Director's Message:

In thinking of ways to underscore Nature Camps' Best Practices, I would like to share perspectives from a potential returning NC Counselor. Here are application responses to Reasons Why NC Impresses Me With It's Commitment to Adventure Education.

The attention to current practices and theory in the Guideposts section of the web site lets me know that Nature Camps is committed to learning and growing with the field of adventure education, and keeping current in theories of alternative education. The staff's incredible qualifications and the return rate of counselors and interns are absolutely incredible. Only a special place could have such a high retention rate of employees.

The section of Safety and Health lets me know that this is an environment that pays careful attention to risk management, something that I am extremely conscious of in my facilitation. Having aligned concepts of this crucial element lets me know that Nature Camps is on the same page as my training and personal theory.

The variety of programs that Nature Camps offers provides me with a varied experience as a facilitator, as well as offers a unique learning community for the campers that I think proves to be extremely valuable.

I appreciate the sense of community that is fostered by the website. It sends an incredible message that parents, staff, and campers are all committed to Nature Camps and spreading the message of the community. After having attended Nature Camps for many years, it means a lot to me to know that there are strong traditions, such as the Family Overnight, which provides families with a wonderful experience to learn differently for a night with their campers, and allows staff to interact with an entirely different group for an evening!

Camp Little Feet is an incredible, innovative program that I will be proud to support, and it's absolutely wonderful that the desire for parents to begin alternative education at such a young age is present.

The detailed literature that the web site provides is a strong example of the ethic of safety that everything on the website confirms for me.

In every photograph, there are smiling, happy campers and counselors, and this is the most valuable message that the web site sends. It presents Nature Camps as an engaging and fun learning environment, and one of which I would love to be a part!

--- Lauren Barrett

These reflective responses underscore that parents have a unique opportunity in choosing Nature Camps. With the change of what camps used to be all about, Nature Camps remains steadfast in it's transformative experiential adventure and environmental programs, allowing children and their parents to experience nature in a real and personal way, as they delight in choosing the activities each day.

http://www.naturecamps.com/senseWonder/senseWonder.html
http://www.naturecamps.com/staff/sta2009.html

Nature Camps Receives Safety Award

Richmond, VA, Feb. 11, 2009 -- Markel Insurance Company, a division of Markel Corporation, announced today that Nature Camps has received the prestigious Safety 1st designation for 2008. Each year, Markel's Safety 1st program recognizes policyholders who have shown an exceptional commitment to the safety of their employees and customers.

Will Evans, Director of Safety Education at Markel stated, "Camps and clubs must meet stringent criteria to qualify for the Safety 1st designation. They must have a proven safety record for at least three consecutive years, undergo formal assessments and inspections, and participate in continuing education and certification programs. These facilities deserve to be recognized for keeping safety a top priority."

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Backwater Angler

Networking with Theaux Le Gardeur at Backwater Angler www.backwaterangler.com in Monkton, MD, reminds us of the importance for all of us to become educated about the Gunpowder River that runs along the Nature Camps property. There is key information about invasive species and algae, and action that has been taken regarding this. In addition the Backwater Angler Newsletters continue to be a key resource for everyone.

The Gunpowder River is the fifth best river for trout in the whole USA! Our educating Nature Camps children and families is key as we use the Gunpowder and adjacent Little Falls rivers. The photographs and information in the Backwater Angler web site and newsletters are remarkable.

2009 Calendar

Click here for the schedule for this summer.

Open House

Join us for our 35^th Open House on Sunday, May 17 from 1 – 4.

Returning families, come for an afternoon of reconnecting with the staff, enjoying the woods, and welcoming new families.

New families, you'll have the chance to meet Don, other staff, and veteran NC parents. You can also tour the grounds, ask questions, swing on the tall swings, and visit NC's unique Adventure Challenge Ropes Courses. NC water bottles and Camper T-Shirts will be available for purchase.

Beat the Rush! Register Now!

Are you tired of the annual rush to set your child's summer schedule? Beat the rush! Nature Camps is currently accepting registrations for the 2009 Summer Season!
 
Register now online! Go to http://www.naturecamps.com/enrollment/aps.html

Nature Camps to hold it's Second Annual Family and Friends Work Days!

Saturdays, May 9 and 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Snacks, Drinks, and Lunch will be provided. Please bring your own water bottle. Please bring tools such as rakes, shovels, pruners, wheel barrows, and pails (five and ten gallon sizes), etc.

Projects will include: Ropes Course maintenance (spreading wood chips, etc.); hanging cargo nets and swings; weeding, planting, maintaining rock walls in wildflower gardens; spreading rocks at hand water pump; moving picnic tables; hanging tarps; spreading wood chips at big swings and by Lodge; hanging tarps and porch swings; organizing and cleaning Lodge; hanging signs, raking leaves from pool deck; etc.

Children are welcome, though young ones must remain with a parent at all times. Counselors will not be available to watch children.

Please call 410-343-0223 or email naturecamps@msn.com if you will be able to assist us in getting Nature Camps ready for another fabulous summer!

Riding Instruction has a New Home

Riding Instruction for all levels takes place at Camp Puh'tok's Riding Program. Each morning, a NC counselor and the riding campers will walk up to the horse stables at Camp Puh'tok, returning at lunchtime. When the children return to NC at lunchtime, they eat with their small group, and choose activities to do in the afternoon.

There is a maximum of 8 riding children each session. Recommended beginning age is eight, as children then have more coordination, and leg/thigh strength necessary for riding horses and ponies.

Beginning riders learn basic horse care, barn management and riding skills. Intermediate and Advanced riders focus on specific skills and enjoy extensive trail riding, dressage and introductory jumping.

Enrollment is limited. Be sure to register early!

Nature Camps Welcomes Our New Neighbor: Camp Winwood

A Camp for Middle School Boys!

On the campsite on Blue Mount Rd (Camp Dancing Bear sign), our associate, Jeff Gunther will be directing a camp just for middle school boys.

Highlights of Camp Winwood will be:

-Leadership development
-Team Building activities
-Swimming and instruction
-Overnight campout
-Tubing and canoeing on the Gunpowder
-And much more!

Jeff has a strong background in training, coaching athletics, and working with this age group. He is excited about sharing the 230 acres of woods and the river with us.

Look for Jeff Gunther's booth at the March Baltimore Child's Summer Camp Fair Camp Winwood . You can email Jeff at jeff.gunther@comcast.net, or by phone at 804-739-1483 or visit them on the web.