The natural world is full of wonders and mysteries just waiting to be discovered. VINS Nature Camp is excited to take your child on an unforgettable adventure this summer. With camps for Fledglings at the VINS Nature Center and Storrs Pond Recreation Area and over 10 different weekly themes to choose from, VINS Nature Camp is proud to offer something for every child. Your camper will spend their week outside exploring the amazing creatures and habitats that share our world, all while making friends and forming a deeper connection to nature.
All VINS Nature Camp's FLEDGLINGS camps run from 9 AM - 4 PM, Monday through Thursday and 9 AM - 3:30 PM on Friday unless otherwise specified.
After-Camp:
VINS Nature Camp offers After-Camp care for sessions held at the VINS Nature Center and Storrs Pond Recreation Area locations. This program is an extension of the camp day – campers must be registered on a weekly basis.
Details
Available for Fledglings, Falcons and Eagles camps
After-Camp hours are from the end of the camp day until 5:30 PM
Rate is $50 per camper per week unless otherwise specified
Not available all weeks at all camp locations
Discounts:
VINS Member discount - Receive a 10% discount on camp tuition. Use code: MEM25 at checkout.*
Sibling discount - We love having siblings in camp! Automatically save $10 on each camp session when you register two or more children for camp.*
*Please note: Promotional discounts cannot be combined. One promotional discount per registration.
FLEDGLINGS CAMP DESCRIPTIONS
Dates and Rates will be available in December
FLEDGLINGS Camps at VINS Nature Center
Animal Builders
Campers will become experts in animal architecture as they explore how animals of all kinds build their homes. From the smallest caddisfly larva case to the largest beaver dam, discover how and why certain creatures build homes the way that they do. Campers will investigate the special characteristics, functions, and habitats of each dwelling and even practice their engineering skills by picking a few favorite examples and attempting to recreate these amazing structures. You will be fascinated by all of the different ways animals create a place to call home sweet home.
Art in the Wild
Chock full of hands-on projects and outdoor experiences, Art in the Wild will teach children to observe and respond to the patterns, forms and colors of nature and express themselves through a variety of creative art projects.
Creatures of the Night
When darkness falls, the world of owls, bats, and other nighttime animals and insects come alive. We will explore a new group of nocturnal critters each day and learn how they are adapted to survive in the dark as well as during the daylight hours. Campers will discover the science behind nocturnal animal adaptations and behaviors such as night vision, echolocation, and bioluminescence. We will also test the human ability to use these adaptations with fun games, activities, stories, and crafts. Even though this is a diurnal camp, campers will leave excited to explore the nocturnal habitat of their own backyards!
Fantastic Fliers
Come explore the world of flight. From a tiny honey bee to the great Bald Eagle, there are so many amazing critters that have the unique ability to fly through the sky. Fantastic Fliers investigates the flying abilities of different animals and why it is crucial for their survival. Campers will go bugging in the meadow, discover the world’s only flying mammal, meet VINS’ resident raptors, and even explore how to engineer their own flying machines! Join VINS to learn all about the power of flight and the creatures of New England that flap, soar, and hover overhead.
Habitat Hunters
Every animal needs a habitat, but not all habitats are the same. Our Habitat Hunters team will explore the diverse ecosystems of the VINS Nature Center and discover how animals make their homes in the meadow, forest floor, tree tops, river's edge and all the spaces in between. Treks in search of food, water, shelter, and space will take campers on in-depth explorations of what makes up an animal's habitat as they discover who is living at the VINS Nature Center or in their very own backyard.
Survival Superpowers
Can you spot a rabbit a mile away? Sniff out a scent trail that is 300 hours cold? Or hear a mouse under 2 feet of snow? Did you know that there are superheroes living among us? We share our world with amazing animals and each of them has superpowers that are key to their success. In Survival Superpowers, discover the incredible abilities of animals to see, hear, smell, feel, and taste. Each day will be a new investigation into the incredible world of the five senses and campers will test how their own senses stack up against those of animals.
Tracks and Traces
Our world is full of animals going about their daily lives, and yet most of this activity goes unobserved by humans. So how do we know animals really do live here and how do we know so much about their secretive lives? In fact, the forest floor is full of mysteries! Animals leave us many clues that tell us where they have been and what they have been doing. Spend a week investigating and practicing the art of tracking with VINS educators. By the end of the week, campers will be able to solve the mystery of who was here.
Woodland Scouts
Join VINS’ very own woodland scout troop and become at home in the forests surrounding the VINS Nature Center. During this camp, scouts will gain comfort traveling through the woods and be introduced to beginner wilderness skills through exciting themed activities as well as games, stories, crafts, and more. Daily mini-hikes will encourage campers to expand their scout knowledge by learning skills such as how to build a survival shelter, following a map, how to identify trees and plants, and campfire safety. A walk in the woods will never be the same again after this week of “tree-mendous” fun. Campers who successfully master these skills will assist in building a campfire at the end of the week for a closing ceremony.
FLEDGLINGS Camps at Storrs Pond Recreation Area
Art in the Wild
Chock full of hands-on projects and outdoor experiences, Art in the Wild will teach children to observe and respond to the patterns, forms and colors of nature and express themselves through a variety of creative art projects. Storrs Pond Recreation Area also offers exceptional opportunities for water adventures including canoeing and swimming in the pond.
Habitat Hunters
Every animal needs a habitat, but not all habitats are the same. Our Habitat Hunters team will explore the diverse ecosystems surrounding Storrs Pond and discover how animals make their homes in the meadow, forest floor, stream, pond, and all the spaces in between. Treks in search of food, water, shelter, and space will take campers on in-depth explorations of what makes up an animal's habitat as they discover who is living at the VINS Nature Center or in their very own backyard. Storrs Pond Recreation Area in Hanover, NH, offers exceptional opportunities for on-water adventures including fishing, canoeing, and swimming.
Water, Water Everywhere
Where swimming lessons meet nature exploration, join VINS and Storrs Pond for a week of exploration and aquatic escapades. Students will learn swimming fundamentals from the experts and discover why humans have been so inspired by a frog’s kick, a turtle’s stroke, and the beats of a butterfly’s wing. Storrs Pond swim instructors will build campers’ confidence in the water during daily swimming lessons while VINS educators will cultivate your child’s curiosity for science and the great outdoors as they lead adventures in the wetland habitats around the pond. Through swimming, play, and nature exploration, campers will learn how plants and animals have adapted to a world where water truly is everywhere.
Woodland Scouts
Join VINS’ very own woodland scout troop and become at home in the forests surrounding Storrs Pond. During this camp, scouts will gain comfort traveling through the woods and be introduced to beginner wilderness skills through exciting themed activities as well as games, stories, crafts, and more. Daily mini-hikes will encourage campers to expand their scout knowledge by learning skills such as how to build a survival shelter, following a map, how to identify trees and plants, and campfire safety. A walk in the woods will never be the same again after this week of “tree-mendous” fun. Campers who successfully master these skills will assist in building a campfire at the end of the week for a closing ceremony. Storrs Pond Recreation Area also offers exceptional opportunities for water adventures including canoeing and swimming in the pond.
