Nature Awareness Day Camp

Class Description

1. Texas Awareness - Nature Camps

This camp is totally about learning what is in your own backyard in the North Texas area.  Each month we focus on what is happening in nature right outside your window.  Gets the children to become Natives to their own environment. 

This can also be set up to learn the Symbols of Texas to correspond to Texas history studies 

2. Habitat Awareness - Nature Camps

Habitats can be chosen seasonal related   Example: Winter months - TUNDRA and ARCTIC

                                                                             Spring months - PRAIRIES (wildflowers in bloom) and PONDS

                                                                             Summer months - WETLANDS and RIVERS

                                                                             Autumn months - WOODLANDS and CAVES (we do not have a cave on our property)

Example of a day at Nature Awareness Camp

• BIRD - Great blue heron -size, nest, eggs, food, tracks, feathers, song/calls
• TREE- Bald cypress - leaf type, bark identification, height, uses to man and animals
• PLANT - Cattails - how to identify, when in bloom, what pollinates it, if edible what parts and who eats it, other uses
• MAMMAL - Beaver - Size, various species, tracks, dens, chews, what it feeds on, what feeds on it, scat, habits, distinguishing features
• HERPS - Reptile, amphibian, or fish (same as mammal)
• INSECT - Dragonfly - Order they are categorized in, varieties, harmful or helpful, type of metamorphosis

Other activities may include:

• WEATHER OBSERVATIONS
• CONSTELLATION OF THE SEASON
• NATURE CRAFT - Most camps will include a simple craft for the children to take home.

3. Native American Indian Day Camp

• Tipi
• Hunting methods & fishing techniques
• Transportation
• Deer hide tanning
• Native Drumming and other instruments
• Dance steps
• Sign language & written symbols
• Indian story telling
• Songs and Thanksgiving address

General Information

Costs: Preregistration $15 (mail in payment),  parents, teachers and under 4years old (with at least one paying child) are FREE.  Sign up for 4 camps during one semester (spring, summer, or fall) for only $50 (a $10 savings).

Group Rate for 25 children drops the cost down to $12.50 per person. All fees must be received no later than one week before camp date.  

Length of Time: 9.30am -2.30pm

Age: Camp is open to ages 4 and up, but under 10 years of age will require a parent or designated one in attendance. This is not a pre-school activity but younger siblings are welcome to be at the camp, free of charge, under a parent's supervision.

Each camp is age specific. If we have a teen group in attendance, we will provide them with a higher level of learning and activity.

What to bring:

1. Your own lunches.

2. Notebook or sketch book along with pencils. We get the children to create their own "NATURE JOURNAL" to help them remember what they learned from the day and then continue to add things that they find in their own backyards.  The children can either draw, trace or color in handouts of the animals, plants or nature topic we are talking about. Fun games, songs and activities are done throughout the day to have interaction with new friends and nature. Older students can take notes, which is a great way to add to their Life Science Studies.

Minimums and Maximums: We need at least 15 children to run a camp and limit it to 30. 

ACORN ASSISTED PROGRAM: *OPTIONAL* At the end of 10 sessions a camper can take an oral quiz on the classes they attended. Upon passing this comprehensive review, giving a report at the camp, and show us a well kept Journal, the title “ACORN” will be awarded. This honor and prestige allows them to come to the next set of sessions as Junior Counselors plus earn a free Camp Tonkawa tee shirt. This can easily be incorporated into your Earth Science Curriculum, especially for all you Homeschoolers. This is geared for an enthusiastic, nature loving 10 year old, or older camper. * Discounted rates for assistants who return and help by giving reports, leading games and songs.

We have a swimming pond, so bring provisions to enjoy.

NOTE : All classes have a minimum number of registrants to make or sorry to say it will be cancelled. So bring your friends and tell everyone you know. Some classes are listed but are not currently on the schedule for the upcoming year. If your group has an interest we can schedule a date for you.

Large Family Rates are available.

Scout and other large groups of 12 or more are eligible for a group discount, contact us for more information.