Summer Science Fun in Somerset County

Basking Ridge, NJ -- The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center, located at 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge announces that registration is now open for AWESIM KIDS (Animals, Wetlands, Environmental Science, and Incredible Minds) a summer science programs for youth ages 10 to 13.

AWESIM KIDS is a unique combination of fun and summer vacation relaxation at which children ages 10 to 13 will enjoy boating, hiking, learning about local wildlife, meeting nature professionals, and going on interesting day trips.The sessions focus on the environment and outdoor activities offering hands-on learning and peer leadership opportunities, examining our natural history collection, exploring the 425-acre Lord Stirling Park. Each of the sessions is Naturalist-led and individually themed. Favorite activities like berry picking, canoeing, and swimming repeat throughout the summer.

AWESIM KIDS offers 4 two-week sessions from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; post program care availabe from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. for an additional fee per session.

• H Meets O - Monday, June 20-Friday, July 1

Every living thing on Earth depends upon water. Join the Naturalists to learn about our amazing blue planet, both salt and fresh water habitats will be explored. Plan on getting wet and dirty, paddling on ponds, exploring streams, and spending time in kayaks. Experts will teach strokes and how to stay safe while having a good time with friends. Fee is $720 per person.

• Survive - Tuesday, July 5-Friday, July 15

This session is all about the basics of both animal and human survival! Finding water for drinking, shelter for protection from the environment, gathering food along with other hands-on activities will keep this session fun. Whether making a piece of rope, learning to tie some basic knots, or learning some basic wilderness first aid, campers will be challenged every day. Fee is $648 per person.

• Yum! - Monday, July 18-Friday, July 29

Come enjoy nature’s bounty, learning about wild edibles and growing organic food in the AWESIM KIDS garden; test creative culinary skills in the awesome iron chef challenge. Spend time hiking the trails in search of high bush blueberries and wild blackberries that are perfectly ripe and tasty treats and search for the pollinators which are responsible for making food grow. Fee is $720 per person.

• Animal House - Monday, Aug. 1- Friday, Aug. 12

This session is all about animals, the places they live, and their special adaptations that help them survive! Whether you are interested in slithery snakes, sly foxes, graceful gliders or slimy sliders, this is the session for you!$720 per person.

Detailed program descriptions mat be found at www.somersetcountyparks.org. Click on the Environmental Education Center link and the Summer Sceince Fun link.

Post-program extended care options are available for all sessions. Registration may be done on-line at www.somersetcountyparks.org, in-person at the Environmental Education Center, via mail, or by telephone (if using a credit card) at 908-766-2489, ext. 0. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis.

(Photo provided: AWESIM Kids enjoy a day of kayaking at the Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center)