Nature Activities at Camp Wyandot
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Counselors have the skills to lead their campers in nature activities at Camp Wyandot. Within this setting, campers will have the unique opportunity to learn about nature in a fun way that engages all their senses!
Campers have a chance to be recognized for their accomplishments by earning a Nature Emblem. This emblem is something the kids can take home as a reminder of their achievements. Campers and cabin units are presented with their awards at the end of each week in the presence of all their peers. No camper goes home empty-handed!
In alignment with the current State Science Curriculum, the emblem is earned by campers completing a set of activities in several different subject areas and difficulty levels. These “progressions” include subject areas of Water Studies/Watersheds, Flowers and Plants, Hikes, Animals and Insects, “Earth Below” (Geology), “Sky Above” (Weather/Clouds, Astronomy), Sun and Moon (Tides, Phases), Silent Activities, Rain Activities, Inside and Team Activities.
Some of the favorites of the campers have been:
| EDIBLE PLANTS HIKE
Campers get to smell, taste and learn about plants that can be eaten raw or cooked for consumption. The Fiddle Head is a fern that has not completely unfurled into it’s typical fern appearance. Certain species can be fried in butter or oil. Salt and pepper on a plate and eat. Kids will learn which varieties are edible, and which ones are not along with dozens of other edible plants. |
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| CREEKING
Campers spend time in one of the many clean creeks within Camp Wyandot identifying the different critters. They can find many critters such as: Water Penny, Water Strider, Mayfly Nymphs, Beetle Larvae, Crayfish, to name a few. The campers learn that by identifying the critters you can determine the quality of water by the tolerances of certain water life. |
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| ASTRONOMY
Campers learn to identify the constellations and different stories about them. Constellations we see at camp include, but are not limited to: The Big Dipper/Ursa Major/Big Bear, Little Dipper/Ursa Minor/Little Bear, Cassiopea, Scorpion, Draco the Dragon, to name a few including The North Star. Stories about the constellations are also shared to the fascination of the campers. We also have a beautiful view of the Milky Way, Meteors, Satellites and an incredibly clear, unpolluted night sky! |
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| BIRD BANDING
Early one morning each week, campers have the opportunity to see birds up close and personal. A Federally licensed bird bander captures local songbirds, bands them, and teaches campers the value of bird banding research and how it helps bird conservation efforts around the world. The bird is released unharmed by one of the campers. visit www.hbrcnet.org for more information about bird banding in your area. |
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| WYANDOT FEAST
Occasionally, the Nature Specialist and a cabin group have the opportunity to gather edible plants, prepare for consumption and share with the rest of the camp their edible plants feast. Edible plants include some of the following: Cattail, Chicory, Dandelion Greens, Wood Sorrel leaves and flower pedals, and to wash it all down…fresh from the root Sassafras Tea! |
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This is a very short list of over 40 activities JUST within the Nature Program itself. We feel strongly that our natural surroundings are our strength. Therefore, much of our focus has been placed on outdoor activities and education since the “hands-on” opportunity at Camp Wyandot is not something you can experience by reading books in a classroom!