The Mercer County Park Commission’s Nature Programs will host thrilling and educational summer camps for children ranging in age from pre-K to eighth grade. The summer camps are developed and instructed by the Park Commission’s team of naturalists.
Baldpate Mountain Nature Camp
Baldpate Mountain Nature Camp is a weeklong camp packed with hands-on nature explorations, science experiments, hikes through the forest, and unstructured nature play. Camp days are devoted to a nature-specific topic and may include bugs, forest ecology, birds, and tracking. Two different camps accommodate children entering grades 1 through 3 and those entering grades 4 through 6. New this year, campers have the option to register for one or two weeks of camp.
Camp sessions will be offered July 9 through 13, July 16 through 20, July 30 through Aug. 3 and Aug. 6 through 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The Aquatic Adventure Camp
The Aquatic Adventure Camp will be held at Mercer County Marina, July 25 through 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. If your child loves being on the water observing nature, then Aquatic Adventure Camp will be a perfect fit. Designed to balance the fun of summer with science, Aquatic Adventure Camp will have your child diving into fresh water ecology, testing Mercer Lake’s water, kayaking creeks and coves, and observing wildlife. Always a favorite, Aquatic Adventure Camp also includes activities such as fishing, taking a ride on the pontoon boat, hiking and a cookout. Campers will memorialize their week by making a gyotaku T-shirt to take home.
Wild Discovery Camp
Wild Discovery Camp will be held at Baldpate Mountain, Aug. 13 through 17 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. This half-day summer camp is a playful introduction to the wonders of nature designed to capture the curiosity of children entering pre-K and kindergarten. Story time, nature-themed art projects, walks and explorations will make up your child’s morning. Campers will hunt under rocks and logs for crawlies and observe live animals to increase their awareness of our wonderful, wild world.