Eagles
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Camp Hours
Please note, times are different for Peeps, Overnight and Winter camps.
MONDAY - THURSDAY
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
FRIDAY
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
EXTENDED DAY*
Aftercare - Camp hours extend to 5:30 PM for additional fee.
*Not available all weeks or at all locations.
EAGLES
Children Entering Grades 6-8
VINS Nature Camp is ready to go the distance with your camper. Whether your child is an avian enthusiast, survivalist in the making, or aspiring archer, we are excited to share an unforgettable summer with them.
Our day and overnight camp programs for Eagles offer the unique and specialized experiences that their inquisitive minds seek. VINS Nature Camp creates opportunities for in-depth investigations, hands-on learning, as well as challenge-by-choice and teambuilding scenarios that can lead to tremendous personal growth and lasting friendships. Your camper will leave with memories to last a lifetime.
For a unique overnight experience, join VINS Nature Camps at Old Pepper Place Nature Reserve. Camps range from a single overnight trip to a week-long adventure in the wilderness. Make this summer a truly special one.
EAGLES Camp Hours:
All VINS Nature Camp's EAGLES camps run from 9 AM - 4 PM, Monday through Thursday and 9 AM - 3:30 PM on Friday unless otherwise specified.
Extended Day:
VINS Nature Camp offers an Extended Day option for camp 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
- Aftercare 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
Prices:
$330 per session unless otherwise specified.
Discounts:
VINS Member discount - Receive a 10% discount on camp tuition. Use code: MEM23 at checkout.*
Sibling discount - We love having siblings in camp! Automatically save $20 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.
EAGLES Day Camps at VINS Nature Center
*All EAGLES Day Camps at VINS Nature Center are full*
• Register • Waitlist
• Waitlist Closed (No Longer Accepting Waitlist Registrations)
Why does VINS close waitlists?
Our camps are very popular and our waitlists can get long. When an Eagles waitlist reaches our maximum capacity of 15 children, we will close the waitlist and no longer accept new waitlist registrations. Over time, if the waitlist shortens, we will re-open our waitlists for more sign-ups.
If you have questions about how long a given camp waitlist is, contact VINS Nature Camp at camps@vinsweb.org.
JUNE 21 - 23 / Eagles On Target / $255
This camp dedicated to learning the art of archery. Learning to safely use a bow and arrow is a great way for campers to enjoy an active hobby outdoors. Our USA Archery certified instructors will teach proper shooting form and introduce this activity in a safe and comfortable manner. Each day, campers will participate in a session on shooting technique as well as other activities including themed crafts, hikes, additional practice on the range, and even equipment maintenance. Campers will also enjoy archery games and a mini tournament at the end of the week. All skill levels are welcome.
Note: This is a 3-day camp, there will be no camp held on Monday, June 19 or Tuesday, June 20.
JUNE 26 - 30 / Keepers of the Animals / $330
Join VINS for a truly unique camp experience that gets campers involved in animal care and wildlife keeping. This camp will examine the difference between wild and domestic animals and will delve into the management and husbandry of each. Campers will be immersed in the animal care life as they go behind the scenes to help wildlife keepers care for the resident animals at the VINS Nature Center, spend a day at working farm tackling daily barnyard tasks and visit a local animal shelter to complete a group service project. Get ready to work hard, get dirty and have fun while learning what it takes to care for animals of all kinds whether they be from the wild, on the farm or in our own homes.
JULY 5 - 7 / Sport of Kings / $255
Open to Falcons and Eagles (Grades 4 - 8)
History will come alive in this exciting, one-of-a-kind camp from VINS. Travel back in time and learn about two ancient sporting traditions; falconry, the practice of hunting alongside a trained raptor, and archery. Go behind the scenes with our raptor handlers for an experience few adults could imagine, an up-close encounter with nature’s most perfect hunter: the Raptor! Then, test your concentration and aim with a bow and arrow on the VINS Nature Camp archery range and see if you can hit the bulls-eye. Sport of Kings blends two of VINS Nature Camps most popular programs into this highly specialized camp.
