Summer 2008 programs for kids

 

4-H Farley Outdoor Education Center offers the following programs:

Activities include: nature, archery, pioneering, kayaking, canoeing, arts, swimming, games, horseback riding, biking, recreation, fishing, ropes course, barnyard animals, music, dance, theater, and more. Contact: 4-H Farley, 615 Rt. 130, Mashpee, MA 02649; (508) 477-0181, or visit their web site at http://www.campfarley.com.

Bridgewater State College's City Lab offers a biotechnology program for middle school students entitled Whale of a Mystery.  This one-week program is open to students entering Grades 6-9 in the fall of 2008.  Students in the program will be asked to solve a forensic mystery related to the hunting of endangered Cetacean species.  They will work in teams to conduct laboratory research and will present their results in a public poster session.  
 
Two separate sessions will be offered in 2008:  Session I will be held July 7-11 and Session II will run July 14-18.  The program meets daily from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The fee is $250 per student (limited need-based scholarships are available).  For more information, visit http://webhost.bridgew.edu/CityLab/ or e-mail CityLab@bridgew.edu.

Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, located in Brewster, MA. KidSummer - instilling a sense of wonder and discovery to last a lifetime. Offers a range of 4 programs for ages 3 to 12, encouraging learning and appreciation of the environment through age-appropriate indoor and outdoor activities led by educators/naturalists. Nature walks, field study, and habitat exploration give children a unique Cape Cod experience. Museum campus is surrounded by 350-acres of marsh, dune, barrier beach, woodlands, alewife stream, and wildflower gardens. The 2008 Program Director is Nancy Church, a highly experienced teacher and program professional. 2008 programs will be held June 23-August 21.

Note:July 4th week. 4-day week. First Encounters $135/members or $155/non-members; Nature Sleuths $135/members or $155/non-members; Terra Nova $180/members or $200/non-members; Extreme Science $200/members or $220/non-members.
2-day week. First Encounters $80/members or $95/non-members; Nature Sleuths $80/members or $95/non-members

Special Week August 18-21: Ages 12 to Adult. An opportunity for parents, grandparents and children to interact with naturalist instructors in two learning opportunities over the course of four days (Monday-Thursday) 10:00 am-3:00 pm. Also open to children or adults on their own. Limited to twelve per class. Participants must provide their own lunches. Each program cost: $170M; $185NM

Archaeological Dig Centered on Wing Island: Archaeological field methods, hands-on exploration, lab work, discussion of the prehistory and history of the area.

Exploring Aquatic Habitats of Cape Cod. Participants will visit freshwater and saltwater environments, collect specimens, learn identification techniques and become knowledgeable about aquatic life on Cape Cod.

For more information, or to register, call (508) 896-3867, Ext. 133. E-mail inquiries should be directed to info@ccmnh.org or visit their web site at www.ccmnh.org.

Children's School of Science, Inc. offers programs for ages 7-16, with age-appropriate and subject-appropriate classes carefully selected. Established in 1913, the Children's School of Science is located in the old Woods Hole school on Eel Pond, in the midst of the scientific laboratories of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the Marine Biological Laboratory, the National Marine Fisheries Service Northeast Fisheries Science Center, the Woods Hole Research Center, and the U.S. Geological Survey. Frequent field trips and hands-on classroom study give students the opportunity to explore nature, become adept at observation, and discover the rules that govern natural processes. The unusual complexity of the waters, geology, and biology of the greater Falmouth area provides a uniquely well-suited "live" learning environment. Courses are organized into three-week and six-week sessions. The 2008 season begins June 30 and closes on August 2. Classes meet daily, Monday through Friday, for 90 minutes. The Children's School of Science is made possible through the cooperation of dedicated parents, teachers, and benefactors. Tuition for one three-week enrollment is $240. Tuition for six consecutive weeks is $400 per student. Some partial scholarships are available. Contact: Children's School of Science, Inc., Box 522, Woods Hole, MA 02543; (508) 548-3603 or css@cape.com. Web site: www.childrensschoolofscience.org.

The FARM Institute (TFI) at Katama Farm (Martha's Vineyard) camp provides week-long opportunities all summer for children ages 2-15 to experience the many facets of farm life. In all of our programs, the children get hands-on experience working with a wide variety of livestock, field crops such as grains and grass, gardening, as well as in carpentry and farm mechanics. The staff at The FARM Institute also teaches students about organic farming, the ecology of the area, the importance of local agriculture, the history of our animals and vegetables, and literacy and art experiences related to farming. 2008 programs run from June 16 through August 29. For more information about summer programs at The FARM Institute visit www.farminstitute.org or contact our summer director at camp@farminstitute.org or (508) 627-7007.

