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2008 Wild Weeks Summer Camp
The hottest camp in town! Wild Weeks Summer Camp for kids is an environmentally based day camp that challenges campers to think on their own. Using our outdoor center, animals, and private classroom settings, our guests enjoy a safe habitat in which to learn, grow and become environmental stewards of the world. Check out our camp schedule!
Dates: June 02, 2008 to August 01, 2008
Location: WNC Nature Center
WNC Nature Center’s
Wild Weeks Summer
Camp
2008
“Year of the Frog”
WILD WEEKS summer camps at the Nature Center are fun, educational experiences for all campers. Experienced teachers draw upon the Nature Center staff naturalist and the natural history collection to present a program designed to involve children in the wonders of the natural world. The classroom provides a headquarters for crafts, lessons and shelter from summer heat and thunderstorms as the children engage in exploratory activities throughout the Nature Center. Each WILD WEEKS session offers a unique theme using both plants and animals to create fun learning activities encompassing the arts, sciences and social studies. As a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, we celebrate in 2008 the Year of the Frog with a portion of each camp dedicated to the discovery of frogs and toads!
Camp Hours
June 2 – August 1, 2008
Week One only: June 2 – 6, Mon.-Fri., 9:00 a.m.-12 noon
Week Two through Week Nine – Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (arrival time 8:15-8:30 a.m.)
AfterCare – 3:00-5:00 p.m.
About Camp
Week One, Pee-Wee Camp, is for preschool and kindergarten children and their parents. All other camp sessions are children only and designated by grade level.
Weeks Two-Nine offer AfterCare, 3:00-5:00 p.m., for children who need extended care at the close of camp each day. Campers are responsible for bringing a lunch, water bottles and sunscreen. Snacks are provided daily and drinks are available at the gift shop. A refrigerator is on site to store lunches.
Grade Level
Registration is based on the grade the child will be entering in the fall 2008 school year. Example: A rising first grader may register for any camp for grades 1-3.
Class Size
Unless otherwise noted, each class is limited to a maximum of 21 children to ensure individual attention and safety considerations.
Special Needs
The primary goal is safety for campers and staff, and a positive camp experience for all. Camp staff is happy to assist should a camper with a special need require full-time adult supervision. Parents are asked to discuss the need with the program director. Camp registration may be denied if the need is determined to be in excess to camp resources and capabilities.
Fees
Fees include activities, snacks, all materials and a Wild Weeks t-shirt. Week One campers receive a special Nature Center gift in lieu of a tee shirt.
Week One $60/child-parent combo, $25 each additional participant
Friends of the Nature Center Members
Camp Registration $125/week
AfterCare $35/week
Non-Members
Camp Registration $150/week
AfterCare $35/week
How to Register
Pre-registration is required with full payment to guarantee enrollment in the camp session of your choice. To register, visit or contact the Nature Center at 828-298-5600, ext. 305, or go to www.wildwnc.org under Upcoming Events to obtain a registration form (online starting March 1st). No telephone registration accepted. Payments will be deposited promptly upon receipt.
Cancellation Policy
A fee of $25.00 will apply to all cancellations. Cancellations must be received at least three weeks prior to the camp session to receive a full refund (minus $25 cancellation fee). 50% of the registration fee will be withheld for cancellations made less than two weeks prior to the session (plus the cancellation fee). No refund for cancellations made three days or less prior to the session. Allow three to four weeks for refunds to be issued from the time of cancellation.
Week One
Pee-Wee Camp
June 2 - 6 (Parents, Pre-K, K children)
Start the summer off right with Pee Wee Camp at the WNC Nature Center. This is the perfect camp for young children (ages 2 to 5) and an adult partner to get acquainted with the wonderful world of animals and nature. Each day the children will be introduced to a special animal topic which will include stories, crafts, games, songs, snack, and live animal encounters that tie in with our theme. A wonderful way for parents and grandparents to spend quality time with that special little person in their lives. This camp runs from 9:00 am – 12:00 noon, Monday – Friday. Cost is only $60.00 for one child and one adult combination. Additional siblings or adults are $25.00 each.
