Journey Through the Cycles of Life
Campers will be introduced to life cycles: the changes that organisms go through during their lives. They will observe how organisms go through changes as they grow, investigate the connections these organisms have with their environments, and witness how they interact with other living things throughout their lives.
2012 Eco-Investigators
Become an Eco- Investigator!
(June 24-July5) Youth entering the 8th thru 10th grade are invited to become campers again!!
For the 2nd year in a row, we are offering an additional opportunity for older students. This special two week session will focus on the experimental process and give older, motivated students the chance to do their own ecological research project.
During this session campers will gain knowledge of natural history, apply the scientific process and practice how to effectively communicate what they have learned to others. Cary Ecology Camp Alumni are encouraged to apply!
Space is limited and a complete application must be submitted by May 1. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance by May 11. Cost of the two week, nine day session (there is no camp on July 4th) is $450. Payment is due upon confirmation of acceptance into the program.
Questions? Contact Jen Rubbo at 845-677-7600 ext. 303 or rubboj@caryinstitute.org
What's the difference between an Eco-Investigator and a Junior Counselor?
Junior counselors play an important role in helping camp to run smoothly. They participate in camp activities and assist by answering questions, setting up investigations, and leading activities. In addition our junior counselors will assist in data collection and maintenance of our yearly camp experiment. It is a one week, volunteer position; there is no charge for the week.
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The Eco- Investigator Session is for rising 8th thru 10th graders that have aged out of our weekly camp sessions. This is an intensive (but fun!) camp experience that delves deeper into the science of ecology. This year there will be one, two- week session, June 24 – July 5, with a fee of $450 for the nine days (There is no camp on the July 4th holiday). This session runs concurrently with our typical one-week sessions for younger students.
What do the campers do?
During Ecology Camp, children entering grades 2-7 explore the hills, valleys, ponds, and streams of our 2,000-acre Dutchess County campus. During each 1-week session campers will conduct mini-scientific investigations, learn about the natural history of the area, and participate in team building activities. At the Cary Institute's Ecology Camp, children have a unique opportunity to experience ecological science with our skilled ecology educators and research scientists.
Each year the camp has a different theme, which allows campers to attend camp for several years in a row. Past camp themes have included: climate change (2009) invasive species (2010), wetlands (2011) and limno-explorers (2012).
Visit the camp Flickr photo gallery to see just how much fun last year's campers had!
What are the numbers and ages of campers?
Each week of camp will have a maximum of 12 campers and will be dedicated to either younger campers (entering grades 2-4) or older campers (entering grades 5-7). In addition, two educators with extensive experience in ecology and education will teach each week.
Our Eco- Investigator session will have a maximum of 6 students with one Cary educator leading them. This session will be limited to students entering the 8th thru 10th grade only.
How long is the camp day?
Camp for the younger campers runs from 9am to 3pm, with an additional early drop off (8am) and late pick up (4pm) available, Monday thru Friday. Camp for older campers runs from 9am to 4pm. This year, the second week is a four day session due to the Fourth of July holiday. Each week of camp follows the same program, and therefore campers may participate for one session only.
Our Eco- Investigator session will run from 9am to 4pm for nine days, June 24 – July 5. There will be no camp on July 4 due to the Holiday.
How much does it cost?
Our one week sessions cost $210 and $250 for younger and older campers, respectively.
The Eco-Investigator session cost $450 for the nine days.
Refund Policy
Withdrawal from camp prior to June 14, 2012 refunded total fee less 25.00 for administrative costs. No refund for any reason after June 14, 2012.
Camp Scholarships:
Through the generosity of community members, we are proud to offer a limited number of scholarships to families who could not normally afford to send their children to camp.
For more information, contact Jen Rubbo at 845-677-7600 ext. 303 or rubboj@caryinstitute.org
What about older campers?
Junior Counselor Youth Leadership Program
Our Junior Counselor Youth Leadership Program is for students entering grades 8 - 12. Junior Counselors assist educators during each ecology day camp session while also leading the collection of scientific data.
Eco – Investigator Session
For the second year, we are offering an additional opportunity for students entering 8th thru 10th grade. This special two week session will focus on the experimental process and give older, motivated students the chance to do their own ecological research project. During this session campers will gain knowledge of natural history, apply the scientific process and learn how to effectively communicate what they have learned to others.
For more information about the Cary Institute's Ecology Camp, contact Jen Rubbo at (845) 677-7600 ext. 303 or via email at rubboj@caryinstitute.org