Riverbend - Environmental Education Center : Programs & Activities : Camps : Summer Exploration Camps

Programs & Activities

Summer Exploration Camps

Hiking, stream-stomping and bug-catching are a few of the key ingredients that have made Riverbend's summer exploration camp a sensation for almost 30 years. Our eleven-week program offers children the opportunity to unwind, explore nature and most importantly, have fun! Through nature study and investigation, games, crafts, hikes and more, our professional educators will guide your children in hands-on exploration and discovery.

Click here to download our Summer Camp Brochure

Camp Open House – Sunday March 18th from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Camper Orientation – Saturday June 9th from 1:00-4:00 p.m.

New for 2012!
Camps for 4-year-olds
Camps for 5- and 6-year-olds
Camps for 7- and 8-years-olds
Camps for 9- to 11-year-olds
Camps for 11- to 14-year-olds
Forms/Registration Policies
Schedule
Camp Jr. Volunteer

New for 2012!
We were blown away last year by the success of our Wilderness Survival Camp, with so many cool things to do, we decided to not only offer the week again, but to also offer an Advanced Wilderness Survival Week! So if your child attended the Wilderness Survival Camp last year or wants to sign up this year, they can also sign up for our Advanced Wilderness Survival the week of July 23rd-27th.

Advanced Wilderness Survival Camp
Let's take our survival skills to the next level! If campers participated in our Wilderness Survival camp this summer, or last, they can take part in our advanced survival camp. This week will also include a one-night camping trip to French Creek State park and an opportunity to go fishing for their dinner. Perfect for ages 7-11!

Camps for 4-year-olds: Rangers
Riverbend’s youngest campers are full of energy and imagination! To introduce these young learners to the wonders of the natural world, we offer nature walks, sensory exploration, crafts, games and nature discovery. Our Ranger sessions are from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every day and cover a different theme each week.

June 11th -15th
Peek in the Creek
Crayfish, salamanders, and of course, “Magic Rocks” make the stream an inviting place for all of our campers. This week will explore the many creatures that live in the stream and will be full of lots of wet fun.
Price: $215.00

June 18th -22nd
Gone Buggy
From the meadows to the forest to the ponds, insects can be found all over Riverbend. Campers will learn about these fascinating six-legged creatures while they explore all that Riverbend has to offer.
Price: $215.00

June 25th -29th
Fascinating Forests
A forest is soooo much more than just trees! Campers will learn about this wonderful ecosystem from the ground up, including decomposers, plant life, birds and much more.
Price: $215.00

July 9th -13th
Exploring Nature with Art
For many people nature and art go hand in hand, this week campers will hike, explore and discover nature, but they will also take their natural inspirations and turn them into beautiful pieces of art.
Price: $215.00

July 16th-20th
Everyone Eats
Whether plants, meat or both, every living thing needs to eat. Campers will explore the many different relationships between animals and their food.
Price: $215.00

July 23rd -27th
Planet Protectors
Recycling, composting, saving energy, planting trees, there are so many ways that everyone can do a little and be a protector of our planet.
Price: $215.00

July 30th – August 3rd
Sky Heroes
Birds, bats, and bugs all take to the sky through flight. Learn about these exciting animals and different features that allow them to fly.
Price: $215.00

August 6th-10th
Weird Science
Nature has its fair share of weird things, this week we will explore some of the weird things that happen in our world, from bugs with two heads to electricity to glowing rocks.
Price: $215.00

August 13th-17th
Positively Perfect Plants
From cleaning the air to make food, plants are amazing things. Campers will learn about all of the exciting things plants do and why they are so important to all living things.
Price: $215.00

August 20th -24th
Aquatic Adventures
From fin-ominal fish to dragonfly nymphs there are plenty of cool creatures to learn about in the water. Campers will learn about aquatic animals from the ponds, stream and much more.
Price: $215.00

August 27th-31st
Play is Natural
Let’s end the summer with tons of fun and play! Nature is the perfect place for children to explore and play, so join us as we roll down hills, build forts in the woods and stomp in the stream.
Price: $215.00

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View camp schedule, themes and price Register online

Camps for 5- and 6-year-olds: Adventurers
Adventurers arrive at Riverbend ready to embark on a full-day nature voyage! From 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day, skilled educators lead campers in hikes, games, hands-on exploration, crafts and nature discovery. Inspired by weekly themes, children will return home brimming over with stories about all of their adventures.

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View camp schedule, themes and price Register online

Camps for 7- and 8-year-olds: Explorers
Explorers are ready to discover natural wonders within and beyond Riverbend. Each day is chock-full of classic Riverbend fun including hikes, science experiments, art projects, and games, but Thursday offers something special: a field trip to a local nature area or museum. Your children will learn there is a whole world out there to explore! Daily schedules run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with an optional Thursday night cookout complete with campfire and s'mores for an additional $20/week/child (cookout runs until 7:30).

July 16th-20th
Special Week: Wilderness Survival
Starting a fire by rubbing two sticks together, build a shelter in the woods, learn to use a compass, campers will do all this and more while they learn about how to survive in the wild. Then campers will test their skills during a camp-out on Thursday night.
Price: $395.00

Special Opportunity: Advanced Wilderness Survival Camp
Let’s take our survival skills to the next level! If campers participated in our Wilderness Survival camp this summer, or last, they can take part in our advanced survival camp. This week will also include a one-night camping trip to French Creek State park and an opportunity to go fishing for their dinner.
Price: $425

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View camp schedule, themes and price Register online

Camps for 9- to 11-year-olds: Discoverers
Discoverers explore nature from morning 'til night! Armed with knowledge already, these campers expand their understanding of the natural world through exhilarating hikes, art projects, science experiments as well as a weekly field trip to a complimentary nature area or museum. Discoverers also explore nature at nighttime through our Thursday night camp-out complete with campfire, s'mores, and tents in the field. Daily schedules (except Thursday and Friday) run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and weeks vary in theme.