Instructor: Tracy Trout will host this year’s camp for families. Tracy returns to the Nature Center as an instructor after leaving the Education Department three years ago to raise her son Max. She has taught children environmental education over seven years in Ohio, Hawaii, and here in the mountains of NC. Her many talents include the development of intriguing programs, creating crafts, tons of humor, and endless patience. We welcome Tracy back to the classroom!
Week Two
Appalachia Lifestyles
June 9 - 13 (Grades 1-3)
Prepare yourself for some great hikes learning about the present day plant and animal species of the Appalachian Mountains, studying macro-invertebrates in the stream, discovering archeology, and making tons of great “art-i-facts” from our sediment study. Our team of expert scientists will journey through Appalachian history with games, discovery walks, archeological digs, cultural stories, art work and compare it all to today’s mountain living. You’ll dig it!!
Instructors: The WNC Nature Center education staff will be facilitating this week of camp. Keith Mastin and Eli Strull have been teaching environmental education for a total of 26 years between them. They have both been at the WNCNC for more than 7 years each. Eli attended the University of California in Santa Cruz to obtain his degree in Environmental Studies, and Keith received his degree in Animal Science from the University of Delaware.
Week Three
Nature Rangers
June 16 - 20 (Grades 1-3)
Be prepared to become a “Nature Ranger!” The focus for this week will be on ecology for our young campers. The group will engage in numerous hands-on learning activities; such as, games, field searches, and discovery hikes. Participants will explore native wildlife and their ecosystems, search for signs of life in the forest, and discover how humans impact our hometown bioregion.
Instructor: Ben Prater gained a Master’s degree in Environmental Management from Duke University in Durham, NC. He is working with the Southern Appalachian Biodiversity Project here in Asheville with the “Forest Watch Program,” career dealing with environmental law, forest management, and with educating the public. We are very fortunate to have Ben with us for his 4th Wild Weeks camping experience.
Week Four
Pioneer Living
June 23 – 27 (Grades 5-7)
Step back in time as we recreate the best of the American pioneer experiences for children. We will play 19th century games, dip candles, have a taffy pull, create trapper journals, pan for gold, carve gourds, and listen to live music. Don’t forget the chores…we will help feed the farm animals and move the critters to the petting area. There are only fifteen camper slots open for this week, so sign up quickly!
Instructor: Barbara Swell has 28 years experience working with children. She has published four historic cookbooks including “Log Cabin Cooking: Pioneer Recipes and Foodlore.” and “Children at the Hearth: 19th century cooking, manners and games.” Barbara has been a Wild Week’s instructor for many years. She is currently working on a country pie cookbook, and she will surprise you with her historic creativity.
Week Five
Reptiles and Amphibians I: Fact and Fiction
June 30 - July 4 (Grades 1-3)
Direct observations of snakes, lizards, turtles, toads, frogs, and salamanders will lead to a study of their life cycles and life styles. Coloration, patterns, and shapes will be explored through many crafts and activities.
Instructor: Jeff Menzer holds a Bachelor of Environmental Science from Sierra Nevada College as well as a Bachelor of Fine Arts. He has presented reptiles and amphibian programs to school children locally and worked as a visiting artist in school systems in North Carolina, California and Nevada. Jeff returns to our Wild Weeks program for his 12th year.
Week Six
Earth, Water and Sky
July 7 - 11 (Grades 1-3)
Rocks, creeks, rivers, mountains, sky, plants, and, of course, animals will all be included in this week’s go-go-go camp filled with nature exploration, creative arts, and thought-provoking lessons. Textures, sounds, smells, colors, movement, and their relationships to nature will illuminate each camper’s idea of what nature is made of. Hikes, crafts, an on-site trip to the Swannanoa River, and endless treks outdoors will engage your child’s mind in the fascinating world of insects, plants, mammals, minerals, and more.
Instructor: Nicole Phelps is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary education and then a master's degree in special education. She has been teaching for 10 years, four in Tennessee and six here in Western North Carolina. “I love the mountains and I love sharing their treasures with children. Campers will ‘create as they discover’ using music, art, and anything else they can get our hands and minds on.” You will enjoy Nicole’s enthusiasm and creativity!
