topics regarding environmental stewardship and the impact each of us has on the Earth. Participants will spend the day learning sustainable strategies that can be practiced in daily life through hands-on activities and games. Our program will last for 7 hours, but we hope the values it will instill last a lifetime.
