1

Mountain Magic

June 13-16

The land we stand on feels stable under our feet, but our world is in motion. Explore mountain building with sedimentation & volcanoes, and valley formation with glaciers, water & wind. Observe the forces that are still at work and see evidence of the forces that made their changes many years ago.

 

2

Trash Eaters

June 20-23

Discover Earth’s recyclers by exploring creepy-crawlies and fungus that decompose nature’s waste. Eat food that has been helped along by these critters. Sing about composting and its benefit to our planet with The Eco-Troubadour, Stan Slaughter.

 

3

Pollination

Station

June 27-30

Flowers, pollination, seeds and fruit...Plants meet, mate and provide new homes for their offspring in amazing ways. Get up close with local wildflowers and have fun watching pollinators at work. Discover pollination with a visit from bee keepers and their bee pollinators.

 

4

Rocky Mtn. Mammals

July 5-8

Note: Mon & Wed
 group will meet
on Wed & Fri this
week.  No camp
July 4th.

 

Learn more about our own Rocky Mountain Mammals. Study mammals ranging from bear to beaver. A local naturalist will show us how we as humans are mammals and how we exhibit many of the traits of our mammal relatives.

5

Interesting Insects

July 11-14

As the largest group of animals in the world, insects play an important role in our ecosystem. Search for insects and explore how they are adapted to the life they lead. Even in this tiny world, there are predators & prey, farmers & gatherers…and, well, some are just bugs. The Butterfly Pavilion will bring interesting and exotic insects that are sure to have you asking, “What is that?”

 

6

Feathered Friends

July 18-20

The Nature Center has a wonderful location for viewing local bird life: Hummingbirds, Magpies, Hawks and everything in the middle. Birds serve an important ecological role and add magical wonder to our planet. HawkQuest will allow children to get a closer look at the beauty and power of Eagles, Owls, Hawks and Falcons.

 

7

Take a Hike

July 25-28

Learn the importance of low-impact camping and simple survival skills. Discuss the correct gear needed for safe travel in the backcountry and what to do if you find yourself lost. Learn a few edible and medicinal plants found in the local forests. Meet Smokey Bear and his friends!

 

8

Keepers of the Earth

August 1-4

Walk through the history of the Rocky Mountains by examining the wilderness ethic of Native Americans, trappers, and European settlers who have lived in the Rocky Mountains. Redtail the Mountain Man will talk about life in the old west and what we can learn from the past.

 

9

Wet & Wild

August 8-11

Jump in and explore Gore Creek and discover what lives in this world. Be prepared to get wet as you explore the shallow streambeds and the riparian habitat of Gore Creek searching for aquatic plants, amphibians and insects. Hunt for small aquatic creatures and learn about their jobs with the Eagle River Watershed Council.

 

10

Weather the Weather

August 15-18

Discover clouds, rainbows, lightning, and more. The National Weather Service will show how mountains and altitude affect weather in Vail. Learn weather safety and the difference between weather and climate. Know when to play and when to stay!