The Lloyd Center for Environmental Studies, located in South Dartmouth, MA. For complete information, call (508) 990-0505 or visit http://www.lloydcenter.org/.

Ages 5-7 (Mondays and Tuesdays/Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. $45 per two-day session for members; $54 per two-day session for non-members:

Programs for students entering grades 3-8:

The Maria Mitchell Association. Summer Discovery Classes on Nantucket include programs for ages 4-17 and begin Monday, June 23, 2008. Options include:

Day Programs

Wee Explorers
Ages 4-6
The Wee Explorers program provides your child with their first peek at Nantucket’s natural world. Each Discovery Class balances play, art, sensory exploration and hands-on learning. Wee Explorers will create art, play nature games, hear stories and explore in the local habitats. We offer full week, 3 day and 2 day programs to fit your schedule and your child’s interest.

Habitat Hoppers
Ages 7-9
Habitat Hoppers will discover the unique habitats of Nantucket and the interesting creatures that inhabit them. Hands-on activities, games, projects and active observation will keep your child excited and interested! They will gain an understanding and appreciation of the natural world around them.

Eco-Investigators
Ages 10-12
Eco-Investigators will experience local ecological research through active participation. They will be introduced to environmental stewardship, and discover ways to help with local issues.

Family Fun Fridays!
Be prepared to get dirty and have fun while learning with your kids! Each week we will focus our exploration with themes such as, vernal pools, dragon and damselflies and tide pools, while visiting a Nantucket natural area!

Science Discovery Wednesdays
The Maria Mitchell Association and the Trustees of Reservations have partnered to offer the public a unique opportunity to first hand look at the wildlife found on Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge. Every Wednesday morning MMA staff will lead our famous Marine Ecology Walk and in the afternoon we will offer another hands-on and fun outdoor activity to do with the whole family (for afternoon program themes go to www.mmo.org).

Private Discovery Classes
Looking for your children to get a personalized, educational and fun nature program? Our Private Discovery Classes are structured to work with your schedule, interests and special needs. We can accommodate one child or a group of children! Call today to learn more about this great summer opportunity for your children to learn and have fun while experiencing everything Nantucket’s natural world has to offer.

Family Night Programs

Aquarium Kid’s Night: Illumination Investigation

Astronomy Kid’s Night: Our Cosmic Neighborhood

Astronomy Kid’s Night: The Celestial Zoo

Nocturnal Nuts! (All ages)

For complete information, including specific class dates and fees, or to register for classes using on-line registration, visit http://www.mmo.org or contact MMA Director of Education Darcie Vallant at dvallant@mmo.org or 508-228-9198. The Maria Mitchell Association is located at 4 Vestal Street, Nantucket, MA 02554.

Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) in Woods Hole offers two programs, the Periwinkle and Satellite Clubs. These are summer recreation programs designed to provide age-appropriate activities and supervision for children of MBL faculty, investigators, administrators, students and staff. Children from the scientific community (WHOI, NOAA/Fisheries, USGS, WHRC, SEA) are accepted when space is available. The programs seek to support children’s emotional, physical, social, and intellectual development in a group atmosphere that encourages a sense of community, fun, and appreciation of the uniqueness of the Woods Hole setting. Each club has a highly qualified, dedicated, and diverse staff with a multitude of talents. They plan daily activities, which include science/nature, sports, arts & crafts, excursions to the local parks and beaches, as well as several field trips throughout the ten-week season. The clubs comply with the regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health; and are licensed by the Falmouth Board of Health; they are members of the American Camping Association.

Periwinkle Club - This program is located in the Osterhout Cottage, a peaceful wooded setting nestled among the MBL cottages on Memorial Circle. The primary focus is on children aged 4-6 (entering 1st grade). A low child/staff ratio permits considerable individual attention.

The Periwinkle Club offers full day, mornings or afternoon sessions for ten weeks beginning June 16. The morning sessions run from 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. The afternoon sessions run from 1:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. Enrollment for the Periwinkle Club is by the week. A $90.00 non-refundable registration fee is due with each registration. Space for your child will only be reserved once the registration fee is received.

Satellite Club - This program is housed at 100 Water Street in Woods Hole Village. The dynamic downtown location provides children aged 7 (entering 2nd grade) - 12 a wonderful setting for adventure, fun, and learning. As a courtesy to parents/guardians children attending the Children’s School of Science will be escorted to and from their morning courses.

