Children engage in animal encounters, science experiments during week long camp

Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge is hosting SpringWild Spring Break Camp for grades 1-5 to be held the weeks of March 29 – April 2 and April 5 – April 9 from 9 a.m. -3 p.m.   The camp will be held at The Boardwalk, Okaloosa Island.  Participants will learn about native wildlife through lectures, games and hands-on experiences, conduct science experiments and crafts, enjoy live animal encounters and more.
• Includes snacks, lunch, craft materials, camp t-shirt (or similar item)
• Explore the biology and natural history of terrestrial and aquatic native wildlife
• Science experiments- test local water, make recycled paper
• Animal encounters- meet the refuge’s animal ambassadors, learn to hold a flying squirrel and other animal ambassadors
• Wildlife detective- “Hide” and Seek (match animal hides with the animals they represent) use dichotomous key to identify species
• Marine mammal activities- play games to illustrate hearing adaptations, training games (kids will practice training each other with actual operant conditioning)
• Conservation Connection- through informal lectures, learn how to coexist with local wildlife and spot signs of wildlife in natural environments
• Design a “wildlife friendly” habitat (collect items from the field to create a natural habitat for your wildlife species)
• Art/ craft projects to take home
• Ethology (the study of behavior) research project
• Learn about current rehab/husbandry practices
• Develop informed decision-making in campers with mock rescue and rehabilitation
• Population games- a fun way to learn about current wildlife management practices
• “Stump the Staff”- campers challenge Refuge staff with questions about wildlife
Cost is $150.00 per week with added fees for before/after day care.  Family discounts are available.
Contact Susan at (850) 650-1880 to reserve