2024 NATURE DAY CAMP
Schedule
GTCD’s Day Camp runs June - August 2024
2024 Nature Day Camp Daily Schedule
GTCD Nature Day Camp is unable to offer before and/or after-care at this time
9:00 am: Drop off/Check-in
9:30 am: Morning Meeting
10:00 am: Morning Snack/Bathrooms
10:15 am - 11:45 am: Morning Activity Time
12:00 pm: Lunch/Bathrooms/Free Play
1:15 pm: Afternoon Activity Time 1
2:30 pm: Afternoon Snack/bathrooms
2:45 pm - 3:30 pm: Afternoon Activity Time 2
3:30 pm: Pack up to head home
4:00 pm: Pick up/check-out
2024 Nature Day Camp Weekly Schedule
Nature Day Camp is a 10 week program.
JUNE 2024
June 17th - June 21st | NATURE ROCKS
Who does not love rocks?! This week we will transform into a Junior Geologist. We will get wet in Jack’s Creek panning for pebbles, crack open geodes, start our own rock collection, make our own fossils, and even search for Michigan’s famous Petoskey Stones by the Boardman-Ottaway River!
June 24th - June 28th | INSECT INVESTIGATORS
This week, campers will learn about the many insects of Michigan and beyond! Explore how insects adapt to their environment and how they play their roles in the ecosystem while discovering the diverse range of insects, from beetles and butterflies to ants and bees, and explore how each of them contributes to our planet's biodiversity.
JULY 2024
July 1st- July 3rd (No camp July 4th & 5th) | CREEK QUEST
Come see all the magic that Jack’s Creek and the Boardman-Ottaway River have to offer! Gear up in search of macroinvertebrates and peer under the surface to discover tadpoles, frogs, and turtles. Come prepared to get muddy, wet, and have fun as we learn about what makes our aquatic areas so special.
July 8th- July 12th | MISSION CAMP POSSIBLE
We will explore the Boardman River Nature Center’s many habitats and trails to uncover the secret lives of animals and unravel the mysteries of the natural world. Learn to move like a stealthy animal and play sneaky games that will help you discover how animals survive in the wild outdoors. Grab a magnifying glass to help solve the mystery.
July 15th- July 19th | SUMMER STEAM
Science, technology, engineering, art, and math–oh my! Did you know that STEAM can be done in nature? Join us as we explore the outdoors through a variety of STEAM activities that all include elements of nature!
July 22nd - July 26th | WINGED THINGS
Join us this week to learn all about our flying friends! From birds to bats and beyond, we will cover all things in the sky. We will explore the gardens, woods, and fields in search of the most interesting inhabitants and play games to learn about echolocation, pollination, migration and more!
AUGUST 2024
July 29th - August 2nd | FORESTS AND FUNGI (NEW!)
Join us for a tree-mendous week of Nature Day Camp as we explore the forests of the Natural Education Reserve. We will study everything from the treetops to the understory where we may find fungi, lichens, and more! Learn how to identify trees by leaves and bark, fungi by color and shape, and the many things both have to offer us in nature.
August 5th - August 9th | THE MAGIC OF CAMP (NEW!)
This week, we will explore the wonderful and mysterious world of magic! Not only will we learn a few awesome magic tricks but we will also learn about the magic that happens in nature with animals, plants, and more! Get prepared for a fun week of wand crafting, trick-practicing, and a talent show to show off what you have learned!
August 12th - August 16th | AROUND THE WORLD IN A WEEK (NEW!)
All aboard the GTCD plane, train, and automobile! Join us as our camp travels around the world in a week! We will explore different stations and activities to learn about nature in different countries, states, and more through guided and independent exploration.
August 19th - August 23rd | CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
This week the power is with the campers! Each day, we will provide a menu of activities from the weeks before and let the campers decide what sounds like fun. Activities might include outdoor adventure, STEAM projects, showcasing our talents, creek time, and whatever else the campers can come up with!