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View camp schedule, themes and price Register online

Camps for 11- to 14-year-olds:
For campers between 11 and 14 years of age, Riverbend offers various types of Eco-Adventures for them to grow and explore. The Travelers are given the opportunity to camp in some of our region's most amazing natural areas while learning the importance of team building. Sustainability Camp explores the wonders of sustainable agriculture and energy use. Environmental Stewards gain the knowledge of how we can make a more positive impact on our environment through field trips, guest speakers and more. Click on the descriptions below to learn more about each opportunity.

Travelers
For campers between 11 and 14 years of age, Riverbend offers the opportunity to camp in some our regions most breathtaking natural areas. Each session includes two days at Riverbend where campers participate in team building activities and gain the knowledge to use on their trip. From Wednesday morning until Friday afternoon, campers travel to a natural destination where they will campout and have a wonderful time exploring. The program will be offered for two one- week sessions, and each will feature a different destination.

June 25th-29th
Pennsylvania Forests
Destination: French Creek State Park
Travelers will explore the largest contiguous block of forest in our region. Hiking, orienteering and a visit to the nearby Hopewell Furnace will provide great opportunities for fun and learning.
Price: $525.00

August 13th-17th
From Glaciers to Gorges: Geology in Action
Destination: Hickory Run State Park
Diverse habitats and forest types, extensive wild areas and unique geological formations make Hickory Run an excellent outdoor classroom. Travelers will hike through beautiful forests and rock hop in the boulder field.
Fee: $525.00

Beyond Travelers…Opportunities for Ages 11-14:

June 18th-22nd
Sustainability Camp
Through an exploration of energy use, sustainable agriculture and waste management, campers will gain a better understanding of what sustainability is and how it can become a part of their life. Program will include field trips, guest speakers and a community service project.
Price: $425.00

August 6th -10th
Environmental Stewards
From air pollution to water quality to land restoration, campers will gain a better understanding of the impact that humans are having on the world around us and how we can make that impact more positive. Through field trips, guest speakers and a community service project, campers will learn how they can become Environmental Stewards.
Price: $425.00

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View camp schedule, themes and price Register online

Forms/Registration Policies

How to Register
Register early: Space is limited and sessions fill quickly!

1. Select the proper age group for your child and the weeks you would like them to attend.
2. Determine your extended day needs (Extended Day is from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and cost $100/week). Remember that the regular camp day is from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (For 4 year-olds: Rangers the regular camp day is 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. with no afternoon extended day option).
3. Calculate your payment and determine your deposit amount ($100/week NON-REFUNDABLE deposit is required in order to complete registration).
4. Complete the online registration form
5. Download, complete and sign the camper Medical and Emergency Consent form and return to Riverbend. Campers will not be allowed to stay at camp without a signed consent form.
6. Once registration and payment have been received, you will receive a confirmation by email. Please review all of the information that is included with your confirmation.

Registration Policies

Tuition Balances must be paid by June 1, 2012. Any unpaid balances will be charged a $25 late fee. Payments can be mailed to Riverbend or paid online with Pay Pal.
Schedule Changes will be accommodated to the best of Riverbend's ability. However, many weeks are full by summer and changes may not be possible.
Cancellations/Refunds: Deposits are NON-REFUNDABLE. If cancellations are made after June 1st NO refund will be given.

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Forms

Online Payment Form
Online Medical and Consent Form – fill out and submit the form online!
Printable Medical and Consent Form
Summer Camp Referral Program
Camp Parent's Guide 2012

Schedule:

Riverbend's Summer Exploration Day Camp
Week at a Glance

	Monday	Tuesday	Wed.	Thursday	Friday
8:00	AM Extended
8:50-9:10	Camper Drop-Off
9:00	Group Get-to-Know-You	Morning Circle: Time for songs, games and stories with everyone in camp.
9:30	Morning Circle 10:00	Morning Nature Lesson	Activity Day	Morning Nature Lesson	Morning Nature Lesson
11:30	Lunch: Rangers at 11:30, Adventurers at 11:45, Explorers, Discoverers and Travelers at 12:15
12:00
12:45					Ranger Extravaganza
1:00	Ranger Pick-Up				All Camp Activity 1:00-2:00
1:00	Hikes, Games, Crafts, Science Experiments and much, much more!		Campers choose their morning and afternoon activities!	Explorers and Discoverers on field trip all day.	All Camp Activity 1:00-2:00
3:00	Afternoon Circle: Campers end each day together, singing songs, hearing stories and playing games.				Extravaganza 3:00 Parents Welcome
3:30	Camper Pick-Up
6:00	PM Extended Pick-up

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Camp Jr. Volunteer
Community service is a great way for teens to develop leadership skills and gain vital work experience. In 2010, Riverbend created our Camp Junior Volunteer Program to help local teens gain these skills. Teens, 14 years and older, can apply to be a part of this wonderful program. The program includes two half-day trainings and a commitment of three weeks of camp during the summer of 2012. Those who are interested in applying should contact Riverbend or download an application form from our website, www.riverbendeec.org/volunteer.

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