Summer Camp at Bluff Lake
*The event has already taken place on this date: Fri, 08/11/2017
Please help us keep this calendar up to date! If this activity is sold out, canceled, or otherwise needs alteration, email mindy@kidsoutandabout.com so we can update it immediately. If you have a question about the activity itself, please contact the organization administrator listed below.
Our camps are led by experienced educators, with a counselor-to-camper ratio of less than 1:10 at all times; Camp Leaders write daily emails to campers’ families describing the day’s events and discoveries. Campers will often be organized into small groups according to age and/or interest in activities. These small groups give campers the time and attention they need to devote to projects and learning as well as their interests.
COSTS PER WEEK OF CAMP
Half-Day Camp: $190.00 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Full-Day Camp: $275.00 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Pre-Camp: $25.00 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Post-Camp: $65.00 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
DISCOUNTS
Register before January 31, 2017, and receive 15% off of your entire camp purchases (not including pre- or post-camp purchases)! Returning camp families enjoy the 15% discount through Feb. 28, 2017. Beginning March 1, 2017, register for two or more camps (either for the same child or for additional siblings) and receive $20 off each registration!
SCHOLARSHIPS
We are offering Camp Scholarships to families who are unable to pay for Summer Camp. Please fill out an application to request a scholarship. We are happy to answer any questions, or visit the FAQs page. Scholarship application opens in March.
THEMES
Our weekly themes are designed to delve deep into environmental education topics while also giving campers plenty of time for creek play, hands-on science activities, animal encounters, crafts, and hikes. Each week’s discoveries and exploration will be enhanced with presentations from science and nature experts. Camp Leaders write daily emails to campers’ families describing the day’s events and discoveries.
June 5-9 Pathfinders
Pathfinders will engage their adventurous spirits as they learn outdoor skills and exciting ways to thrive in nature. Campers will immerse themselves in the natural world as they discover shelter building, map-making, plant identification and animal tracking. Daily storytelling, survival kit making, and hiking will be sure to keep everyone active and engaged.
June 12-16 EcoEngineers
EcoEngineers will investigate and discover how our planet’s natural power sources and renewable resources are at work right here at Bluff Lake. Daily hands-on activities, crafts, and experiments will guide campers on their exploration of solar, wind, and hydropower. Campers will use the energy from water and wind to sail hand-made boats as well as harness the power of the sun to cook a snack in a solar oven. This camp is for every kid with some energy to play and to build a strong future for themselves and the planet.
June 19-23 Time Trekkers
What do dinosaurs, cowboys and an international airport have in common? They all once occupied the land around Bluff Lake! Time Trekkers will go on an outdoor adventure through our landscape’s rich local history. Campers will imagine life, art, and stories from Native American’s use of the Bluff Lake site, settlers, pilots, environmentalists, and future life forms. Open exploration of flora and fauna will give campers a rich idea of environmental connections over time and how we can help to steward them.
June 26-30 Riverwalkers
River Walkers will explore the waterfalls, creek beds, and shaded pools of Sand Creek to investigate how all of life needs and uses water. Campers will discover how the birds, mammals, bugs, and crawfish of Bluff Lake interact with its water sources through hands-on activities, animal encounters, and expert presentations. Campers will have the chance to measure, draw, observe, and play with water as they perform water quality testing, sail boats and build their own dams. Prepare to get wet, meet some aquatic creatures, and have a blast!
July 10-14 EcoEngineers
See description above.
July 17-21 Pathfinders
See description above.
July 24-28 Best of Bluff Lake
Our experienced staff will pick the best activities, lessons, crafts and presentations from the summer and create a week full of wild adventures. With plenty of animal encounters, creative projects to bring home and play time in the creek, this is a week not to miss!
For the first time this summer, we will be offering two weeks of camp in August. Due to Licensing Requirements, these weeks are only open to campers aged 7-11 (no 6-year-olds.) These two weeks of camp will begin and end at Bluff Lake Nature Center and will have no Pre- or Post-Camp programming. Camp will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 3 p.m.
July 31-Aug 4 Riverwalkers (7-11 year olds)
See description above.
Aug 7-11 Time Trekkers (7-11 year olds)
See description above.
HOURS AND LOCATION
All camp sessions run Monday-Friday with half- and full-day options. We also have extended hours both before and after the camp day.
Pre-Camp Hours: 7:30 – 9 a.m.
Half-Day Camp: 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Full-Day Camp: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Post-Camp Hours: 3 – 5:30 p.m.
All Pre- and Post-Camp takes place at Isabella Bird Community School (IBCS), a very short walk from Bluff Lake. Campers can be dropped off and picked up at IBCS any time during pre-and post-camp times. Extended hours must be purchased at a weekly rate. (There must be a minimum of 6 campers registered for a week of post-camp care or it will be cancelled).
*Times, dates, and prices of any activity posted to our calendars are subject to change. Please be sure to click through directly to the organization’s website to verify.