Footsteps to Summer Fun - Summer Camp!
Experience, Discover and Explore the Great Outdoors! Have fun, get smart!
General information | Themes & Dates | Registration | Community Partners
Download the Information Flyer & Registration Form Packet | Scholarships
Teens! Interested in volunteering to be a Jr. Naturalist? Click here to read more...
Summer Camp General Information
Placer Nature Center's summer camp gives children the opportunity to experience, discover and explore the great outdoors! These week-long day camp sessions focus on different nature-related themes with hands-on science investigations and experiments. Many activites meet California Content Standards in education - they won't realize they are learning while having so much fun!
Why Placer Nature Center Camps?
- Small groups: Only 2-3 campers per counselor
- Inclusive environment: Each camper gets individualized attention and encouragement
- Cross-curricular (FUN!) learning: Each camp incorporates art, structured and unstructured play, writing, reading, and theme related science experiments.
Campers also take part in nature crafts, games, puppet shows, and plant & animal investigations. They'll have fun while learning to analyze while building social skills that are intergenerational.
Everyday they hike the nature trail, sing camp songs and much more under the guidance of Staff, docents and our specially trained Jr. Naturalists.
Friendships are formed with their peers as well as with our very caring teenage Jr. Naturalists. Our Jr. Naturalists are local teens who have attended a special training prior to camp. It's a extremely popular and competitive volunteer position - many are former campers themselves!
New themes and locations offered this year!
Children are welcome to attend more than one camp.
2011 Camp Schedule (For theme descriptions, please see below schedule)
| Dates | Time | Theme | Ages |
| June 13-17 | 9AM-1PM | Wings - Soaring with Birds! | 6-12 |
| June 20-24 | 9AM-1PM | Flutterbys - All about Bugs! | 6-12 |
| June 20-24 | 1PM-4PM | Photo Camp: Close-up on Bugs | 8-12 |
| June 27-July 1 | 9AM-1PM | Sunlight, Starlight & Orbs | 6-12 |
| June 27-July 1 | 1PM-4PM | Photo Camp: Playing with Light | 8-12 |
| July 11-15 | 9AM-1PM | Geology Rocks! | 6-12 |
| July 11-15 | 1PM-4PM | Photo Camp: Landscapes | 8-12 |
| July 18-22 | 9AM-1PM | Howlers - Running with the Mammals! | 6-12 |
| July 25-29 | 9AM-1PM | Peace Camp (hosted at Placer Nature Center) | 6-12 |
| July 25-29 | 9AM-1PM | Howlers at the Roseville Utility Exploration Center | 6-12 |
Download the Information Flyer & Registration Form Packet | Scholarships
Camp Theme Descriptions - Summer 2011
Wings - Soaring with the Birds! Ages 6-12
June 13-17 
9AM-1PM
How do birds fly and what are barbules? Why did birds migrate and how do they do it? We’re pulling out the binoculars and going birding!
From songbirds to raptors we’ll look at flight patterns and use tools to explore how different beaks and feet are used and all about bird camouflage! Let’s play "Feed the Brood" and go on a scavenger hunt! We'll find out what a gizzard is and see how it works. We’ll even set up a bird restaurant and pinecone bird feeders to see who comes to dine.
Cost: $85 General, $75 Placer Nature Center Members Register
Flutterbys - All About Bugs! Ages 6-12
June 20-24
9AM-1PM
Do you know the order of the honeybee hive? Or why honeybees dance? Get your insect nets and bug viewers because we're going on a scavenger hunt! See as an insect sees and learn about compound eyes, metamorphosis, and all the different types of insects.
And, of course, what’s a bug without the parts of the flower? We’ll trap specimens to study under the microscope and, of course, we will always do an insect release ceremony when we're done to encourage stewardship!
Let’s play Forest Trail Fantasy, team up for the Garden Scent Trail, and a little Sniff & Scout! Create a trash monster and record your buggy discoveries by sketch.
