NATURE

200

98480 Hagy’s Mill RoadPhiladelphia, PA 19128

Nonprofit OrganisationUS Postage

PAIDPhiladelphia, PAPermit No. 1571

RaMBLERS

RaMBLERS

NATURE

Summer Camp

2009 Summer Camp

Our Nature Ramblers Summer Camp is an environmentally based day camp for children and teens ages 4 to 18. Located on over 300 acres, The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education encompasses a wide variety of habitats, including five ponds, wetlands, streams, pine plantation, butterfly house, secondary forests, and meadows. Our camp programs give children the opportunity to explore this natural world through hands-on discoveries, hiking excursions, art experiences and field trips.

Before Care:8:00-9:00 am Monday thru FridayAvailable for ages 4-15.Cost: $5 per day ($25 per week).*Pre-registration and pre-payment for this service are required.

Aftercare:3:30-5:30 pm Monday thru FridayAvailable for ages 4-15. Cost: $12 per day ($60 per week).*Pre-registration and pre-payment for this service are required.

Information:If you have any questions regarding our camp programs, please contact Camila Rivera-Tinsley at 215-482-7300 ext. 122. For program space availability, please contact ext. 110.

Special Discount!Save $10 off each additional camp session per child!

Ages 4 - 5Camp Adventures & Activities Half-Day Programs: Monday-Friday, 9:00 am– 1:00 pmFull Day Programs: Monday-Friday, 9:00 am– 3:30 pmBefore care is available (as well as aftercare for full day campers) for an additional fee. Campers should bring their own lunch; morning snack is provided. Field trips are scheduled as full day events. Half-day campers may participate in the field trips for an additional fee. Campers must be of age by June 15, 2009.

Half Day programs: Members: $150/week Non-members: $170/weekFull Day programs: Members: $195/week Non-members: $215/week**For programs with a field trip, add $20. Half-day campers, add $30.Camp programs will be shortened during the week of July 4th.

**Wild in the WoodsJune 22-26Come explore The Schuylkill Center and the animals that live here! Each day will take us on a new discovery as we learn about insects, mammals, reptiles, and much more! Includes a field trip to The Elmwood Park Zoo.

Houses, Homes and Shelters June 29-July 2(shortened week due to July 4th holiday)Dens, burrows, caves, nests…animals make their shelters from so many different things and in so many different places! Spend time looking for different types of shelters and exploring the ways that animals use natural materials. (note: this is a shortened week due to July 4th holiday)

Things with WingsJuly 6-10Get ready to flap your wings! Come fly away with us, as we learn about birds, butterflies, and other things that fly. Children will enjoy a visit from some live raptors and an up-close and personal look at live butterflies.

Dinosaurs!July 13-17Blast back to the age of the dinosaurs as we explore what these prehistoric creatures looked like, where they lived, what they ate, and if they still exist! Children will have the opportunity to imagine life during the age of dinosaurs. A look at fossils and other interesting artifacts, as well as a visit from some ancient dinosaur relatives are sure to tantalize.

**Nature DetectivesJuly 20-24Get out your tools! It’s time to learn how to be your own nature detective as we explore The Schuylkill Center with our senses in search of clues left by the animals that live here. We will use our five senses to explore the Please Touch Museum!

**Creepy Crawly CrittersJuly 27-31What is it like to be one of the smallest creatures on Earth? Come take a closer look at insects, spiders and other creepy crawlies that zip through the air, live in the water, and dig underground. Children will enjoy the hands-on exploration and up-close interaction with insects. A visit to the Insectarium will round out the week.

Nature CraftsAugust 3-7Making connections between nature and art is a great way to foster appreciation of our natural world. This week will focus on representing nature through art by making crafts with materials from our outside.

**How Does Your Garden Grow?August 9-13Come learn about the power of flowers and other plants! Discover how a seed grows, where plants live, and how they survive. Children will grow their own flowers and pick fruit at Shady Brook Farm.

**The Pond and BeyondAugust 17-21Get ready to make a splash! Come take a wet and wild look at aquatic life in our ponds and streams as we discover the importance of water and the creatures that live in it. Children will enjoy stream walks and being able to identify the aquatic creatures that inhabit Southeastern PA’s waterways. A field trip to the New Jersey Aquarium will enhance what the children discover at The Schuylkill Center.

Programs run Monday-Friday, 9:00 am- 3:30 pm. Before and aftercare are available for an additional fee. Campers should bring a lunch daily; a snack is provided.Campers must be of age by June 15, 2009.

