Falcons
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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.
FALCONS
Children Entering Grades 4-6
VINS Nature Camp is ready to share an unforgettable summer with your child. Our specialized camp programs for Falcons offer unique experiences to delve into fascinating natural science topics and learn concrete skills while at the same time practicing the art of teamwork and building lasting friendships. Our camps at Storrs Pond Recreation Area and the VINS Nature Center will leave your camper with stories to share and memories to last a lifetime.
FALCONS Camp Hours:
All VINS Nature Camp's FALCONS 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.
FALCONS Camps at VINS Nature Center
*All FALCONS 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 a Falcons 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 / Animal Architects / $255 - 1 spot left
To survive, all animals require shelter which is both functional and safe. Some however, go to great lengths to engineer elaborate homes and even modify the surrounding landscape to meet their needs. Beyond the basics, these structures are carefully constructed, beautiful to observe, and extremely difficult to replicate. From the most intricately woven bird nest to the perfect geometric pattern of a honeycomb, discover how creatures build shelters and investigate the special characteristics and functions of each dwelling. Campers will hone their construction skills by attempting to recreate these amazing structures as they become experts in the art and science behind animal architecture.
Note: This is a 3-day camp. There will be no camp held on Monday, June 19 or Tuesday, June 20.
JUNE 26 - 30 / Science of Amazing Raptors / $330
Calling all avian enthusiasts, Science of Amazing Raptors (SOAR) Camp, is the perfect, unique experience for you. Join VINS’ expert educators and bird trainers for an opportunity to experience what few adults could imagine, an up-close encounter with nature’s most perfect hunter: the Raptor! Come spend the week at VINS learning what makes raptors such excellent hunters and discover the secrets of raptor training. Participants will view private bird programs, learn fun facts through games and crafts, get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at VINS’ bird rehabilitation facility and even help care for our birds. On the last day, campers can get their picture taken next to a raptor on the glove of one of our trained staff. Get ready for an unforgettable week with eagles, owls, hawks, falcons, and so much more. This VINS specialty camp is a rare opportunity, and spaces fill quickly.
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.
JULY 10 - 14 / Survival Adventures / $330
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. Campers will even have the option of participating in an introduction to the use, history, and importance of a bow and arrow as a survival tool. Daily themes, stories, and mock survival scenarios will encourage campers’ appreciation of nature. This camp provides a great opportunity for young outdoor enthusiasts to build proficiency in basic wilderness and teamwork skills all while having a blast!
JULY 17 - 21 / Citizen Science Crew / $330
Science doesn’t only happen in laboratories by people wearing lab coats; science is everywhere. Become a scientist as a member of VINS’ Citizen Science Crew. Put your observation skills to the test and be a part of real world research by investigating bird nests, tagging monarch butterflies, monitoring bat houses, and combating invasive species at VINS. Each day, the Citizen Science Crew will participate in different projects along with hands-on service projects relating to each day’s theme. There are so many ways to get involved in scientific research. Contribute to our understanding of the natural world and have a blast doing science this summer at VINS.
JULY 24 - 28 / Falcons on Target / $330
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 tournament at the end of the week. All skill levels are welcome.
JULY 31 - AUGUST 4 / Science of Amazing Raptors / $330
Calling all avian enthusiasts, Science of Amazing Raptors (SOAR) Camp, is the perfect, unique experience for you. Join VINS’ expert educators and bird trainers for an opportunity to experience what few adults could imagine, an up-close encounter with nature’s most perfect hunter: the Raptor! Come spend the week at VINS learning what makes raptors such excellent hunters and discover the secrets of raptor training. Participants will view private bird programs, learn fun facts through games and crafts, get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at VINS’ bird rehabilitation facility and even help care for our birds. On the last day, campers can get their picture taken next to a raptor on the glove of one of our trained staff. Get ready for an unforgettable week with eagles, owls, hawks, falcons, and so much more. This VINS specialty camp is a rare opportunity, and spaces fill quickly.
AUGUST 7 - 11 / Citizen Science Crew / $330
Science doesn’t only happen in laboratories by people wearing lab coats; science is everywhere. Become a scientist as a member of VINS’ Citizen Science Crew. Put your observation skills to the test and be a part of real world research by investigating bird nests, tagging monarch butterflies, monitoring bat houses, and combating invasive species at VINS. Each day, the Citizen Science Crew will participate in different projects along with hands-on service projects relating to each day’s theme. There are so many ways to get involved in scientific research. Contribute to our understanding of the natural world and have a blast doing science this summer at VINS.
AUGUST 14 - 18 / Survival Adventures / $330
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. Campers will even have the option of participating in an introduction to the use, history, and importance of a bow and arrow as a survival tool. Daily themes, stories, and mock survival scenarios will encourage campers’ appreciation of nature. This camp provides a great opportunity for young outdoor enthusiasts to build proficiency in basic wilderness and teamwork skills all while having a blast!
AUGUST 21 - 25 / Falcons on Target / $330
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 tournament at the end of the week. All skill levels are welcome.
FALCONS Camps at Storrs Pond Recreation Area
• 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 a Falcons 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.
JULY 5 - 7 / Animal Architects / $255 - 2 spots left
To survive, all animals require shelter which is both functional and safe. Some however, go to great lengths to engineer elaborate homes and even modify the surrounding landscape to meet their needs. Beyond the basics, these structures are carefully constructed, beautiful to observe, and extremely difficult to replicate. From the most intricately woven bird nest to the perfect geometric pattern of a honeycomb, discover how creatures build shelters and investigate the special characteristics and functions of each dwelling. Campers will hone their construction skills by attempting to recreate these amazing structures as they become experts in the art and science behind animal architecture.
Note: This is a 3-day camp. There will be no camp held on Monday, July 3 or Tuesday, July 4.
JULY 10 - 14 / AquaVentures / $330
Get your feet wet with VINS during a fun, water-filled week! Campers will explore the aquatic environments of Storrs Pond both from the shore and on the water. Investigations of the vernal pools, stream and pond will reveal who is living in these different habitats and the importance of each of them to the health of the ecosystem. Paddle and fish Storrs Pond in a canoe, turn over rocks in search of invertebrates in the stream and do your best to catch frogs and tadpoles in the vernal pool. Storrs Pond Recreation Area offers plenty of opportunities for on-water adventures including fishing, canoeing, and swimming in the pond. So grab a net, put on your suits, and dive in for a week of AquaVentures.
JULY 31 - August 4 / Survival Adventures / $330
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. At the Storrs Pond location, canoeing and time for free swim in the pond will be provided. Daily themes, stories, and mock survival scenarios will encourage campers’ appreciation of nature. This camp provides a great opportunity for young outdoor enthusiasts to build proficiency in basic wilderness and teamwork skills all while having a blast!