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Wildlife • Education • Planetarium
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education

summer camps

What’s the best way to be sure that “No Child is Left Inside” this summer? A great day camp at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center! From the shores of Lake Erie to the launching pad of a rocket, amazing adventures in the great outdoors await boys and girls ages 3 - 13. Campers experience live wildlife encounters, planetarium shows, beach walks, nature hikes, games, crafts, journaling and more.

Professional, year-round staff heads up the teaching. Children are grouped by age. Questions? - Call (440) 871-2900.

Download a pdf file of our June-July-August 2009 Summer Program Guide
Download a pdf file of our one-page 2009 Summer Camp Planner
Download a pdf file of our 2009 Summer Registration Form

Summer 2009 Registration Schedule

Registration is open to everyone with the exception of:
Girl Scout Camp Registration: begins Tuesday, April 7

NEW!! Camp Scholarships!!
Did you know you can apply for a scholarship to help fund summer camp at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center? The Cleveland Clean Air Century Campaign established the Rev. Marvin J. Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund for Youth to help young people ages 5 to 17 years old who wish to attend a camp, class or workshop with an emphasis on the environment. Scholarships up to $100 are available. Scholarships are NOT needs based, but awarded based on student interest.

Download scholarship guidelines and application (pdf)

Wanderers Overnight Camp
Date:	June 8-June 12	Time/Duration:	9:00 a.m. Monday June 8 through 4:00 p.m. Friday June 12
	Completed Grades 6-8; ages 11-14	Fee:	$440/camper; members $400/camper
Wander across Northeast Ohio in a week jam-packed with natural fun! We will begin our adventure at the Hiram College Biology Field Station touring their avian rehab and research facilities. Then we'll take to the woods, pulling a variety of creatures from stream and pond to observe with microscopes in the Station's lab. We'll overnight in the Field Station Observatory Building, where we'll quietly observe a pair of nesting Trumpeter Swans. The next day we'll make our way west, swimming at Hinckley Lake and from there, we'll explore the Cuyahoga Valley National Park at night, and stay in the beautiful Lipscomb dorm. From morning activities at Lipscomb, we'll head back toward our own Lake Erie Nature & Science Center. Our Wednesday evening at the Center will include time with the animals and time to share video and photos from the trip thus far. Thursday morning we'll meet the Chief Naturalist of Erie Metroparks, Lois TerVeen, for an informational and fun exploration of Castalia Quarry. That afternoon, Lois will introduce us to the Coupling Depot, where we'll overnight in refurbished train cars in bunks. That evening, we'll take a leisurely canoe tour on the Huron River. Friday morning will find us touring the local wildlife rehabilitation center, Back to the Wild. Finally, we'll make our way back to our own Lake Erie Nature & Science Center to debrief our trip, share photos, videos, stories, and make sure we have completed memoirs to take home, reminding us of this "once-in-a-lifetime" adventure. We will have space for parent chaperones at each overnight destination! Tentative daily agenda available upon request. Adventures Guides: Darci Sanders, Center Director of Education and Ashley Stradtman This program requires advance registration. Please note: The Cleveland Metroparks Voyageur Canoe float has been cancelled. Registration is currently closed for this event

Junior Naturalist Camp 2009
Date:	June 15-19	Time/Duration:	9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. daily
	For children who have completed Grades 5-7 and are ages 10-13 (limited to 20 campers)	Fee:	$250/child; members $225/child
Enjoy beachcombing at Lake Erie, spend quality time under the stars in our planetarium and get up close to our live animals. Spend a day at beautiful Kelley’s Island where we’ll hike the trails, look for fossils, and step back in time to catch a glimpse of the ice age and Native American culture. Games, crafts and cool new technology will add to the natural fun. Instructors: Prudy Hock, Ashley Stradtman This program requires advance registration. Registration is currently closed for this event

Family Campout Night 2009
Date:	Friday night to Saturday, June 19-20	Time/Duration:	7:30 p.m. - 9:30 a.m.
	For all ages	Fee:	$50/family; members $40/family
Bring your whole family, your own tent and sleeping bags, and snooze under the stars at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center. Enjoy a live animal presentation, campfire stories, a night hike and telescopes for stargazing. A casual breakfast is included. Bring along a picnic dinner if you wish. Particpants will receive a detailed informational letter prior to the event. *In the event of inclement weather, activities and the overnight will take place inside* the Center. Instructors: Maggie Watson and Education Staff This program requires advanced registration.