The Satellite Club offers full day and morning sessions for ten weeks beginning June 16. The morning sessions run from 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Full day sessions run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Enrollment for the Satellite Club is by the week. A $90.00 non-refundable registration fee is due with each registration. Space for your child will only be reserved once the registration fee is received.

For additional information and an application, visit www.mbl.edu///services/serv_childcare.html or contact: Marine Biological Laboratory, Human Resources Office, 7 MBL Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543, (508) 289-7422.

New England Aquarium Harbor Discoveries Summer Program. A day camp in Boston for students in grades 4-9, Harbor Discoveries offers young people opportunities to explore the fascinating world of water! Nature serves as our outdoor classroom as we travel to sites exploring aquatic environments. Each session is tailored for distinct age groups and is an opportunity to do hands-on marine science. All programs include behind-the-scenes activities in New England Aquarium Galleries, excursions to Boston Harbor Islands, daily field trips to north and south shore habitats, and an overnight experience. For a listing of programs offered for the 2008 summer season please visit our web site at www.neaq.org/scilearn/summerprogs/. Scholarships may be available for Boston youth. For general inquiries about the camp program please call the Camp Coordinator at (617) 973-0250/0253 or e-mail at dbadger@neaq.org, or hdeschenes@neaq.org.

Sea Education Association (SEA). Class sizes for this Falmouth program are limited and are filled by qualified students on a space available basis.

Science at SEA (SAS) (sponsored by SEA). Three sessions are scheduled for 2008: SAS Session I is June 26-July 15 (sailing from Woods Hole, MA to Portsmouth, NH); Session II is July 21-August 8 (sailing from and to Woods Hole, MA); Session III is August 2-August 20. High school students who have completed their freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior years and have successfully completed at least one high school science and one high school mathematics course are welcome to apply. SAS focuses on Cape Cod coastal and offshore marine research, maritime history and the fundamentals of nautical science. Students live and study, initially, on SEA's campus in Woods Hole and then at sea on board SEA's sailing vessel, the SSV Corwith Cramer.

SEA Semester (sponsored by SEA) May 19-July 18, 2008. Open to college students of all ages. Divided into two parts: Shore-component on SEA campus in Woods Hole, MA, is May 19-June 13 and Sea-component aboard the Robert C. Seamans is June 20-July 18, sailing from Honolulu, HI, to San Francisco, CA. Students study Oceanography, Nautical Science and Maritime history. Aboard the Robert C. Seamans, students will carry out an Oceanography research project of their own design. Students receive 12 undergraduate credits awarded through Boston University.

Oceanography of the Gulf of Maine (OGM) (co-sponsored by SEA and Cornell University's Shoals Marine Laboratory). OGM will run July 7-July 26, 2008 (starting at Shoals Marine Lab and ending in Woods Hole, MA). Open to high school students who have completed their sophomore, junior or senior years and have completed two high school science courses. SEA and Shoals Marine Lab offer a unique academic opportunity to experience life on an island off the coast of Maine (the Shore Component) and on board SEA's sailing vessel, the SSV Corwith Cramer (the Sea Component), studying oceanic and coastal marine environments. By living, working and studying together in an atmosphere of cooperation, you achieve common goals, learn more about yourself and gain new perspectives of the ocean environment and its wildlife. This an academically rigorous program that exposes you to the science of the sea through hands-on participation, while earning you three undergraduate college credits from Cornell University.

The Oceanography of the Southern California Bight (OSCB) (co-sponsored by SEA and the University of Southern California's Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies) August 7-25, 2008. This academic course, which focuses on marine environments off the Southern California coast, is open to high school students who have completed their sophomore, junior, or senior years and have successfully completed two high school science courses. The 10-day Shore Component is conducted at the Wrigley Institute's Marine Science Center, where students investigate the pristine near-shore communities protected by the Marine Life Refuge. Oceanographic investigations continue during the Sea Component on board SEA's newest sailing research vessel the SSV Robert C. Seamans. On board, students explore the offshore oceanic environment from biological, physical, chemical, and geological perspectives. The OSCB is an academically rigorous, hands-on program that exposes students to marine science through direct investigation. Guided by experienced researchers, student tackle research projects, group presentations and practical exams. Successful completion of the program earns participants three undergraduate college credits from the University of Southern California.

For more information and an application please contact SEA directly by phone (800-552-3633), e-mail (admission@sea.edu), or visit our web site at http://www.sea.edu. Call for information about our Cape Cod and Islands Full Scholarship! Other financial aid is also available. All admission materials will be reviewed weekly until programs are filled.

