Director's Message

Dandelions are such delightful flowers. In mowing grass a lot this April, I am reminded of a "conversation" about dandelions that I wrote over forty years ago. The conversation centers on the fact that everything in nature is always becoming something else. I invite you to read Wondering About Dandelions.

Included from April's Newsletter are several key pieces: an invitation to be Nature Camp Ambassadors, and to actively promote NC to family friends and colleagues.

The second piece was a reference made about the remarkable developments on the 228 acres of Conservancy woodlands belonging to Al and Suzie Henneman. Below is Al's description of wonderful physical changes, and rich expanded learning opportunities under his gentle care.

A Note from Property Owner, Al Henneman

The Camp Running Bear Alliance with Towson University will benefit our beautiful 228 acre natural setting in many ways. Each year we will learn more and more about our natural setting as the university sets up their field station. The land is being GPS mapped so that points of interest can be accurately located in relation to our existing trails. Almost all of the invaluable environmental projects will be completed during the traditional college year, so our camp will have full access to the land during the summer camp season.

Electric wiring and breaker boxes were completely reworked this year with many new outlets being installed in the dining hall. A new roof was put on the dining hall along with beautiful new doors and energy efficient windows. The fireplace was reworked for both safety and a more pleasing look. The old kitchen was gutted and replaced with a modern kitchen. A new floor will follow if time permits this year along with a new paint job. The five overnight cabins have already been painted, both inside and out.

I can proudly say that more improvements have been made in my first two years of ownership than in the past decade before I acquired the property. And, as they say, you ain’t seen nothing yet!

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

May 8 & 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 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 the 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!

Nature Camps Welcomes New Staff

We are happy to announce several new staff members: Jo Bayne, Catie Davis, Lily Kotansky, and Kimberly Schubert. Check them out.

We Invite You to be a Nature Camps Ambassador

Do you want your child to be the Last Child in the Woods?* If not, consider being an ambassador of Nature Camps. Spread the word about why you think NC should be an essential part of every child's summer. You know a good thing when you see it. Take a moment to share it with others!

• Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder, Richard Louv, 2008.
• In Wilderness is Strength
  

2010 Calendar

Schedule

Nature Camps Videos

Watch the fun!

Open House


Join us for our 36th Open House on Sunday, May 23 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.

Directions

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 2010 Summer Season!

Sessions are filling up quickly -- especially Teen Adventure!

Register now online!

Family Overnights and Concert Evenings

Our 2010 Family Overnights are July 1, 15, 29, and Wed., Aug. 11. Children stay that whole day at camp and parents arrive when convenient. Supper is 6-ish at the large campsite behind the cabins. Ideally, we all sleep under the beautiful stars at the campsite. Tents are welcome and cabins are available in inclement weather.

All are most welcome for the whole evening and the next morning, or just for the evening family adventures: swimming (lighted pool), family games, Concert, Adventure Challenge Course, crafts, night walks, campfire, and singing. In the early morning there are blueberry pancakes, eggs, potatoes and orange juice. Camp coffee and cocoa are ready by 7:00 am with breakfast soon following - outside, hopefully using the evening's campfire coals to light the breakfast fires.
All are welcome to stay all day on Friday, and share in your child's activities.