Cost: $85 General, $75 Placer Nature Center Members Register
Photo Camp - Close-up on Bugs! Ages 8-12
June 20-24 1PM-4PM
Continue your exploration of insects and their environment through hands-on digital photography. Learn how to take the camera off Automatic and shoot photographs using the appropriate Manual settings. We’ll discover the Macro feature by photographing insects; learn about composition of landscapes when exploring insect environments; have fun with face paint to look like an insect then learn how to shoot portraits with appropriate natural lighting; use the Self-Timer feature; and other fun camera tips & tricks. Each day will end with self-editing of our work, then a group Critique of our best shots. Led by Rita Gordon, children’s portrait photographer & founder of Wild Child Outdoor Photo Camps. Each child will be provided with a 12.0 megapixel digital camera for use during class.
Cost: $110 ($10 discount if added to Flutterbys Camp) Register
Sunlight, Starlight & Orbs! Ages 8-12
June 27-July 1 9AM-1PM
Ever wonder how to read a star chart? Or how the sun’s energy powers plants and people?
Explore the day and night sky through experiments with plants, prisms and solar cooking! Learn about asteroids, galaxies, constellations, phases of the moon, sun and the lifecycle of a star.
Play fun games like “Catch a Falling Star” where we look for real meteorites!
Build a sundial, make a constellation booklet and build a solar system mobile!
Cost: $85 General, $75 Placer Nature Center Members Register
Photo Camp: Playing with Light! Ages 8-12
June 27-July 1 1PM-4PM
Continue exploration of how light waves travel on earth with hands-on digital photography. Lighting is often the key element between a mediocre photo & an excellent one. We will concentrate on lighting as we learn to use Manual settings on our cameras, including Macro, Landscape, Portraiture, and Self-Timer. We’ll also learn the elements of good composition and other fun tips & tricks. We will self-edit & have a group Critique daily. Led by Rita Gordon, children’s portrait photographer & founder of Wild Child Outdoor Photo Camps. Each child will be provided with a 12.0 megapixel digital camera for use during class.
Cost: $110 ($10 discount if added to Sunlight, Stalight & Orbs Camp) Register
Geology Rocks! Ages 6-12
July 11-15
9AM-1PM
Do you know what minerals are in your toothpaste? Dig into the earth and explore rocks! Learn about fossils and the rock cycle, and use the tools of a geologist. Play Quake Proof, go core sampling in a cupcake and hard rock mining in a chocolate chip cookie. We'll also start our very own rock collection!
Learn how to classify rocks and explore their patterns. Take a meteorite walk. Create your own Sands of Time, crystal shapes, sandstone, and an exploding volcano. Do experiments about plate tectonics. See how geology rocks your world and affects plants, animals and people everyday!
Cost: $85 General, $75 Placer Nature Center Members Register
Photo Camp: Rockin' Landscapes! Ages 8-12
July 11-15 1PM-4PM
Learn more about geology through hands-on digital photography. Appropriate topics will be selected to photograph for close-up examination by use of the Macro camera setting; good composition will be explored as we select landscapes with interesting geology to photograph using various Manual settings; lighting techniques will be learned during our explorations to best feature our selected subjects (including each other!) in an interesting and artistic manner; using the Self-Timer and more fun tips & tricks will be featured. Each day ends with self-editing of our work and a group Critique. Led by Rita Gordon, children’s portrait photographer & founder of Wild Child Outdoor Photo Camps. Each child will be provided with a 12.0 megapixel digital camera for use during class.
Cost: $110 ($10 discount if added to Geology Rocks Camp) Register
Howlers - Running with the Mammals! Ages 6-12
July 18-22 9AM-1PM
Explore the world of mammals, learn to read animal trails and navigate the web of life. Investigate skulls and pelts learn about the different types of teeth and adaptations!
Explore animal homes. Use a microscope to look at fur and guess the Mystery Skull. Paint rocks and your face to look like your favorite critter. Understand habitat and start your own mini nature journal as we explore. Take part in the Creature Symphony and make tracks.
Cost: $85 General, $75 Placer Nature Center Members Register
Other Camps at Placer Nature Center
Growing Peace - K-6th Grade
July 25-29
9AM-1PM
Camp activities focus on concepts of peace, justice and equality for all people through arts, crafts, games, singing, hiking and more. Activities emphasize respect for the individuality and diversity of each and every person on earth.
Self-confidence building group activities
help create new friends. Games will develop trust in, and concern for others.
