Submitted Photo Audubon Community Nature Center is now accepting registrations for its 2023 Summer Day Camps. Designed for children in pre-K through grade 9, camps run four days a week. The experience provides campers with time for free play, outdoor adventures, interactive nature-based lessons, and discovery-based activities.

Audubon Community Nature Center Summer Day Camps are now accepting registrations.

Day camp is designed for children in pre-kindergarten through ninth grades to explore the natural world. Structured and unstructured activities and play create a well-rounded, free-choice experience for all children. Camps run four days per week for eight weeks during the summer. Age breakdowns occur on different weeks.

Four types of camps are offered this summer.

Free Exploration Camps are nature-play based and driven by the campers’ interests. Adults are present to supervise and teach when questions arise. Research shows that unstructured play, especially outdoors, is a key developmental component missing from the lives of many children. Time is divided between 70% nature play and 30% structured time.

Deep and Sticky Learning Camps provide opportunities for naturally curious children to wonder, deduce, and conclude through personal experience, the ideal learning environment. Camps are more structured, using themed topics and lessons to engage campers. Time is divided between 70% learning and 30% nature play.

At Offsite/Specialty Camps campers venture offsite to visit natural destinations in the region. The exact itinerary is weather-dependent and finalized on camp week.

Backpacking Camp builds on campers’ existing skills. Campers set up their own camp, learn to prepare meals, stay safe, and be more comfortable and confident in the woods. This camp includes an offsite one-night, two-day backpacking trip. A schedule of the week and a supply list are provided prior to camp. Campers must have attended previous Audubon Survival camp or have other previous camping experience.

Audubon’s day camps are run by a mix of seasoned educators, interns and trained assistants. All the educators have over 10 years of experience working with children in informal education settings. Interns have some experience working with children and teach for a month at ACNC before they teach day camp. Middle and high school assistants. ages 13 to 18, go through a leadership course to learn expectations and more about leading small groups of children.

Pre-camp and post-camp are early drop-off and later pick-up for campers. These extend the day with activities and adventures for campers and give adults more flexibility in their schedules.

Audubon’s goal is to give every child who wants to attend camp the opportunity to do so. ACNC members at the family level and higher receive 25% off each session. Camperships are available for families with financial need. With support from Robert and Kathleen Frucella, scholarships are available for campers who meet merit-based criteria. Apply online at AudubonCNC.org/scholarships or call ACNC at 716-569-2345. First round application deadlines are May 1.

For a brochure with details of all the camps and to register, call 716-569-2345 or visit AudubonCNC.org/DayCamp.