Members: $195/week Non-members: $215/week**For programs with a field trip, add $20.Camp programs will be shortened during the week of July 4th.

**Habitat HuntersJune 22-26Come explore The Schuylkill Center and the animals that live here! Discover the many different habitats that animals live in and how they get their needs met within that habitat. Each day will take us on a new discovery, as we learn about insects, mammals, birds and much more. Includes a field trip to the Philadelphia Zoo.

New! Earth ProtectorsJune 29-July 2The impact that we have on the environment can be very large. Learn about the things that we do everyday that have a positive and negative effect on our planet earth. Children will sing songs, play games and make crafts as they learn about how to have a positive impact on the environment. (note: this is a shortened week due to July 4th holiday)

Things With WingsJuly 6-10Keep your eyes and ears open as we discover the flying animals of The Schuylkill Center. We’ll learn about birds and butterflies that are active during the day and about the mysterious lives of those that are active at night! A visit from some raptors will give us a chance to see live birds of prey up-close and dissect some owl pellets.

Programs run Monday-Friday, 9:00 am- 3:30 pm. Before and aftercare are available for an additional fee. Campers should bring a lunch daily; a snack is provided.Campers must be of age by June 15, 2009.

Members: $195/week Non-members: $215/week** For programs with a field trip, add $20.Camp programs will be shortened during the week of July 4th.

**Amazing AdaptationsJune 22-26How’d they do that? Join us as we explore the different tools that make animals and plants unique and able to survive in their habitats. Children will study animals in-depth at The Center and they will get a chance to visit the Philadelphia Zoo to explore some non-native animals.

New! Earth: The Great Green MachineJune 29- July2Go green with us as we explore the earth as a giant ecosystem that we all have to inhabit and share. Learn about its resources and ways that we can protect them and teach others to protect them as well.

Art in Nature IJuly 6-10Get in tune with artist in you. Children will be inspired to take in and interpret nature in many different ways as they engage in painting, photography, pottery, journaling, drawing, and much more.

Art in Nature II**July 13-17This week is designed to encourage children that have an interest in art and the environment to bring them together. Children will spend the week learning about different environmental topics, and they will decide ways to present those in

Cold Blooded CreaturesJuly 13-17Come learn about the different reptiles and amphibians that live in the area. Discover the adaptations that make these creatures uniquely suited to their way of life. We will have a special guest that will showcase some of the reptiles and amphibians found locally and in exotic places.

**Digging the PastJuly 20-July 24Explore the history of The Center. Discover how the land was used in the past as we learn Native American lore. We will visit historic ruins on the property. Children will make crafts that represent how people lived in a time without modern conveniences. A trip to the Academy of Natural Sciences for a “Dinosaur Dig” will give children an insight into Archaeology as they piece together the past based on clues left behind by people and animals.

**Creepy Crawly CrittersJuly 27-31Come take a closer look at insects, spiders, and other creepy crawlies that zip through the air, burrow underground, or swim through a pond. Learn about how they live, what they eat, and why they are important. See a collection of insects from around the world on a visit to the Insectarium.

Flower Power**August 3-7Learn about the awesome power of plants and all of the wonderful things they do for us. Examine plants up close and learn how to make your garden grow. Children will be able to identify some plants that are native to the Southeastern PA area. A trip to Shady Brook Farm will give the children an opportunity to see a real farm in action and use some of their newfound knowledge.

**Mad Scientist IAugust 10-14The bigger the mess, the better! Come get wacky in the Mad Scientist Lab as we have hours of gooey, oozy fun. Includes a special appearance from our own mystery scientist! A trip to The Franklin Institute, where the children will have an opportunity to see science in action and explore the many interesting interactive displays, will be sure to please.

**The Pond and BeyondAugust 17-21Get ready to make a splash! Come take a wet and wild look at aquatic life in our ponds and stream as we discover the importance of water and the creatures that live there. Includes a field trip to the New Jersey State Aquarium to see some fish that are common to Pennsylvania’s waterways, as well as some uncommon fish.

an artistic format. A trip to a local puppet theatre will inspire us to create our own performance.

Habitat Tenders**July 20-24Join us for a fun filled week where children will get to study habitats and factors affecting habitat loss in depth. The children will build shelters for animals such as bat houses, bird houses, and brush piles. They will also get to work with an architect to design their own environmentally-friendly town. This week includes a trip to Crystal Caverns!

