Summer Camp 2012 Dates and Details:

Little Naturalists Camp
June 11 – 15
Morning Session: 9 AM - 12:30 PM
Afternoon Session: 12 PM - 3:30 PM
If you have a child that’s 4K – 1st grade, then Little Naturalists Camp is  the program to join. Your child will have a blast as they play sports and crazy games, hike trails, create wacky arts and crafts projects, learn about nature and wildlife, and everything else associated with summer day camps. Your little one will stay active while making new friends and learning about the natural world through exciting activities. You may sign your child up for either the morning or afternoon sessions, or both. Each morning and afternoon session offers different activities. All campers will eat lunch.   
•  For campers 4K – 1st grade.
• Morning and afternoon extended care available.  
• One Session Camp Fee: $75/ member, $85/ non-member
• Two Sessions Camp Fee: $140/ member, $165/ non-member 
 
Nature Ickyology
June 18 - 22
9 AM - 3 PM
Slimy snails, regurgitating owls, and vomiting vultures - although all these things might seem gross to us, they all serve a purpose out in the wild. Not only learn about some native animals with unpleasant behaviors, also learn about unpleasant behaviors of animals from all over the world. Ever knew that giraffes often clean out their noses with their tongues? We will learn the reasons behind all of these behaviors in the wild and have fun along the way, including making vulture throw-up and eating bee barf! This camp is perfect for those interested in exploring the repugnant side of nature during this “Eww!” inducing week of camp. 
• For campers entering 1st - 8th grade. 
• Morning and afternoon extended care available.
• Camp fee: $150/ $175 (non-member).  
 
Animal Encounters of the Furry, Feathered, Scaled, & Tailed Kind
June 25 - 29
9 AM - 3 PM
From the Fairyfly, with a length of 0.039 inches, to a Blue Whale, with a length of up to 110 feet, animals of the world are varied and unique. Learn about and meet some animals that live in Alabama and compare them to some foreign species as well. Throughout the week, expect animal encounters from some local animals, such as a furry Flying Squirrel, a slithery Corn Snake, and a slimy Green Treefrog. Encounter some foreign species, including a Sulcata Tortoise, Burmese Python, and several surprises! Play games to help us understand how animals survive in the wild, the purpose of camouflage, and the adaptations that some have developed to better make it in the wild. 
• For campers entering 1st - 8th grade. 
• Morning and afternoon extended care available.
• Camp fee: $150/ $175 (non-member).  
 
Wet and Wild Water Week Camp
July 9 – 13
9 AM – 3 PM
Alabama summers are notoriously hot. Stay cool with wacky water games, slippery slip and slides, and a field trip to Turkey Creek to take a swim in the refreshing water. Not all animals cool off with water. Learn the tricks that different animals use to stay cool in some of the hottest places on earth. Also explore the water sources on Ruffner and take a close-up look at animals that live in our wetlands.     
• For campers entering 1st  – 8th grade. 
• Morning and afternoon extended care available.
• Camp fee: $175/ $150 (member). This includes all transportation and entrance fees to Turkey Creek, as well as a certified lifeguard while swimming.
 
Creative Arts Camp
July 16 - 20
9 AM – 3 PM
From the shiny exoskeleton of a Hercules beetle, to the breeze blowing through your hair on a hot day, to a wildflower that has grown in the crack of a sidewalk, nature is nothing if not inspiring! Use Ruffner’s natural surroundings to encourage your artistic talent. Mediums will include: painting, drawing, weaving, and sculpting. Utilize many different types of material for projects, such as: paints, clays, fabrics, natural materials, and recycled materials. Take a field trip to Cahaba Clay Works and make a piece of pottery that will be a memento of your time at summer camp.     
• For campers entering 1st  – 8th grade. 
• Morning and afternoon extended care available.
• Camp fee: $175/ $150 (member). This includes all transportation and material fees at Cahaba Clay Works.
 
Adventure Camp
July 23 - 27
9 AM – 5 PM
Attention Middle School Students: Are you looking for something fun and adventurous to do this summer while out of school? Look no further – Adventure Camp is here! Adventure Camp ensures the optimum amount of fun and excitement for middle school campers. This camp is for those on the go! Travel to different spots in and around Birmingham, as well as spend one day hiking and exploring Ruffner Mountain. Field trip activities include: rock climbing lessons, canoeing on the Cahaba, horseback riding, high ropes course challenges, touring a cave, and swimming. Explore central Alabama from the bottom of a cave to the top of a mountain, and everywhere in between!
• For campers entering 6th – 8th grade.
• Morning extended care available.
• Camp fee: $280/ $255 (member). This includes all transportation, entrance fees, and supervision.