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Rancocas Nature Center
NJA Rancocas Summer Nature Camps
 

NJ Audubon Summer Nature Camps--

--Connect children of all ages with nature by exploring, discovering and enjoying our forests, fields, streams and ponds.

--We maximize outdoor adventures to foster a deeper connection with the natural world through engaging, fun, and informative activities.

--Our environmental educators are highly tained.  We provide additional educator/interns to maintain optimal teacher-child ratios. 

Campers had an exciting summer in 2011!  Join us in 2012.  Camper Cubs begins June 26, Nature Detectives and Rancocas Rangers begins July 2, and Audubon Junior Naturalists begins July 9. 

For the 2012 NJA Rancocas Summer Nature Camp brochure, click here.  

For 2012 Registration Form, click here.
For 2012 Camper Information Form, click here.
For 2012 Child Health Form, click here. 

For sample photos from previous camps: (1) Click here for early photos (2) Click here for group photos (3) Click here for photos by individual campers for the annual photo exhibit. 
Weekly Nature Camp Themes

Camper Cubs--entering Kindergarten

Adventures with Animals--Session 1: June 26-29

Rancocas is home to a surprising diversity of wild animals and an assortment of residents, too.  Young Camper Cubs will learn about the common animal groups.

Bugs and Slugs--Session 8:  August 14-17

It's always exciting to explore the fascinating world of invertebrates.  Cubs will discover where they live in meadows, forest, and ponds.

Nature Detectives--entering Grades 1-2               

Animal Explorations  Session 2: July 2-6

Exploring the Rancocas center grounds is especially fun in the summer when all animal groups are up and about, searching for their next meal.  (closed 7/4)

Habitat Detectives  Session 3: July 9-13 

The signs of Rancocas' wild animals are all around us.  Sometimes we discover their hiding places, but mostly they are an elusive group.  Campers will learn skills that help them hunt for clues.

Scales and Tales  Session 5: July 23-27

This fascinating group of animals with scaly skin and tails are regularly seen on the Center's grounds.  The Nature Detectives will discover where they nest and hide.

Critters and Creatures  Session 6: July 30 to Aug. 3  Campers will have fun while discovering the creatures both great and small that inhabit the diverse habitats of the Center.

Rancocas Rangers entering Grades 3 to 4

Exploration Centeral   Session 2: July 2-6

Exploring the Rancocas center grounds is especially fun in the summer when all animal groups are up and about, searching for their next meal. (closed 7/4)

Wild Detectives -- Session 3: July 9-13

The signs of Rancocas' wild animals are all around us.  Sometimes we discover their hiding places and campers will learn skills that help them hunt for clues.

Survival in the Wild  Session 4: July 16-20

Everyone needs a strategy to survive.  Campers will investigate the many ways humans live successfully in nature, and how animals and plants are protected from predators.

Scales and Tales  Session 5: July 23-27

This fascinating group of animals with scaly skin and tails are regularly seen on the Center's grounds. The Nature Detectives will discover where they nest and hide.

Investigate Invertebrates  Session 7:  August 6-10

No backbone--no problem.  We'll take an in-depth look at the most numerous animal group on the planet.

Audubon Jr. Naturalists--entering Grades 5 - 7

Survival in the Wild  Session 3:  July 9-13

Everyone needs a strategy to survive.  Campers will investigate the many ways humans live successfully in nature, and how animals and plants are protected from predators. 

Tales of the Trails   Session 5: July 23-27

Learn everything you need to know to enjoy the Rancocas trails--geo-caching, orienterring, scavenger hunts, compass skills, trail blazing, nature sketching, and mapping.

Entomology Explorations  Session 6:  July 30 to Aug. 3

No backbone--no problem.  We'll take an in-depth look at the most numerous animal group on the planet using optics and cameras.

Rancocas Rambles  Session 7:  August 6-10

The Rancocas preserve encompasses several habitats that are home to a surprising diversity of plants and animals.  Campers will explore new areas of the park. 
 

  

 

COMMENTS FROM PARENTS

"Our children "had a great time, learning about nature."  Parent of campers.

"My son just absolutely LOVED his week there...I think he would spend his summer there if he could!" Rancocas Ranger parent

"My 9 year old daughter attended.  She loved seeing the animals in their habitats.  She was inspired and wants to continue her study of nature." Nature Explorer parent

"My daughter loved the camp.  It was very well run.  We will do this again." Nature Explorer parent

"My daughter looks forward to this camp every year and has learned so much from it.  It is such a great way for her to continue to develop her love and appreciation for nature, get outdoors, stay active, and learn all at the same time."  Summer Camp Mom

CAMP TIMES AND FEES

Camper Cubs:  Nature Camp runs from 9:30am to 12 pm.  Tuesday to Friday.  Cost $72/week until 3/15/12.  After that the cost is $80/week.

All other Campers: Nature camps run from 9 am to 3 pm Monday to Friday. Campers bring their own lunches. Registration completed by March 15th costs $199 for the session (week) and after March 15th is $235 a week.  Note, however, because of the shorter Session 2 the session will cost $160 before March 15th and $188 afterwards.

All campers must be members of NJ Audubon. Family membership is $35/year for first year and $45 for renewal.  Post camp care fro 3-4 pm will be availalbe for $40/week.

WAYS TO REGISTER 

  • Download a registration form by clicking here.
  • Register in person at the center
  • Call the center at (609) 261-2495 and we will send you a registration form via mail or email.  

Directions to Rancocas Nature Center

  • From I-295 Use Exit 45A and head east on Rancocas Road.  Go 1.8 miles until you see the sign for Rancocas Nature Center on the right-hand side of the road.
  • From Route 206  Connect with Route 38 southeast of Mount Holly.  Go west on Route 38 to Route 541 By-pass.  Turn right and follow Route 541 to the second intersection which will be Rancocas Road.  Turn left onto Rancocas Road and go 1 mile.  The sign for the entry will be on the left.