Campers explore the beautiful outdoor natural environment and ways to preserve it.
Camp sponsored and run by Sierra Foothills Unitarian Universalists and held at Placer Nature Center. Open to all, does not incorporate religion or religious teachings. Scholarships available through SFUU.
Cost: $85, with a 10% discount for more than one child in the family. Limited scholarships may be available, based on need. Email sfuudreleslye@gmail.com, or go online to www.mysfuu.org for an application and information. Visit their website to register.
Placer Nature Center Camps in Roseville
Howlers - Running with the Mammals! Ages 6-12
July 25-29 9AM-1PM
This special edition of Howlers will take place at the Roseville Utility Exploration Center. Activities will be tailored to the Wood Creek nature preserve.
Explore the world of mammals, learn to read animal trails and navigate the web of life. Investigate skulls and pelts learn about the different types of teeth and adaptations! Explore animal homes. Use a microscope to look at fur and guess the Mystery Skull. Paint rocks and your face to look like your favorite critter. Understand habitat and start your own mini nature journal as we explore. Take part in the Creature Symphony and make tracks.
Cost: $119 General, $109 Placer Nature Center Members
Register
Download the Information Flyer & Registration Form Packet | Scholarships
Registration
- Register: Please download the Registration and Medical Release Form here...
* All information on the form is required.
* Return the form by mail or fax. Fax to: 1-888-878-1882 or mail to:
Placer Nature Center-Summer Camp, 3700 Christian Valley Road, Auburn, CA 95602
* When registering for Peace Camp, use the registration form found at SFUU.org
- Pay: There are two ways to pay. You can choose to pay by:
- Credit/debit card through PayPal, shopping cart is below. In the "Add special instructions to the merchant" box, please type in your child's/children's names. Please remember to mail or fax in your Registration & Medical Release Form.
- Mail in a check or money order with your registration form to:
Placer Nature Center-Summer Camp
3700 Christian Valley Road
Auburn, CA 95602
- Credit/debit card through PayPal, shopping cart is below. In the "Add special instructions to the merchant" box, please type in your child's/children's names. Please remember to mail or fax in your Registration & Medical Release Form.
- That's it!
For each day of camp, make sure your child:
* is dressed appropriately for playing outside - clothes that can get dirty and comfortable, closed-toe shoes for light hiking and running around.
* has a reusable, durable water bottle.
* has a sack lunch. If you are interested read about how to make a Zero-waste lunch on our kid's page! Making a Zero-Waste lunch is a fun way to involve your child in making healthy food choices and learning about smart way to use resources!
* Please make sure to speak with Linda Desai, the Education Director, about any medications your child might need for allergies, etc. or any other special needs.
Download the Information Flyer & Registration Form Packet | Scholarships
Many Thanks
Our partners help keep camp fees affordable!
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Auburn Garden Club www.auburngardenclub.org |
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Sierra Foothill Audubon Society www.sierrafoothillsaudubon.com |
Download the Information Flyer & Registration Form Packet | Scholarships
Camp Scholarship Fund
Unfortunately we did not receive scholarships funds this year. If your child is unable to attend without financial assistance, please call into the center and speak with Traci. We are hoping that members of the community may step up to offer help.
If we do collect finds, the scholarship covers one week of Placer Nature Center's camp per child and can be applied to your choice of theme/date of Placer Nature Center's day camps.
If we receive the funds, the scholarships will be available to youth involved with any of the programs listed below (please register early as scholarships are first come, first serve!).
* These scholarships apply to morning 9AM-1PM nature themed camps only. Does not apply to Photo Camps or Growing Peace Camp.
For Growing Peace Camp scholarships - please check the SFUU website.
| CCS (California Children Services) | Healthy Families | STEP |
| CHDP (Child, Health and Disability Prevention | Housing Choice Voucher | TANF |
| CalLearn | Kaiser Child Health Plan | Teen Parent Programs |
| CalWORKs | KidsFirst | WEX |
| Foster Care | Kin-Gap | WIC |
| General Relief | Kinship Care | County Work Program |
| Golden Sierra | Medi-Cal | |
| Golden Sierra Life Skills | <SSI/SSDI |