Mercer County Park Commission is set to offer nature camps this summer.
The commission plans to host six sessions of nature camps to accommodate the increasing demand for its programming. In addition to Baldpate Nature and Aquatic Adventure camps, the commission is introducing a new half-day camp for younger children.
Each week of camp is specified for certain age groups.
Baldpate Nature Camp I is for children entering first through third grade and runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Baldpate Mountain in Hopewell Township.
In addition to hands-on explorations, Nature Camp I campers develop their connection with the natural world during nature play — a time set aside during the camp day for them to explore and imagine nature their way.
There are two sessions of Nature Camp I. Session A is scheduled for June 30 to July 3; the cost is$180. Session B is scheduled for July 7 to 11; the cost is $200.
Baldpate Nature Camp II is for campers entering grades four through six. Campers spend their mornings going on exploratory hikes, setting foot on a new trail each day. Nature experiments and studies round out camp day afternoons.
Nature Camp II runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There are two sessions.
Session C is scheduled for June 30 to July 3; the cost is $180. Session D is scheduled for July 7 to 11; the cost is $200.
Aquatic Adventure is for children entering grades seven through eighth and is specifically designed for older children who have a serious interest in nature.
Campers spend the majority of each day kayaking on Mercer Lake. During these kayak explorations, campers learn about freshwater ecology through experiments and nature observations. Other activities include fishing, taking part in a conservation project and exploring the lake’s tributaries and coves by boat.
Aquatic Adventure is scheduled for July 28 to Aug. 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Marina in Mercer County Park in West Windsor. The cost is $300.
Wild Discovery is a half-day summer camp designed as a playful introduction to the wonders of nature. Each day of camp includes a morning story, nature-themed art project, a trail trek, snack and time for exploration.
This weeklong program is hosted at the Park Commission’s headquarters, the historic Hunt House in Mercer Meadows.
Wild Discovery is scheduled for Aug. 11 to 15, 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The cost is $160.
Registration for camps continue as registration forms are received. Campers are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
More information, including camp registration forms, is online at mercercountyparks.org.
