Kids looking for an outdoor learning experience this summer can attend the Environmental Resource Center's Overnight Adventures for kids in grades four through nine.
The EcoCamps are divided into groups of fourth- through sixth-graders and seventh- through ninth-graders and take place at the scenic Central Idaho 4H camp at Prairie Creek, about 18 miles north of Ketchum. Family programs will also be offered.
4th-6th graders
There will be two camps, both during July and both costing $325, with discounts and scholarships available. The first starts Monday, July 19, and ends Friday, July 23, and is called CSI: Creative Science Investigators.
"Mysteries, puzzles and secrets can be found throughout nature," states ERC's brochure. "With patience, skill and curiosity, we can unravel them all."
The second camp is called Liquid Life: The Mysteries of Water, and runs from July 26-30. Here, children will learn the "amazing aspects of water."
"From discovering where it hides in the landscape to exploring its varied chemistry in creeks, rivers and hot springs, we will gain a better sense of this key to life."
7th-9th graders
This age group will also have two camps available, each lasting five days and costing $325. The first will be from July 26-30 and is called Charting the Unknown: In the Spirit of Lewis and Clark.
"We delve into the understanding and skill required to navigate, construct maps and secure food, shelter and water," reads the ERC's brochure. "We'll also use journaling and art as means of documenting experience."
The second camp, called Wild Art: Nature Through the Artist's Eye, runs from Aug. 9-13.
"One look at the works of Ansel Adams or Andy Goldsworthy and we can see the intersection of art, nature and science."
Children will explore these connections, and The Sun Valley Center for the Arts will provide daily workshops to complement field studies.
Family programs
Three programs are currently planned but others will be added as spring rolls on.
The first family program will be the free Wild Lunch with the Hunger Coalition at Woodside Elementary School in June and July, dates yet to be finalized. It's open to ages 1-18, with those under 10 needing a caretaker older than 15 to accompany them. Children will learn about the animals and plants that share the valley and get a nutritious lunch at the same time.
While the lunches don't require registration, the other two family events do, with the Shooting Star Sleep-Out costing $75 per family. The sleep-out will take place the night of Aug. 13 to watch the Perseid meteor shower. Dinner will be provided by McClain's Pizza and dessert by the Chocolate Moose.
The third event, Wild Connections at the Symphony: A Parents' Night Out, is free and occurs on Aug. 4, 5 and 17. For this, children ages 5 to 13 will be able to have fun and connect with nature while their parents watch the concert. The ERC workers can be found on the lawn at the pavilion. Registrations will be taken at 622-5607, ext. 12.
Visit www.ercsv.org or call the ERC at 726-4333.