South Shore YMCA offers programs at Camps Burgess and Hayward in Sandwich. Activities include: horseback riding, tennis, drama, nature, sailing, canoeing, arts and crafts, athletics, windsurfing and much more. Contact: South Shore YMCA Camps at 1-508-428-2571, or visit their web site at http://www.ssymca.org/.

Summer Photo Workshops are geared for ages 10 through 17 years. Students will combine science with art in the exploration of photography. While photographing the great outdoors and stepping into the darkroom, beginners will learn to operate a 35mm camera, develop and print black and white film, and experiment with one digital photography project. Photo sites include: Beebe Woods, the waters of Cape Cod, Barnstable County Fairground, and Martha's Vineyard. The Advanced Photo class will experiment with more advanced darkroom and digital techniques and this class is open to those with darkroom experience. SEE NEW EVENING CLASS TIME. Intensive courses run for 2 weeks and meet for 2.5 hours each day, Monday through Friday. Tuition for each class is $285 and includes all materials (film, paper, chemistry) plus $15 registration fee.

2008 dates:
Beginning Photo: June 30th- July 11th, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Beginning Photo: July 14th - 25th, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Advanced Photo: July 14th - 25th, 6:00-8:30 p.m.

Please contact summerprograms@falmouthacademy.org or visit our web site at www.falmouthacademy.org.

Summer Programs at Falmouth Academy in Falmouth offers one through five-week programs for children through adults in the arts, drama, robotics, philosophy, athletics, languages, and more. Please contact Susan Moffat at summerprograms@falmouthacademy.org or visit our web site at www.falmouthacademy.org/.

Thornton W. Burgess Society, Green Briar Nature Center, a year-round facility located on the Upper Cape in East Sandwich offers 8 weeks of summer nature/science programs for children aged 4 to 16 years of age. Programs for families and parents with younger children are also offered. Sibling and member discounts are offered. Children's programs include adventures at local ponds, tidal pools, marshes and forests during the day, night and overnight, as well as canoe-catamaraning or single canoeing on ponds and marshes. Class descriptions, registration information and other details are available at www.thorntonburgess.org or by calling 508-888-6870. Programs for 2008 include:

Waquoit Bay Science School at the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (WBNERR), sponsored by the Citizens for the Protection of Waquoit Bay. Classes take place at the Reserve in East Falmouth. Contact (508) 457-0495 or visit the website www.waquoitbayreserve.org for more information.

Bayside Buddies
Entering Grades 2 and 3
2 Sessions: July 7 – 11 or July 21 – 25, 2008 ; 8:45 am - Noon; Fee: $100.00
Children get wet, muddy and inspired while exploring the habitats and wildlife around Waquoit Bay through games, crafts and scientific investigations.

Estuary Adventures
Entering Grades 4, 5 & 6
2 Sessions: July 14 – July 18 or August 11 – 15, 2008; 8:45 am - Noon; $100.00
Young scientists use a variety of equipment, from crab traps to salinity meters to sample the marshes, creeks and bay, discovering an ocean of adventure along the way.

Power Rangers
Entering Grades 4, 5 & 6
1 Session: August 4 – 8, 2008; 8:45 am - Noon; $100.00
Engage in renewable energy activities that encourage team work and problem solving while applying science and math concepts to everyday life. Children explore energy from the sun, wind, waves and tides with exciting design projects and measure sea level rise to consider the effects of climate change on creatures in the bay.

Women in Science: Girls only session includes an overnight on Washburn Island
Entering Grades 7, 8 & 9
1 Session: July 28 – August 1, 2008; 8:45 - 2:00 pm Mon – Wed, overnight Thurs 1:00 - Noon Friday; $140.00
Young women receive inspiration and support from WBNERR staff while building confidence through activities relating to scientific research, marine biology, and ecology. An overnight camping trip fosters peer relationships as girls leave cell phones behind and face the challenges of setting up shelter, cooking and exploring the island at night.

Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary Natural History Day Camp, located in South Wellfleet, MA, offers weekly camp sessions that run from June 16 through August 29, 2008:

Discoverers program is for children who are entering pre-school or Kindergarten and are age 4 by April 1, 2008. This program is designed to encourage a young child's curiosity, increase sensory awareness, and provide an introduction to field experience. Each weekly session has a different theme, such as Animal Adventures or Wet & Wild. Classes run from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $160/MA Audubon Society members and $220/non-members.