Nature Nuts Summer Preschool Camps 2009
Date:	Each 4-week session meets one day per week. Choose from the days and times below. Session I meets the weeks of June 1, 8, 15, 22 Session II meets the weeks of July 20, 27, August 3, 10 (Waiting List ONLY)	Time/Duration:	Mornings Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays 9:30-11:30 a.m. Afternoons Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays 12:30-2:30 p.m.
	For children ages 3-5* *All children must be potty-trained	Fee:	Each 4-week session: $110/child; members $100/child
Foster your child's sense of wonder with sensory learning, nature experiences, art activities, music, stories, interactive hiking and close encounters with live animals! Dress for messy fun and wear your favorite hiking shoes! Discover the magic of nature. Attend one camp or two. A note to parents: All children must be potty-trained. Instructor: Teece Lester These sessions require advanced registration. Session II All Sessions Waiting list ONLY Registration is currently closed for this event*

Rocket Camp for Beginners and Advanced
Date:	Friday, June 26 WAITING LIST ONLY for this date Friday, July 31 OR Friday August 14	Time/Duration:	9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Maximum 24)
	Beginners: Children who have completed Grades 2 - 6; Advanced: Children who have completed Grades 3 - 6 AND have previous rocket experience	Fee:	Beginners: $35/child Advanced: $40/child
Construct and launch a real rocket! With our expert guidance, find out how these rockets fly, perform static motor tests and conduct safety checks. Both beginner and advanced will be together for the first half, then both groups will separate to build their individual rockets. Bring a packed lunch. All participants launching rockets must be registered participants of our camp. Family members are encouraged to attend the afternoon launching. Because these camps have varied reading, cutting skills, and maturity requirements, we recommend the following grade levels: Beginners completed grade 2 - 6; Advanced completed grade 3 - 6 and possess previous rocket experience PLEASE NOTE: Model Rocketry is not otherwise permitted on the grounds of Cleveland Metroparks. Instructors: Jay Reynolds, Jessica Mazzola & Karen Johnson Advance registration is required for these camps.

Moon Camp 2009
Date:	Tuesday – Friday, August 4 - 7	Time/Duration:	9 a.m. - noon: Grades 1 & 2 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.: Grades 3 & 4 has been cancelled
	Grades 1 & 2 (Student MUST have completed 1st Grade) Grades 3 & 4 has been cancelled	Fee:	$185/camp; members $170/camp
Find out tons of cool stuff about the brightest object in the night sky! What is the moon’s surface like? How high can you jump and how much can you lift on the moon? Decide what you need to take to the moon to survive its dangers. Compare our moon to other great moons in our solar system and find out about the NASA spacecraft that will carry astronauts to the moon, Mars and beyond. Discover the future of a manmade moon base and check out special video of the newest American spacecraft, Ares I! Finish the week with your own water rocket launch. Instructors: Jay Reynolds, Jessica Mazzola & Karen Johnson (Participants MUST have completed 1st grade or they will NOT understand much of what we are discussing.) These camps require advance registration. Grades 3-4 Camp has been cancelled.