Week Seven
Staying Found I
July 14 – 18 (Grades 2&3)
The positive side of how not to get lost! Our week is dedicated to paying attention to the world around you and developing an understanding of basic geography. Map and compass skills, sun rise and sun set, city smarts, and just common sense development will be our priorities during our camp session. S.T.O.P (stop, think, observe & plan) will be our motto.
Instructor: Jeff Menzer, see Week 5 for Jeff’s biography
Week Eight
Wild Encounters
July 21 – 25 (Grades 4-6)
Join us for a fun-filled week of animal adventures. Each day we will focus on a specific animal or group of animals, meet and greet some live critters, and then conduct classroom or field studies focusing on each day's special wildlife guests. Butterflies, groundhogs, owls, and snakes are just some of the animals that may show up! If you enjoy getting close and personal with wildlife, then this is the summer camp session for you!
Instructor: Carlton Burke operates Carolina Mountain Naturalists, a local educational service which specializes in wildlife and nature programs for camps, schools, and other organizations. Carlton was a former staff member for more than 25 years at the Western North Carolina Nature Center, retiring in 2005 from his position as Curator of Exhibits.
Week Nine
Staying Found II
July 28 – Aug 1 (Grades 4-6)
The positive side of how not to get lost! Our week is dedicated to paying attention to the world around you and developing an understanding of basic geography. Map and compass skills, sun rise and sun set, city smarts, and just common sense development will be our priorities during our camp session. S.T.O.P (stop, think, observe, & plan) will be our motto.
Instructor: Jeff Menzer, see Week 5 for Jeff’s biography.
Early registration begins March 1, 2008 at 8:00am. This early registration period is for members of the Friends of the WNC Nature Center ONLY for the first ten days of March. On March 11, we open the remaining camps up for registration to the general public. To ensure you are on the mailing list, you must be a member of the Friends of the Nature Center by Feb. 1, 2008 . You will be able to come to the center on March 1 starting at 8:00am to register in person if you have not purchased your membership or have renewed it. Walk-in registrations on March 1 will receive priority over mail-in registrations. Should you have questions, please call Keith Mastin at 828-298-5600, ext 305. Attached below it the registration form. Please print it and either mail it in or bring it in person. PLEASE NOTE: We will be accepting applications March 1 at 8:00am and "walk-ins" shall receive precidence over mail-in registrations on March 1. Thank you for your interest in our Wild Weeks Summer Camp program!
Wild Weeks 2008 Registration Form
(one child per registration form)
Child’s Name ______________________________ Birth Date
Address ___________________________________ Grade Entering Fall 2008
City State Zip
Parent(s) Name _____________________________ Phone (H)
Phone (W)
Emergency Contact Name Phone
Medical Needs
T-Shirt Size: circle one per child/adult
Child S (6-8) M (10-12) L (14-16) Adult S M L XL
Note: Week One families receive a special gift instead of t-shirts
Please check all session(s) for which you wish to register:
q One – June 2-6 Pee-Wee Camp (parents with 2-5 years old)
q Two – June 9-13 Appalachia Lifestyles (grades 1 - 3)
q Three – June 16-20 Nature Rangers (grades 1 - 3)
q Four – June 23-27 Pioneer Living (grades 5 - 7)
q Five – June 30-July 4 Reptiles and Amphibians (grades 1 - 3)
q Six – July 7-11 Earth, Water & Sky (grades 1 - 3)
q Seven – July 14-18 Staying Found I (grades 2 & 3)
q Eight – July 21-25 Wild Encounters (grades 4 - 6)
q Nine - July 28-Aug 1 Staying Found II (grades 4 - 6)
Registration Fees:
Non-Members
Registration: $150.00/week
AfterCare: $35.00/week
Friends of the Nature Center Members
(Membership must be current at time of registration)
Registration: $125.00/week
AfterCare: $35.00/week
Pee-Wee Camp (Week One)
Registration per child/parent: $60.00
Additional participant: $25.00
Make checks payable to: WNC Nature Center - Wild Weeks
For information or to register contact the Nature Center at (828) 298-5600, EXT. 305 or go to www.wildwnc.org under Upcoming Events. Send registration and payment to the WNC Nature Center, 75 Gashes Creek Rd., Asheville, NC, 28805.
