Come join us for one or five days of winter exploration.  This continually popular program is for children ages 6-8 in one room and ages 9-11 in the other room.  We go outside every day and experience the changes and peacefulness of nature in winter.  Songs, crafts, games and live animal observations are all part of the learning experience.  Call (413) 256-6006 to pre-register.  Registration begins January 2, 2008.

The Nature Day Camps will spend part of their week traveling by van to fascinating sites in the valley to study local streams, ponds and forests.  Please note that we do take the Explorers (ages 9-11) to the Mill River Pool twice a week.  The Young Naturalists (ages 6-8) will have sprinkler play and river wading time to cool off, but no pool time.

Session 1:   June 30 - July 11, 2008

    Ecology is Everywhere

Explore field, forest, pond and farm, to discover the fascinating connections of ecosystems.  Through hands- on experiences within these habitats, mixed with stories, songs, games and crafts, we will learn about the creatures and processes that are part of our natural systems and cycles.  We will also look at how humans have learned and could learn from these marvelous interconnections.

Session 2:   July 14 - July 25, 2008

     Wild about Water

Come investigate the diversity of fresh water ecosystems in our midst: ponds, lakes, rivers and wetlands.  Through songs, games, crafts and outdoor exploration we will learn about the water cycle, water habitats and the importance of clean water for all life on earth.  We will also study our Connecticut River watershed to see how humans have established themselves around water throughout history. 

Session 3:   July 28 - August 8, 2008

     What Goes Around, Comes Around   

This old saying means all sorts of things for humans and nature. Through exploration of field and forest, garden and compost heap we will learn about nature’s systems and cycles and how nothing is wasted and everything is recycled.  We will observe how humans have put this knowledge to use and get creative as we design for the future with this in mind. 

Session 4:   August 11 - August 15, 2008

     Flower to Seed and Back Again

Plants and animals have been evolving and adapting to each other for millions of years. How do plants get from flower to seed and back again?  Who are the pollinator?  Who are the predators?  How do they spread their seeds? What are the plants we depend on for food? Come learn about the amazing efficiency of nature’s co-evolution through outdoor explorations, games, stories, and experiments. 

Please see registration details below.      Back to top

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Help send a deserving child to camp.  Each summer we offer full and partial camp scholarships to children of families in financial need from the surrounding area.  Children are nominated by teachers, guidance counselors, and community organizations.  These scholarships are generated in large part through voluntary contributions we receive.  Please consider donating whatever you can toward our camp scholarship fund.  A little bit can make all the difference to a child who wouldn't normally be able to go to camp.

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CAMP STAFF

Camp Counselors are chosen for their experience working with children, thorough understanding of environmental education and natural history, and their connection to the outdoors. They strive to foster an appreciation and understanding of nature while providing a fun and educational experience in a safe and supportive setting. Our staff is First Aid / CPR certified and is attentive to issues of safety at all times. Our first goal is for children to safely enjoy their camp experience.

Junior Counselors!

Attention young adults 13 and older! Have you ever considered becoming a Hitchcock Center Junior Counselor? It’s lots of fun and you can learn about nature and science at the same time! Some benefits of becoming a volunteer Junior Counselor include:

• developing leadership skills
• learning fascinating things about your local environment
• sharing what you know with youngsters
• being a tremendous help to our Counselors

Opportunities are available for one or more camp sessions. Training and supervision provided by experienced education staff.  If interested, send a letter or e-mail about your interest in nature and spending time with young children, along with three phone references to:  Casey Beebe, Camp Director, HCE, 525 South Pleasant Street, Amherst MA  01002.

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Questions or comments?  E-mail us at hcenter@crocker.com