**Wildlife TrackerJuly 27-31Ever wanted to test out your animal tracking skills? Come and spend a week learning to pay close attention to the signs that animals leave behind. Learn to identify animal tracks, scat, and fur. Go out with a real hunter to learn how to track deer herds, which plants are edible, and even help to tan a deer hide! Includes a visit to the Churchville Nature Center.

**Archaeology and Ancient LivingAugust 3-7Before The Schuylkill Center began, it’s grounds were used for farming. Join us as we explore what life used to be like in this area. Discover the history of the Lenape Indians and learn some of their survival skills. Children will make their own ice-

cream, build a fire, unearth ruins, make leather and paper, and much more. This week includes a trip to the Archaeology Museum at University of Pennsylvania.

**Mad Scientist IIAugust 10-14Even bigger and better messes than you remember in the 6-7’s! Revisit some of our old projects as well as trying out new experiments like bridge building, rocket launching, solar panels, and much more! A trip to the Franklin Institute, where the children will have an opportunity to see science in action and to explore the many interesting interactive displays, will be sure to please.

**Aquatic AdventuresAugust 17-21Get ready to make a splash! Explore the ponds, streams, and wetlands of The Center. Learn to identify aquatic life and fish. Learn to fish using the SMART Angler program from the PA Fish and Boat Commission. We will visit some local watering holes and take a trip to the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge for some water testing and seining. This week includes swimming at Shelly Ridge Pool.

Ages 6 - 7Camp Adventures & Activities Ages 8 - 9Camp Adventures & Activities

Unless otherwise stated, programs run Monday-Friday, 9:00 am- 3:30 pm. Before and aftercare are available for an additional fee. Campers should bring a lunch daily; a snack is provided.Campers must be of age by June 15, 2009. There will be no camp programs during the week of July 4th.

Ages 10 - 12Camp Adventures & Activities

Wilderness Survival Skills June 22-26Members: $240 Non-members: $260Have you ever wanted to rough it on your own? This week learn to build a fire, read a compass, build a shelter, track animals, and much more during this introduction to wildlife skills. Includes an overnight camping trip at The Center. New! Great Nature EscapesJune 29-July2Members: $265 Non-members: $285This is the perfect week for kids that love nature and exploring the great out doors. During this shortened week, each day will find us on local outdoor adventure. We will start off the week with hiking in the Wissahickon. Later in the week, birding at Hawk Mountain and tubing on the Delaware will be part of our line-up, as well as spending a day at French Creek State Park.

Water WatchersJuly 6-10Members: $265 Non-members: $285This is a week devoted to water and the animals that make aquatic habitats their homes. Children will have the opportunity to do water testing at different sites. They will also learn the basics of angling through a program promoted and designed by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. We will take fishing trips to the Schuylkill River and the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. We will have the opportunity to swim at Shelley Ridge Pool. We’ll end the week with a fun tubing trip down the Delaware River. Adventure Camp: Wolf WatchersJuly 13-17Monday-Tuesday, 9:00 am-3:30 pm Wednesday 9:00 am-Friday 3:30 pm (Overnights)Members: $300 Non-Members: $320Have you ever wanted to observe wolves up close? Join us as we explore the beautiful area surrounding the Delaware Water Gap. During our three day trip, we will visit Pocono Environmental Education Center and see their boreal bogs and a quarry with real fossils. We will hike on a portion of the historical Appalachian Trail, and camp in Worthington State Park. We will also visit LaKota Wolf Peserve and learn about the habitat and lifestyle of North American Wolves. All meals and snacks are provided Wednesday through Friday afternoon. Tents are also provided.

Adventure Camp: Biking the Lehigh GorgeJuly 20-24 Monday-Tuesday, 9:00 am-3:30 pmWednesday 9:00 am-Friday 3:30 pm (Overnights)Members: $300 Non-Members: $320This a special week devoted to young adventure seekers. We will begin at The Center learning the basics of mountain bike safety and taking a few short local rides in preparation for our big ride along the Lehigh Gorge. We will end the week with white water rafting down the Lehigh. Children must have their own bicycles, helmets, and knee and elbow pads for the first two days. Bikes can be left at The Center over night. We will rent bikes at the Lehigh Gorge. All meals and snacks are provided Wednesday through Friday afternoon. Tents are also provided. Adventure Camp: Jersey Shore (overnight adventure)July 27-31Monday-Tuesday, 9:00 am- 3:30 pm,Wednesday 9:00 am- Friday 3:30 pm (Overnights)Members: $300 Non-members: $320It’s time to hit the beach! Our adventure will take us on a nature safari on a catamaran to explore the Atlantic back bays and beautiful salt marshes; hiking the beach trails at night, and exploring the ocean and bay for natural treasures! We will camp in beautiful Belle Plain State Forest and spend a day sunning at the beach in Sea Isle City. All meals and snacks are provided Wednesday through Friday afternoon. Tents are also provided.

