This year's theme for Ecology Camp is Aliens in our Midst: Investigating Invasive Species
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, conduct outdoor investigations, and participate in crafts and games. At the Cary Institute's Ecology Camp, children have a unique opportunity to experience ecological science with our 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 watersheds (1999), soil (2000), change in ecosystems over time (2001), the process of doing science (2002), the ecology of wetlands (2003), exploring energy in ecosystems (2004), the water cycle (2005), and ecosystem engineers (2006) the little creatures that run the world (2007), eco-connections (2008) and climate change (2009). This year’s theme will focus on Invasive Species.
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.
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. Camp for older campers runs from 9am to 4pm. This year, to offer a reduced rate, we are offering two Wednesday-Friday camp sessions at the beginning of summer. The subsequent 7 weeks are held Monday-Friday. Each week of camp follows the same program, and therefore we advise that campers participate for only one week.
How much does it cost?
The first two weeks of camp, being shorter weeks, cost $130 and $150 for younger and older campers, respectively. The subsequent five-day weeks cost $210 and $250 for younger and older campers, respectively.
How can I register my ecology camper?
To register please download our registration form, mail it or fax it to us with payment, and we’ll see you this summer!
What about older campers?
Our Junior Counselor Youth Leadership Program for students entering grades 8 - 12 has changed! Junior Counselors assist educators during each ecology day camp session while also leading the collection of scientific data.
For more information about the Cary Institute's Ecology Camp,
call Kim Notin at (845) 677-7600 ext. 303 or e-mail Kim .
In 2009, campers created videos related to what they learned during their week at camp. Below are a few of these videos!
