Darke County Parks host week-long and MINI day camps

School is almost over and summer is nearly here!   What are your kids going to do this summer vacation?  The Darke County Park District is hosting SEVEN, week-long summer camps and THREE  Mini Camps.  Two of this year’s camps include an overnight adventure!  “Each year our camps focus on new, fun and creative ways to discover nature,” says Chief Naturalist, Robb Clifford.  “Our main goal is for each camper to have fun all while enhancing their appreciation and understanding of the natural world around them.”  Camp information is listed below.

 

Day Camps:  These classic day camps are similar to the format of camps we have been offering for over a decade!  Most camps feature crafts, take-home items and lots of nature and fun!

Camps for Ages 6-7; 9:30am-12:00pm

Nature Tales (June 22-26)—Each day we will read a nature-themed story and set off on an adventure throughout the parks based on the story.  The fee for this camp is $65.  Registration and fees are due May 30. 

Art in the Park (July 20-24)—We will use the sights, sounds and smells of nature to inspire us during this art-themed camp.  The fee for this camp is $65.  Registration and fees are due June 22. 

Camps for Ages 8-9; 9:30am-12:30pm

Geojourney (July 13-17)—Your child will love going rock mining, gem screening and geode cracking during this camp.  The fee for this camp is $70.  Registration and payment are due June 15^th.

Science Lab (August 3-7)—During this camp we will study and re-create a variety of exciting experiments we discover in the field.  The fee for this camp is $70.  Registration and payment are due July 6^th.

Camps for Ages 10-12; 1:00pm-4:00pm

Get Out and Paddle (June 15-19)—An annual favorite, this camp begins by learning to canoe, kayak and then floating down Greenville Creek.  We will end the week with an overnight at a lakeside campout.   The fee for this camp is $75.  Registration and payment are due May 18^th.

Back in the Day (July 6-10)—Would you enjoy living during the 18^th century?  Let’s find out during this historical camp!  The fee for this camp is $75.  Registration and payment due June 8^th.

Camp for Ages 13-15; July 27-31, 10:00am-4:00pm

Adventure Zone—The goal for this camp is to have great adventures in the outdoors!  Caving, zip-lining, camping and more will fill the days. The fee for this camp is $95.  Registration and payment is due June 29^th.

Mini Day Camps:  These Mini Day Camps are a newer style of camps that allow even more children to learn about the natural world.  These camps offer a condensed program with 3 days of camp spent outdoors and involve hands-on activity, take home crafts and lots of time outdoors! 

Camp for Ages 6-9; 10:00am-12:00pm

An Inky Adventure (August 10-12)—Join us to hit the trails and start letterboxing.  Letterboxing combines hiking, orienteering, treasure hunting and problem solving.  The fee for this camp is $30.  Registration and fees are due July 13. 

Camp for Ages 6-12; 10:00am-12:00pm

Growing Pizza (June 29-July 1)—We will study the art of growing pizza!  Everyone will get to bake their own pizza in the Log House bake oven.  The fee for this camp is $30.  Registration and payment are due June 1st.  

Camp for Ages 10-12; 9pm-11pm

Starry Nights (August 11-13)—We’ll spend these late nights gazing at the celestial bodies that fill our night sky.  The fee for this camp is $30.  Registration and fees are due July 14. 

Call the Nature Center at 937.548.0165 to place your camper’s name on the list.  Registration forms can be picked up at the Nature Center (4267 State Route 502 West) or be found on our website: www.darkecountyparks.org.  Please call with questions or for additional information.