Adventure Camp: Promised Land (overnight adventure)August 3-7Monday-Tuesday, 9:00 am-3:30 pmWednesday 9:00 am-Friday 3:30 pm (Overnights)Members: $300 Non-members: $320Escape with us to the Poconos to explore beautiful Promised Land. Children will have the opportunity to do some orienteering, hiking, and swimming. We will also visit Bushkill Falls, the Niagara Falls of Pennsylvania. All meals and snacks are provided Wednesday through Friday afternoon. Tents are also provided.

Adventure Camp: Pine Barrens (overnight adventure)August 10-14Monday-Tuesday, 9:00 am-3:30 pmWednesday 9:00 am-Friday 3:30 pm (Overnights)Members: $300 Non-members: $320Join us for a trip to New Jersey’s scenic Pine Barrens. Discover the unique ecology of this location. We will camp in Wharton State Forest, take advantage of the beautiful vistas, hike Batona Trail, and even take a canoe trip. All meals and snacks are provided Wednesday through Friday afternoon. Tents are also provided.

Adventure Camp: Assateague Island (overnight adventure)August 17-21Monday-Tuesday, 9:00 am-3:30 pmWednesday 8:00 am-Friday 5:00 pm (Overnights)Members: $300 Non-members: $320Join us as we embark on a 3-day, 2 night excursion to Assateague Island in Maryland. Learn about this unique ecosystem and it’s wildlife as we explore the land. Get a chance to see the legendary wild horses on the island. Activities include fishing, hiking, swimming, and of course sun bathing on the beach. All meals and snacks are provided Wednesday morning through Friday afternoon.

Ages 13 - 15Camp Adventures & Activities For the first week of each two week session, programs run Monday-Friday, 9:00 am- 3:30 pm, unless otherwise noted.

The second week of each session is a travel adventure week that will include camping for that full week. There will be a specific itinerary for that week’s adventure trip. All meals, snacks and tents are provided for the travel weeks.

Before and aftercare are available for an additional fee.

Campers should bring a lunch daily; a snack is provided.

Campers must be of age by June 15, 2009.

SESSION I: Land StewardsJuly 6-10 & July 13-17Members: $760 Non-Members: $800This session is devoted to the study of the earth and the process of land formations as well as making use of the earth and its resources in the most sustainable way. Youth participants spend the first week studying the different resources that the earth is able to provide humans. The will learn about the life cycles of these resources as well as have the opportunity to experience the center’s new sustainably designed camping shelters, a part of the Center’s ‘Gimme Shelter’ art installation series. Campers will learn about the use of sustainable materials as well as have the opportunity to design their own sustainable shelter. A visit to a local land fill as well as a coal mine will help the students to understand both the positive and negative impacts that people have on the environment.

Adventure Camp: Catskills!Drop off Monday, Pick up Friday at 5:00 pm (Overnights)The second week of this session will take to the Catskill region of New York to camp at the North-South Lake camp site in the Catskill Forest Preserve. We will explore the rich geological history of this area by visiting Howe Caverns, a commercial cave. We will also visit the Herkimer diamond mines and pan for diamonds and check out the Ellenville ice caves. The many natural sites such as Katterskill Falls, Alligator Rock and the Hudson River will certainly keep our young adventure seekers busy.

SESSION II: Water StewardsJuly 20-24 & July 27-31Members: $755Non-Members: $795Did you ever wonder why that wet stuff is so important? Then this is the session for you. Spend the first week day tripping and experimenting with all aspects of water. We will learn about creatures that call the water their home and how to tell the health of body of water by the creatures that we find. Youth participants will also learn about different factors that can affect the health of a body of water and ways that humans contribute to those factors. Philadelphia’s water use history will be a one of the topics that we explore. Fun day trips will include tubing down the Delaware, fishing, a visit to the Water Works, and a trip to the Baltimore Aquarium.

