Boston Nature Center Camp - Super-duper Science

Weekly themes (below) will be explored in a multitude of meaningful and interesting ways to ensure that each camper ends the week with a well-rounded understanding of the overall theme, in addition to a better understanding and appreciation of nature in general. The weekly theme is explored through a combination of the following activities: close observations, investigations, simple projects, nature journals, walks on the trails, art activities, related group games, songs, and more. The open house… Show more on the last day of every week invites campers to share their understanding of the weekly theme with their friends and families.
Week 1 - June 25-June 29: No Place Like Home (Habitats)
What sort of creatures live beneath a log or hidden among the flowers of the meadow? What do living things need to make a home in the forest or the wetlands? During this week, we will learn about habitats through meadow sweeping, hiking the trails, ponding exploration, and the creation of an indoor habitat for caterpillars. Join us as we discover what animals need to survive in their own special homes.
Week 2 - July 2-July 6: Drip, Drip, Drop (Water Investigations)
Rainbows, ice cubes, and puddles are just a few of the forms of water. During this week of water investigations we will learn about the shapes and sounds of water. Through discovery, experiments and art we will find out how plants and animals depend on water to stay alive. We will also keep cool with some watery games.
Week 3 - July 9-July 13: Beak Buddies (Birds)
Birds are around us all of the time, but sometimes we forget to look and listen. This week will include many adventurous bird walks and bird observations. We will learn how birds can build nests with their beaks and feet, learn the color of robins and other common birds, and have a lot of fun hearing all the bird songs. Come find out what makes a bird a bird!
Week 4 - July 16-July 20: Walk This Way (Wildlife)
Can you walk like a turkey and hop like a rabbit? Can you waddle like duck and slither like a snake? Animals move for lots of different reason, sometimes to find food or hide from predators. Let's learn the different ways that animals move and why. Join in on hikes, dancing, and games to see if you can move your body the same way. "Walk a mile in their shoes" and learn all about animals on the move!
Week 5 - July 23-July 27: Keep on Rockin' (Soil & Rocks)
Where does soil come from? Is it created in a soil factory? Does a magician wave a magic wand and - POOF! - there's soil?! We will dig together to discover what soil is made of and where it comes from. During this week we will use the ground beneath us to make art, music and even food. We will investigate rocks, leaves, tree limbs, and bugs to find the answer.
Week 6 - July 30- August 3: How Does Your Garden Grow? (Plants & Gardening)
In a garden there are lots of chances to get your hands dirty and to have fun. Join us for a garden adventure to find out what plants need to grow. You will use all your senses to explore the garden habitat, plant seeds, and take care of seedlings. As the week progresses we will discover where our food comes from by harvesting veggies from the garden. And, enjoy creating some tasty treats from your hard work!
Week 7 - August 6-August 10: Small & Crawly (Insects & Others)
Have you ever rolled over a rock or a log looking for small critters? What else lives on the forest floor? What about in the meadow? This week, explore high and low in the meadow, the forest, and even the pond for some amazing critters and discover the important roles they play in the world. Through observation, imaginative play and art you will learn to love their small and crawly ways.
Week 8 - August 13-August 17: Super-duper Science (Science Investigations)
Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a scientist? Are you ready to seek out the mysteries all around us? Use your powers of observation to uncover questions about animals, plants, water, and more. During this week you will learn about and use science tools such as magnifying glasses, insect nets, thermometers and even help create a weather station. Test out your ideas with your fellow scientists and share your results.
Week 9 - August 20-August 24: Sing, Sculpt, Splatter (Art & Nature)
Yellow flowers attract butterflies, purple berries draw in birds, and the white stripe on a skunk says, "stay away." What other colors help wildlife and people move through the world? Explore and learn about nature while sculpting bread dough animals, painting and pasting nature color wheels and other fun art and nature projects. Together we will celebrate wildlife with puppet shows, songs, and dances.
Week 10 - August 27-August 31: Stop, Look, Listen! (5 Senses)
Let's listen for bird songs and insect noises to discover the wildlife at the BNC. Let's smell fresh herbs and taste test our own salsa all collected from the garden. Let's go on a color scavenger hunt to find the many different colored flowers found here at the BNC. As we use our senses to see like an owl, listen like a fox, and smell like a rabbit in our games, gardening and art projects, we will learn about the world around us.
Registration is on a first come, first served basis. Children can attend up to 4 weeks of camp. If additional weeks are desired, you may be put on a waiting list.
Instructions and Directions: Fees are based on a sliding scale. To request a registration packet, please call (617) 983-8500 or print registration forms from BNC's "Summer Camp" page.
Registration is required.
To request a registration packet, please call (617) 983-8500 or email bnc@massaudubon.org.
For your own security, DO NOT send credit card information via email.
For more information, contact:
Boston Nature Center
500 Walk Hill Street
Mattapan, MA 02126
(617) 983-8500
bnc@massaudubon.org

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