Register for Summer Science Programs for Ages 7 to 9 at the EEC

The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center (EEC), located at 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge, New Jersey has opened registration for Eco-Explorers, a summer science and nature program for children ages 7 to 9.

Eco-Explorers offers a series of summer programming exploring nature and science through hiking, canoeing, games, crafts, and exciting day trips. The Naturalist-led series takes a hands-on approach to learning through creative expression, educational games, imagination, nature exploration, and physical skill development. Sessions offers field trips, guest speakers, nature walks, canoeing, games, arts and crafts, and more.

Aquatic Adventures (One-week program)

Monday, June 22 to Friday, June 26 from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

Explorers will learn about the properties of water and observe aquatic wildlife.

$360 per person

$42.50 optional extended care

Dino Rocks – NEW! (One-week program)

Monday, June 29 to Thursday, July 2 (No program Friday, July 3)

Explorers will learn about a variety of dinosaurs and their fascinating characteristics.

$288 per person

$34.00 optional extended care

Swamp Scientists (One-week program)

Monday, July 6 to Friday, July 10 from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

Explorers will put on a lab coat and join Naturalists to conduct some fun and wacky experiments to find out more about the science behind nature! Use these newfound science skills while hiking and playing to discover how things work.

$360 per person

$42.50 optional extended care

Creature Feature (One-week program)

Monday, July 13 to Friday, July 17 from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

The Earth has some pretty amazing animals; whale sharks, newts, lemurs, and lion fish –just to name a few. Each day Explorers will learn about the variety of animals that live on this planet while meeting some special animal guests.

$360 per person

$42.50 optional extended care

Mystery in the Swamp (One-week program)

Monday, July 20 to Friday, July 24 from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

Lord Stirling Park is nestled within the Great Swamp, an area with a history that goes back hundreds of years! There are a lot of mysteries to solve by strengthening observation skills and using senses to explore interesting and historical parts of the park.

$360 per person

$42.50 optional extended care

Animal Olympics (One-week program)

Monday, July 27 to Friday, July 31 from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

Explorers will jump, skip, and run while discussing the Olympics and comparing animals to athletes.

$360 per person

$42.50 optional extended care

Scales & Tales – NEW! (One-week program)

Monday, August 3 to Friday, August 7 from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

Explorers will discover the importance of pets including Bearded Dragons and Ball Pythons, learning and assisting with pet care.

$360 per person

$42.50 optional extended care

Bugtastic (One-Week program)

Monday, August 10 to Friday, August 14 from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

Fly, crawl, hop, and buzz through the week, learning all about bugs and their amazing characteristics! Bugs from around the globe and our own backyard will be seen during the program.

$360 per person

$42.50 optional extended care

Registration may be made on-line at www.somersetcountyparks.org, in-person at the Environmental Education Center, via mail, or by telephone (if using a credit card) at 908-722-1200, ext. 5002. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center is located within Lord Stirling Park, in the Basking Ridge section of Bernards Township, and is nestled within 500 acres of the western portion of the Great Swamp Basin of the Passaic River. A swamp vivarium, and an environmentally based library are located within the Center itself.

“The Great Swamp Experience” on the lower lever at the EEC features interactive displays, vignettes, taxidermy, and archeological artifacts highlighting the history and ecology of the Great Swamp. The exhibit is open 7 days a week from 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Admission is free.

Information on this event and other Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org

Please note that dog walking is prohibited on the trails at the Environmental Education Center.