They say time flies when you are having fun, and we sure are having a fun summer with our Orange County 4-H day camps!
Environmental Explorers!
Last month in June we hosted the first year of our “Environmental Explorers” summer day camp for our campers aged 8 to 12. The camp ran Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon. Campers had the opportunity to learn about the natural world around them from our wonderful and knowledgeable staff of Extension Agents. We also have much appreciated helping hands from Master Gardener Volunteers and senior 4-H youth members for our day camps.
What did they DO?
Going right along with our 4-H slogan “learn by doing”- that’s exactly what we did! Campers participated in hands-on games, lessons, and activities related to bats, wetlands, trash decomposition, Florida ecosystems, invasive species, pollinators, bears, bugs, botany, and how to be a citizen scientist. Each day also included an environmental-themed physical activity break and snack-making. In the Florida summer heat, we balanced both indoor and outdoor time.
Environmental Education
Learning about the environment not only creates a deeper understanding and connection with the natural world around us, but inspires responsible action taken towards issues impacting the environment. This fosters the ability for campers to further learn about environmental issues, promoting research, decision making, and critical thinking skills. In this camp setting, youth also had the chance to do activities which promoted creativity and healthy living.
Interested in summer day camp for your youth?
Based on this year’s success, we hope to host Environmental Explorers summer day camp next year as well! We also offer the ever-popular “S.T.E.M Day Camp” where campers focus on science, technology, engineering, and math. A discount is offered to those who sign up for both camps.
Have a younger sibling at home? We also offer “Growing Up WILD” for our Cloverbuds who are ages 5 to 7. This camp runs for one half-day and also focuses on environmental education.
Keep an eye out early next spring for camp dates and the opportunity to reserve your spot on our UF/IFAS Extension Orange County Eventbrite page. Camps max out at 25 campers each, so claim your spot a.s.a.p.!
We hope that our Environmental Explorers campers were left with great memories, a better understanding of Florida’s nature, and how to make a positive impact on the environment!
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