Log Cabin Kindercamps 2009
Date:	Each camp runs Tuesday - Thursday See weekly themes and dates below	Time/Duration:	9 a.m. - Noon OR 1 - 4 p.m.* UNLESS otherwise noted
	For children ages 5 and 6 (Pre- AND/OR Post-Kindergartners welcome)	Fee:	$135/camp; members $125/camp** UNLESS otherwise noted
What’s the best way to be sure that “No Child is Left Inside” this summer? Camp at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, of course! Each week a new adventure of the natural kind awaits your 5 or 6 year old. Children will participate in hikes, games, crafts, stories, picture journaling and time in the great outdoors! Live wildlife encounters will be a part of every camp week. We keep our group sizes to just 12 to ensure that every child gets the attention they deserve at camp! Join us for a summer full of fun!Campers must bring a bag lunch and a drink each day to camp!Sunscreen and sturdy shoes are a must! Bug spray is suggested. Weekly Dates and Themes: Farming Fun June 16 - 18 Discover how the sheep keep us warm, how many eggs chickens can lay and why cow’s milk isn’t just for drinking! Visit with the Center’s resident animal friends to see what they have in common with farmyard animals. Instructor: Maggie Watson Come Fly with Me! June 23 - 25 Look! Up in the sky! Is it a bird, a plane, a butterfly, a bat, or a squirrel?! Take to the skies with things that flap, flutter, and soar. What bird has large wings that you can barely hear flap? Can mammals fly? Discover the world above the treetops. There’s way more than just air up there! Instructor: Maggie Watson Survival of the Weirdest June 30 - July 2 Morning is closed; Afternoon is cancelled Did you know the male seahorse has the babies? Or that owl eyes are so large they can’t actually move them? Have you heard of the plant that eats meat? Be amused, grossed out and surprised by the bizarre ways that animals ensure their survival! Instructor: Maggie Watson Walk on the Wild Side Mini-Camp* July 7 - 9 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.** Wild is where it’s at! Get prepared to learn all about the creatures that share this planet with us! Runs concurrent with Walk on the Wild Side School Age Camp Instructor: Bev Walbon OR Maggie Watson Fee: $185/child; members $170/child The Wonders of Water Mini-Camp* July 14 - 16 WAITING LIST ONLY 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. daily** Explore the wonders of H2O in this watery, fun-filled camp! Uncover the nature of water in a super-cooling way! Runs concurrent with Wonders of Water School Age Camp Instructor: Bev Walborn OR Maggie Watson Fee: $185/child; members $170/child Space KinderCamp WAITING LIST ONLY both morning and afternoon July 21 - 23 Spend three fun days under the stars of Schuele Planetarium learning about our Earth, day and night, and our moon and why it has so many holes on it. Count the planets and stars and find out about “Planet X.” Build, decorate and launch your own fun (and safe) rocket! Instructors: Jay Reynolds, Jessica Mazzola, & Karen Johnson Storybook Adventures July 28 - 30 Head to the meadow as we read Eric Carle’s stories about a quiet cricket, a clumsy click beetle and a lonely firefly. The lake will be our destination for the adventures of Mr. Seahorse, while the forest will illustrate what a baby bear sees on a journey across North America. Become an author and illustrator as you design your own book to take home. Instructor: Bev Walborn Curious Creekers Both sessions filled --Waiting List ONLY August 4 - 6 Explore in and around the waters of Porter Creek. Meet Center animals that live in a creek habitat, play “creeking” games and create water crafts. Each “Curious Creeker” will receive a net and field guide to use while learning, playing and of course, getting wet! (Water shoes and towel requested each day.) Instructor: Bev Walborn The Secret Garden August 11 - 13 Explore our “Secret Garden” right here in Huntington Park. Discover what is in our “garden” as we hike in the woods, creek and meadow and enjoy live animal visitors. Dig in the dirt, watch tadpoles explore in their “water garden” and create your very own “Secret Garden” planter to take home. Instructor: Bev Walborn Our Mini-Camps run simultaneously with camps for children in Grades 1 - 6. On special occasions, we may take our Mini-KinderCampers to see a group presentation with the “big kids.” They will remain in their small group with their regular instructors for these events. See Mini-Camps for more details See separate entry for Foreign Language Kindercamps* These camps all require advance registration.

Nature Adventures in Spanish Kindercamp 2009
Date:	Tuesday – Thursday, June 9 – 11	Time/Duration:	9 a.m. – Noon
	For children who have completed Grades K - 1 and are ages 5 or 6	Fee:	$125/child
Investigate the magical world of "La Vida Marina!" Explore creatures in and around the ocean "en Espanol." Create a waterless tide pool habitat to take home. Come prepared because no camp is complete without an adventure at the beach! Sunscreen and sturdy shoes are a must. Bug spray is suggested. Instructors: Marlene Seicean This program requires advanced registration.

Walk on the Wild Side Summer Camp 2009
Date:	Tuesday - Friday, July 7 - 10	Time/Duration:	9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
	For children who have completed Grades 1- 6 AND are ages 7 - 13 years	Fee:	$220/child; members $200/child
Discover the creatures that share this planet with us as you hike, journal, play games, do fun activities, and see plenty of animals up close and personal! Older students (approximately ages 9 and up) will be using cool new equipment in the field like video recorders, digital cameras and GPS units to put together scavenger hunts and presentations for the younger campers! Mini-Camp for Kindergartners listed separately. All of our camps are planned and taught by experienced year-round professional staff with assistance from experienced college-aged interns. Campers are grouped by age and enjoy age-appropriate activities and experiences. This program requires advance registration.

The Wonders of Water Summer Camp 2009
Date:	Tuesday - Friday, July 14 - 17	Time/Duration:	9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
	For children who have completed Grades 1 - 6 AND are ages 7 - 13 years	Fee:	$220/child; members $200/child
Explore the wonders of H2O in this watery, fun-filled camp! Fun experiments will help us discover the nature of water in a super-cooling way! Spend time at Lake Erie and by our Wildlife Garden Pond finding out who lives in the water and what makes water animals so unique. See live animals that rely on water, hike, journal and enjoy great activities. Campers in our oldest group (approximately ages 9 and up) will get a chance to use new field equipment including simple video recorders and GPS units. Mini-camp for Kindergarten age listed separately. All of our camps are planned and led by experienced year-round professional staff with assistance from experienced college-age interns. Campers are grouped by age and enjoy age-appropriate activities and experiences.h assistance from experienced college-aged interns. Campers are grouped by age and enjoy ageappropriate activities and experiences. This program requires advance registration.

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