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Community Corner

Ecology Science Camps for Your Kids

Learn about water skimmers, banana slugs and Quidditch in one of three summer camps, each one a week long

The is offering three week-long Science Camps during the month of July, and the first one is already underway.

Each session provides children with an opportunity to be outdoors and become more connected to science and nature. Science Camp is located at either or , and is offered to children ages 6 through 12. It runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day.

“All Science Camp curriculum was developed to provide Sonoma Valley youth with summer science enrichment opportunities to support what they learn in the classroom during the school year in fun, interactive ways!” says Jessica Glatt, Ecology Center Education & Outreach Program Manager.

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"Each session of camp is facilitated by a staff of highly skilled educators and naturalists.”

Campers learn about science and connect with nature through daily hands-on experiments, explorations, and adventures. Each camp theme is rich in science content, eco-friendly arts & crafts, fun games, and natural and organic snacks. Camp themes and sessions are as follows:

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Water Warriors Camp at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Session I: July 9-13

Campers will spend a week as junior scientists exploring Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. Activities include monitoring water quality and creek temperature, studying aquatic insects and aquatic food chains, and learning about the flora and fauna found in the local creek ecosystem. Camp days will also consist of hiking, games, arts & crafts, singing, and storytelling.

Birds, Bugs, and Slugs at Sonoma Garden Park
Session II: July 16-20

Campers will explore and learn all about the natural world at the Sonoma Garden Park. Activities include birding, insect investigations, garden explorations, natural arts & crafts, and garden-themed games. Camp days will also consist of gardening, making garden snacks, singing, and storytelling.

Harry Potter Science Camp at Sonoma Garden Park
Session III: July 23-27

Campers this summer can join the Hogwarts Sonoma School of Witchcraft and Wizardry where they will study 'Herbology,' 'Potions,' and 'Care of Magical Creatures,' play Quidditch and other wizarding games, search for gold in the Enchanted Forest, and tackle the Sorcerer's Stone Challenge. On the first day of camp, campers will be sorted into houses by the Sorting Hat/ Camp closes with an End of Term feast.

The cost of camp is $200 per weekly session for Sonoma Ecology Center members and $240 for non-members. To learn more, or to register your child, contact Vidya Quigley at (707) 996-0712 ext. 107, or email vidya@sonomaecologycenter.org.

To register your child(ren) online, visit www.sonomaecologycenter.org/science-camp.org. Sonoma Ecology Center has a limited number of camp scholarships available, please inquire with Vidya.

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