This week, campers explored nature just like real Naturalists! They developed a deep understanding of our local and general ecology through plant and animal ID, pattern recognition, observation skills, and much more. We even had the opportunity to connect with two special guest experts in biodiversity!
On Monday, campers learned what it means to be a naturalist and what a “bioblitz” is all about! They worked together to learn important nature skills- such as crafting their own magnifying lenses, filling out/using their naturalist notebooks, how to read a compass, and why maps are an important tool. The day was complete with campers learning about why Naturalists and other scientists such as Ichthyologists might do Critter Crawl, before getting in the river to make important observations themselves!
On Tuesday, campers delved into the world of Botany by learning all about plant identification skills. Special guests from Denver Parks and Recreation guided campers through the vegetation present at Johnson-Habitat park, giving them tips and tricks on how to ID several plant species, such as Rabbitbrush and Common Mullein! An activity campers really enjoyed was collecting small samples of plants around the park and including them in their naturalist notebooks to write about their observations. With several hands-on activities such as making their own seed balls, identifying plants in the riparian area, and nature hikes, they were on their way to becoming plant experts by the end of the day!
We kicked off Wednesday by asking campers what they think of when we mention patterns in nature. After some amazing participation and ideas, such as seasons and patterns on fur, we were ready to begin our lessons for the day. After talking about how living beings recognize patterns and why patterns are important in nature, campers went on a pattern scavenger hunt and got to explore both the park and the building. Campers got to use their observational skills by making predictions based on several scenarios related to patterns, play patterns and adaptations tag, and a 1st grade favorite- Oh Deer!
Thursday was a day filled with fun and adventure as campers explored a new environment- Vanderbilt Park! This day was full of activities related to the lessons we’ve had throughout the week, such as tree tag, a bioblitz pond walk, and working on an ecosystem collage in their nature notebooks. Campers were also challenged to participate in cooperative learning by playing Beavers and Lodges and the Human Knot game! To wrap up an exciting day, we had an all-group Critter Crawl and counted over 150 crayfish in the river!
Friday we went wild about animals- learning about their similarities and differences, and how to identify animals signs, such as tracks and scat (all while in our comfy PJs!). Campers learned about how scientists categorize different animals based on size, shape, where they live, how they move, and even got to pretend to move and sound like an animal! After an exciting morning full of learning, we got a special visit from Nature’s Educators in the afternoon. Campers got to meet and learn all about animals found in Colorado- including a Red-tailed Hawk, Woodhouse Toad, Turkey Vulture, Garter Snake and a Bull Snake! It was such an exciting and educational experience, and campers were full of amazing questions they had for our guest speaker. The week could not be complete without Graduation- we loved seeing campers being so supportive of each other and giving out high fives!
GLC: Kayaking and Camping