Adventurers program is for children who are entering Grade 1. This program provides continued field experience through exploration, crafts, and creative games focusing on animals and their habitats. Each weekly session has a different theme, such as Sealife Scientists or Nuts about Nature. Classes run from 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. $160/MA Audubon Society members and $220/non-members.

Explorers program is for children who are entering Grades 2 or 3. This program emphasizes the natural history of animals and the interrelationships of all living things through observation and hands-on field activities. Each weekly session has a different theme, such as Along the Seashore or Micro to Macro. Some classes run from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ($160/MA Audubon Society members and $220/non-members), while other classes run 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Friday. ($215/MA Audubon Society members and $275 non-members).

Naturalists program is for children who are entering Grades 4 or 5. This program allows those interested in science to participate in field activities while learning the methods and techniques used in wildlife community investigations. This program also includes weekly field trips to areas relevant to the subject being studied. Each weekly session has a different theme, such as Coastal Encounters or Hunters & Hunted. Classes run from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Friday. $225/MA Audubon Society members and $285 for non-members.

Ecologists program is for children who are entering Grades 6 through 9. This program expands on already acquired knowledge and involves participants in more sophisticated research projects. They will go beyond exploring and assist in gaining answers by conducting investigations. This program also includes weekly boat trips to areas relevant to the subject being studied. Each session has a different theme, such as Island Explorations or Budding Marine Biologists. Classes run from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Friday. $245/MA Audubon Society members and $305 for non-members.

NEW THIS YEAR!: Trekkers program is for students who are entering Grades 10-12. This program is for older students who are serious about nature and the outdoors. Participants will be involved, both on and off the sanctuary, in exploration and activities-canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking-meant to promote confidence and leadership skills, team building, and a conservation ethic. Each Thursday from 6-10 pm, campers will have an evening activity, which will culminate in a beach campfire supervised by camp staff. There will be an emphasis on proper instruction and safety during every activity. Each session has a different theme, such as Survivor, The Deep, Extreme Outdoors. Weekly camp sessions run July 21-August 8. Classes run 9 am-2:30 pm, Monday through Thursday; 6-10 pm, Thursday; 9 am-12:30 pm, Friday. $270/ MA Audubon members and $330 for non-members

The brochure can be downloaded at http://www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/Sanctuaries/Wellfleet/camp.php. For more information please call (508) 349-2615; or e-mail wellfleetbaycamp@massaudubon.org.

The Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary also offers daily family programs throughout the summer. Please call 508-349-2615 for information on naturalist-led programs such as Seashore Rambles, Animal Meanders, Nature Drawing, Night Prowls, Cape Cod Bay Marine Life Cruises, Nauset Marsh Family Cruises, and South Beach Adventures.

The Woods Hole Science Aquarium (WHSA) offers two programs in 2008 for students who have completed grades 10, 11, or 12:

— WHSA Internships: Interns in the five-week program will spend approximately 25 hours per week in the aquarium helping care for animals. The interns will learn about animal husbandry and will be trained to serve as assistant naturalists on shoreside collecting trips for the public. The five-week program will run from June 30 through August 1. In the last two weeks, the interns will participate in the careers seminar.

— Careers in Marine Science Seminar: A two-week seminar that runs from July 21 to August 1, approximately 15-20 hours per week. The seminar is designed to give students an idea of what people working in Woods Hole do, and how different areas of science contribute to the larger effort to understand the marine world and to manage marine resources wisely. Seminar participants will learn animal husbandry and basic aquarist chores, hear presentations from scientists working in a variety of fields, go on collecting trips, and visit other science institutions and aquariums. Students who participate in the seminar will have the option of staying on an additional 1-2 weeks to help with animal husbandry and to serve as assistant naturalists on collecting walks.

The WHSA welcomes applications from students of all backgrounds. Students from groups under-represented in marine sciences are especially encouraged to apply –this includes African American, Cape Verdean, Hispanic, and Native American students. To participate in either the internship or the seminar, students must be at least 16 years old by June 30, and must have American citizenship. Application forms are available in the aquarium and online (http://aquarium.nefsc.noaa.gov/Volunteers/). Applicants must also provide a transcript and two references. E-mail applications are welcome. All application materials must be received by March 14. The 2008 interns and seminar participants will be announced by April 4.

Links to additional offerings throughout Massachusetts for students and educators . . .

Sea Grant logo
Program information compiled February 2008 by Sheri DeRosa of the
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Sea Grant Program
(508) 289-2398 -- seagrant@whoi.edu -- www.whoi.edu/seagrant