Summer Camps, Programs Set For Mercer County

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, county officials announced. The summer camps are developed and instructed by the Park Commission’s team of naturalists.

Baldpate Mountain Nature Camp is a week long 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, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day.

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. The Aquatic Adventure Camp is a perfect fit for children who love being on the water, observing nature. Designed to balance the fun of summer with science, Aquatic Adventure Camp will have children diving into freshwater 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 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.

All summer nature camps and programs of the Mercer County Park Commission are led and taught by naturalist staff. Camps are filled on a first-come, first-served basis and spots are limited. At this time, the Park Commission is unable to provide before- or after-care for children attending camp. For more information and to download registration forms, visit http://www.mercercountyparks.org/#!/activities/summer-nature-camps.

The attached image was provided by Mercer County officials: Campers enjoying the trail at Baldpate Nature Camp.