Note: This is a 3-day camp, there will be no camp held on Monday, July 3 or Tuesday, July 4.
AUGUST 14 - 18 / Advanced Science of Amazing Raptors / $330
Advanced SOAR Camp gives campers the opportunity to delve deep into the world of raptors. Campers will work with professional trainers, wildlife keepers, and specialized educators to learn about avian anatomy, current raptor research, and the inner workings of VINS’ Center for Wild Bird Rehabilitation. With diversified interactions and up-close raptor encounters, including an opportunity to handle trained falconry birds from New England Falconry, campers will be on the road to becoming wildlife rehabilitators, environmental educators, or VINS volunteers. Prerequisite: Campers must have successfully completed a session of SOAR Camp or have equivalent knowledge base prior to attending Advanced SOAR Camp.*
*Please contact Lead, Nature Camps with questions or to discuss if your camper is prepared for Advanced SOAR Camp.
EAGLES Overnight Camps at VINS Nature Center & Old Pepper Place
• Register • Waitlist
JULY 17 - 21 / Survival Adventures / $405 (Includes overnight trip)
Time: 9 AM - 4 PM Monday - Wednesday, 9 AM Thursday - 3:30 PM Friday
Survival Adventures is an introductory camp for young explorers to gain better knowledge and understanding of what it takes to live in the outdoors. Under the guidance of our expert instructors, campers will practice basic skills in areas such as preparing a campfire, building a shelter, looking for animal signs, identifying plants, navigating by compass, and tying knots. With daily survival scenarios and lessons in backcountry living skills, this blend of day and overnight camp will give campers opportunities to hone their skills. VINS’ Old Pepper Place Nature Reserve is beautiful and remote, the perfect location to put their wilderness skills to the test at the end of the week. Surviving in the backcountry requires a lot of hard work, fun, and being open to new experiences; and there will be plenty of that in store during this week-long adventure.
Note: This is camp includes an overnight trip to VINS' Old Pepper Place Nature Reserve on Thursday, July 20. Campers will return to VINS Nature Center on Friday, July 21 for pick-up at 3:30 PM.
JULY 24 - 28 / Trail Blazers / $475 (Includes overnight trip) - Filling Fast - 1 spot left
Time: 9 AM - 4 PM Monday - Tuesday, 9 AM Wednesday - 3:30 PM Friday
This camp offers the perfect opportunity to learn, work and have fun in a backcountry setting. Campers will experience firsthand the responsibilities and demands of working and living as a team while completing outdoor projects that make a difference. Throughout the week, our experienced instructors will guide campers in teambuilding challenges including a field trip to the Dartmouth Adventure Ropes Course and service projects at the VINS Nature Center and Old Pepper Place Nature Reserve to promote cooperation, communication and trust. Participants will build confidence in themselves, practice the skills necessary to be a teammate and build friendships all in a fun, supportive and safe environment.
Note: This is camp includes an overnight trip to VINS' Old Pepper Place Nature Reserve from Wednesday, July 26 to Friday, July 28. Campers will return to VINS Nature Center on Friday, July 28 for pick-up at 3:30 PM.
AUGUST 7 - 11 / Survival Adventures II / $650
Time: 9 AM Monday - 3:30 PM Friday
So you think you’d survive on your own in the woods? Come find out. Survival Adventures II is designed for young campers who are looking for a true adventure challenge. With daily survival scenarios and lessons in backcountry living skills, this week-long overnight camp will give campers the opportunity to put their wilderness skills to the test. This beautiful and remote location is the perfect setting for a wilderness camp. Surviving in the backcountry requires a lot of hard work, fun, and being open to new experiences; and there will be plenty of that in store during this week-long adventure. Sleep out under the stars, sit with friends around the campfire, become a fire building master and make your home in the wilderness. This is an overnight experience campers will never forget.
Note: This is a week-long overnight camp beginning on Monday, August 7 through Friday, August 11.