JUNIOR NATURALIST CAMPS: AGES 4-5
Junior Naturalist Camp runs Monday through Friday with two session options:
. Mornings, 9am–noon • CODE: JRAM
. Afternoons, 2pm–5pm • CODE: JRPM
$110 Member; $135 Non-Member
Big Backyard
Go outside! Open the back door and explore your backyard. This camp prepares you to meet the birds, mammals, and small crawling critters that can easily be found in your big backyard.
JUNE 16–20, CODE: JRAM1, JRPM1
Frogs & Friends
Explore the world of frogs and all their slimy-skinned relatives. Join us as we visit ponds and forests in search of the animals that we call amphibians. You’ll be HOPPY that you did.
JUNE 23–27, CODE: JRAM2, JRPM2
Terrific Turtles and Super Snakes
Do you like turtles, snakes, and lizards? If you answer yes, you must be wild about reptiles. We will meet these reptiles on our trails or inside the Interpretive Center and use stories, art, and games to understand why they are so terrific.
JULY 7–11, CODE: JRAM3, JRPM3
Animals that Lived Long Ago
Fortunately we don’t see a T-rex while going on a summer walk through the woods. Imagine if you did. Travel with us back into the distant past as we explore the animals that have called Earth home. Walk on an ancient ocean floor and have a mammoth amount of fun as we see what animals lived long ago.
JULY 14–18, CODE: JRAM4, JRPM4
Animal Wonders
Have you ever seen a hummingbird’s wings move so fast that they are a blur? Are you amazed when you find a caterpillar changing into a butterfly? Animals are wonderful: they have amazing speed, strength, and senses that help them survive. Run, hide, and use all your senses to see for yourself the wonders of the animal world.
JULY 21–25, CODE: JRAM5, JRPM5
Creative Creatures
We are surrounded each day with the shapes, colors, and patterns in nature. Observe all the beauty of nature and investigate the things animals create. Campers can be creative too with all the art and fun we have waiting for them.
JULY 28–AUGUST 1, CODE: JRAM6, JRPM6
Bug-A-Boo
Insects are amazing because… You’ll find out why at this buggy camp. See the bees make honey and taste some too. Make crafts and play buggy games along with a visit to the butterfly house. You won’t be scared of insects anymore, even if they say “Bug-A-BOO.”
AUGUST 4–8, CODE: JRAM7, JRPM7
Go with the Flow
The Nature Center has a pond, stream, and river. How do the animals we love use the water and shore as their habitat? We will follow the twists and turns of the waterways and explore the wetlands and forests down to the Kalamazoo River.
AUGUST 11–15, CODE: JRAM8, JRPM8
Beautiful Birds
We are hatching a week of fun as young naturalists focus their attention on the world of birds. What is migration? What do birds eat? We’ll learn how to recognize some common species, visit bird boxes, and watch bird-banders at work. Campers will learn about nest building by making their own nests. Earn a bird band bracelet at the end of the week.
AUGUST 18–22, CODE: JRAM9, JRPM9
Scales and Slime
Not every animal is huggable and soft like your pet dog or cat. Some animals live in a slimy and scaly world, but that doesn’t mean they’re not lovable. Are you ready to discover the world of reptiles and amphibians? Slither, crawl, and hop to it—You won’t want to miss this camp.
AUGUST 25–29, CODE: JRAM10, JRPM10