All Eco-Adventures camps are open to children ages 2 to 5 years (preschool). Campers should dress appropriately for outdoor adventures – hats, sunscreen, insect repellant, and a water bottle are highly recommended. Tuition includes the cost of a morning snack, field trips, transportation, and all project supplies. Half-day Eco-Adventures camps are offered from 9am – 12pm. Half-day campers also have the option of attending the lunch bunch from 12pm – 1pm for an additional cost of $5/daily (nutritious bag lunch should be brought from home). Tuition costs for half-day sessions are $75/week.

SESSION 1 06/14 – 06/18 NATURE’S GARDEN
Do you really know where the food you eat comes from? Are you curious about how to grow the best tasting foods? Put on your overalls and get on board as we explore the connections between farming and what we eat. Learn what soil is made of and what lives in the soil. Plant seeds and watch them grow into a delicious treat. Make butter from milk and dyes from native plants. We’ll tour a local farm and pick fresh berries to see how people are acting as good stewards of the land, while growing healthy foods for communities. Fieldtrip: Local farm for an educational program and to pick in-season fruit.

SESSION 2 06/28 – 07/02 FANTASTICAL FLORA
From the tiniest moss to the tallest tree, we’ll use all our senses to discover the wild world of plants. Campers will be introduced to plant structure, growth, life cycle, and ecology. Through field exploration, campers will identify major plant parts and learn their jobs, observe the interactions between plants and animals, especially insect pollinators, and develop an understanding of the importance of plants in the food web. Snacks will also consist of greens and other foods that come straight from the garden. Fieldtrip: Duke Gardens/NC Botanical Gardens.

SESSION 3 07/05 – 07/09 AWESOME ANIMALIA
Do you ever wonder how much life is under a rotting log or clinging onto an abandoned rock? Campers will enjoy a week of in-depth habitat studies as we explore the places that various animal species call home. Explore creatures small and large through special tools such as magnifiers, microscopes, bug boxes, and observation habitats. Campers will make an outdoor birdfeeder to take home for their backyard birds to enjoy. Fieldtrip: Duke Lemur Center

SESSION 4 07/12 – 07/16 A BUG’S LIFE
Do you have a fascination with the amazing feats of tiny crawling creatures or curiosity as to what makes bugs so cool? You’ve come to the right place. Campers will learn about insects and spiders and use them as an inspiration to create fun and expressive art media. We’ll also explore intricate and vibrant designs found in nature such as butterfly wings and the patterned spots on beetles. The week will be spent using nature as an inspiration for and source of beautiful artwork through the exploration of bugs. Campers should dress in attire that is appropriate for hiking and crafting. Fieldtrip: Museum of Life and Science.

Eco-Adventures camp sessions will be taught by Aisha Sanders. Aisha graduated from the University of Chapel Hill with a B.A in International and Area Studies. She also completed courses towards the Sustainability minor and is an avid gardener and cook. Previous experience includes serving as a Lead Teacher, Montessori and Middle School Administrator, and Child Care Director at a local fitness center. Aisha currently serves as the Program Manager and Outreach Coordinator for a local non-profit through the Americorps volunteer program. Her hobbies include spending time with family and friends, especially her teenage son and daughter, serving the community, studying languages and learning from diverse cultures across the globe.