Adventure Camp: Ohiopyle State Park (Overnights)Drop off Monday, Pick up Friday at 5:00 pmThe second week of this session will take us to Ohiopyle State Park for white water rafting, biking and exploring the natural waterslides and water falls of the area will keep us busy as we explore beautiful Ohiopyle State Park. We will also get a chance to tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous home “Falling Waters”. A day spent relaxing at Cheat River in nearby Maryland will cool us off after our adventures.

SESSION III: Air StewardsAugust 3-7 & August 10-14Members: $730Non-Members: $770Come spread your wings and fly with us this session as we explore the mechanics of flight and the physics of air. Learning about air currents and weather, launching rockets, designing aircrafts, and creating our own hot air balloon are all activities that will have our minds challenged as we gear up to challenge our bodies in the next week of this session. We will explore the wing design of birds and also touch on air pollution and what effect that has on wildlife as well as people.

Adventure Camp: Allegheny National Forest and Presque Isle!The second week of air stewards will find us traveling across PA for an awesome 5 day tour of Western PA. We will travel across PA, stopping at Whipple Dam and Allegheny National Forest where we will hike, swim, and fish. The tour will end at beautiful Presque Isle for a little fun and birding as we watch the peak migration of shore birds an this famous Atlantic fly ways spot. We will try test our ‘wings’ as we take a parasailing adventure on the bay. Test flights of our kites on the beach will be the perfect culmination to our flights of fantasy! All meals and snacks are provided Monday afternoon through Saturday afternoon. Tents are also provided. (This is a six day trip).

Summer CampIn their own words... MembershipNot already a member of the Schuylkill Center?

“Thanks for your patience and positive attitudes!”

“The camp exceeded all of our expectations. We hope it stays around for a long time!”

“The teachers are TERRIFIC!” – 6 year old camper

“My daughter loves camp! The counselors are great.” – parent of camper

“I really enjoyed being here this week.” – 8 year old camper

“Thank you, we love your camp!” - parent of 7 year old camper

“My son has come home delighted each day.” - parent of 6 year old camper

“The counselors have been good communicators and made my daughter feel relaxed while teaching her a lot. Thanks.” - parent of 6 year old camper

“My son didn’t have a least favorite activity. He loved everything about this camp!

“My son would tell me every day that he wanted to stay later.” - parent of a 9 year old camper

“My child was encouraged to explore and be himself in nature with little restrictions or hard and fast rules.”

“My child had a great time. Thank you!” - parent of a 4 year old camper

Not already a member of The Schuylkill Center? All members receive a $20 discount on Summer Camp per week per child. In addition, members receive discounted or free admission to selected programs at The Center, discounts at local businesses, and much more. The Center offers year-round, education-based programs that invite the whole family to interact with the environment in new and exciting ways. Bird walks for all ages, arts & crafts using natural objects found in your own backyard, events and festivals, and outdoor music performances are all in store for 2009! Sign up for a membership and receive discounts for these programs and Summer Camp, all while supporting the mission of The Schuylkill Center.

Please contact Peter Malandra, Membership Coordinator, at 215-482-7300 x117 or pmalandra@schuylkillcenter.org for more details. Complete and mail to: The Schuylkill Center, 8480 Hagy’s Mill Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19128

Member Information

Name ___________________________________________

Address __________________________________________

City __________________ State _____ Zip ____________

Telephone ________________________________________

E-mail ___________________________________________

Membership Category

❑ College $20

❑ Individual $40

❑ Family $60

❑ Contributing $100

❑ Carson $250

❑ Leopold $500

❑ Thoreau $1,000

The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. This donation is deductible to the full extent of the law.

Benefits of Membership

•_ Free admission to selected programs at The Schuylkill Center

•_ Special invitation to “members only” events

•_ Special discounts and preferred registration on summer

camps, birthday parties, workshops, and other programs

•_ 10% discount at Bookstore and for Birdseed

•_ Discounts at participating Nature Centers nationwide

[visit website for details]

•_ Rent a plot at our organic garden

•_ Discounts at participating local businesses [visit website

for details]

•_ All this and more for memberships above $100

Payment Method

❑ Cash (amount enclosed) $_________________

❑ Check ❑ Mastercard ❑ Visa

Credit Card Number_________________________________ Exp.______

Signature________________________________________________________

❑ I would like to learn about your planned giving program.

❑ I would like to volunteer my time and services to The Schuylkill Center.

❑ Yes, automatically renew my membership until I request otherwise using the above information.