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PARENT FEEDBACK:
" These camps are truly special. My husband and I both work so we have tried a lot of the summer camps in the area and none of them really compare to this program. Not only does it get my kids out in nature and moving and LEARNING, but it also incorporates art and creativity and learning real skills. Also - you can't find this kind of small ratio with any other camps - and I can tell the difference because both of my kids quickly develop meaningful relationships with their peers and the teachers. The way the kids talk about the camp speaks for itself. I know I am going to sign my kids up every year and highly recommend this camp to everyone I talk to. I just don't want them to fill up before I can sign up. Great job guys! And Thank you! "
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~~ LINKS TO REGISTER AND PAY FOR CAMPS BELOW ~~
2024 summer CAMP OFFERINGS
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Daily :
9:00 – 2:30pm, Monday – Friday.
'`Camps Are for All Students Ages 5 - 11'`
.:. except for our new *older kids camp* see below! .:.
>>HOWEVER, we do have a *junior leaders* program for students 12 - 15<<
Email us if you are interested.
Max Student to Teacher ratio is 6:1.
..:.. Each camp is set outside and being in and exploring nature is a part of every camp. ..:..
Due to small size, camps fill very quickly. Please register to reserve your spot.
[ All Camps Will Be Held On or Near the West Side of Santa Cruz. Exact Locations sent after registration is completed. ]
2024 Camp Descriptions:
..:.. KIN Summer Camps ..:..
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{ We Offer *TwoDifferent* Camp Themes Per Week to Choose Between }
.......:.... JUNE 10th - 14th ....:.......
Theme 1
Forest Creatures: Shelter Building, Tracking, and Awareness
In this camp, students will learn how to build survival shelters using all-natural materials. Depending on the child’s unique passions, techniques will range from traditional to wacky and innovative. Students will learn the art of following animal tracks and sign, understanding animal behavior and our impact on their environment, and how we become better stewards, naturalists, and friends of the wild places through cultivating our powers of awareness. This camp will include learning about the original stewards of the land, the Uypi Awaswas people, and about the Amah Mutsun Land Trust.
Theme 2
Birds: Their Habits, Habitats, and Language! (By sea, pond, and garden)
In this camp, students will learn how to use binoculars, field guides, and their powers of observation to learn more about the winged animals of Santa Cruz. We will search for nests, listen for baby birds, and maybe even get to see birds up close! Camp will include hiking, journaling, observing, playing, art, and some serious detective work! This camp will introduce students to the species living by the coast and on coastal ponds and lagoons.
.......:.... JUNE 17th - 21st ....:.......
Theme 1
Birds: Their Habits, Habitats, and Language! (In the forest!)
In this camp students will learn how to use binoculars, field guides, and their powers of observation to learn more about the winged animals of Santa Cruz. We will search for nests, listen for baby birds, and maybe even get to see birds up close! Camp will include hiking, journaling, observing, playing, art, and some serious detective work! This camp will introduce students to the species living in the forest, by creeks, and within the mixed evergreens. This is a great follow up to the previous week of bird camp, or can stand alone.
Theme 2
Setting the Stage: Puppetry, Music, Magic, Improv, Fun!
Come join us as we make our own instruments, tell each other jokes,get comfortable singing together, learn new songs, and arrange and write our own! Camp will include plenty of fun, silliness, games, and exploration in nature. Songs and improv will draw from natural materials and tales of adventures had in nature. Children will be introduced to haiku, spoken word, folk songs, songs that rhyme and songs that don't, improv games, play writing, barn dancing music and more. The goal of this camp is to inspire creativity without judgement, and more than anything - laugh and play while doing it. No musical experience necessary, kids are invited to bring their own instruments.
Materials fee $10.00
.......:.... JUNE 24th - 28th ....:.......
Theme 1
Ethnobotany: Medicines, Handicrafts, and Watercolors with Native Plants
The plants and fungus around us are all full of unique life histories. Some of these tales include fascinating and strange uses, such as using redwood tree bark to make rope, redwood cones to make natural dyes, or certain lichens that are antimicrobial and make for good band aids. In this camp kids will explore the forest in an ethnobotanical fashion. They will discover how plants and other forest items have been used creatively for many generations and learn the cultural history of the land we're visiting. Children will make their own jar of herbal medicine and gather many fresh and dried herbs responsibly collected during our explorations! This camp will involve learning about the Uypi Awaswas people of Santa Cruz as well as the ecological re-learning efforts of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band.
Materials fee $20.00
Theme 2
KIN .:.Rainbow.:.Camp
Rainbow Camp is catered towards kids on the LGBTQIA+ and/or Gender spectrum, those who are questioning or curious about their identity, those with queer families, and/or allies! We hope to cultivate a brave, safe space for self exploration and creative expression, learning about queer/gender liberation and pride history, and making new friends! There will be creative activities such as arts and crafts, fashion shows, dance parties, and even a mini pride parade alongside some SEL (Social Emotional Learning) curriculum. We will learn how to celebrate ourselves, advocate for our identities and our communities, and hear stories from other people within the queer community.
*Prior to signing up, please make sure to familiarize your child with the theme of this camp and ensure they will be tolerant
and respectful of all LGBTQ+/Gender identities, to encourage the best possible experience for all involved*
Materials fee $20.00
......:.... JULY 8th - 12th ....:.......
Theme 1
Wild-Crafters: Art of Field Journaling, Clay, Weaving, and Jewelry Making In The Forest
“What can we make today?” We will experiment through hands on, free-creativity activities. Children will learn real skills from experienced teachers and let their hands and minds guide their creativity to see what happens. Camp will include lots of playtime and exploration in nature. We will craft in a clear, shady spot. Children will take home all their artistic creations.
Materials fee $20.00
Theme 2
Forest Wizards II: Nature Awareness and Shelter Building
In this camp, students will learn how to build survival shelters using all-natural materials. Depending on the child’s unique passions, techniques will range from traditional to wacky and innovative. Students will learn the art of following animal tracks and sign, understanding animal behavior and our impact on their environment, and how we become better stewards, naturalists, and friends of the wild places through cultivating our powers of awareness. This camp will include learning about the original stewards of the land, the Uypi Awaswas people, and about the Amah Mutsun Land Trust.
......:.... July 15th - 19th ....:.......
Theme 1
Fine Spun: Story-telling and Book-making
In this camp students will have the chance to make their own illustrated story book after learning the art of writing and telling stories, playing fun storytelling and improv games, and much more. This is a good camp for students who are able to read and write, and who are excited about focusing on their own creativity and exploring the magical world of stories!
Materials Fee $20.00
Theme 2
Mindful Movement: Embodiment, and Exploration
Got the wiggles? In this camp students will be moving around - a lot! The days will start with a grounding movement practice, such as Yoga or Qi Gong. From there, the days will consist of embodied-awareness games, breathing practices, trail running, stretching, dancing, exploring the forest, climbing on rocks, and mindfulness - everything that has to do with taking care of and being in your body. Imagine walking a trail with your eyes closed and using your feet as your guide, frolicking barefoot in a grassy meadow, flocking (improvised movement) like a group of birds with your friends, learning skills for coping with challenging emotions, having a dance party or learning a dance sequence in a sunny field, and laughing your way through active games.This is a good camp for kiddos who like to move around and are *also* able to closely follow the teacher's directions.
......:.... July 22nd - 26th ....:.......
Theme 1
~ OLDER KIDS ONLY ~
Forest Wizards: Shelter Building, Tracking, and Awareness { For Ages 11 - 15 }
In this camp, students will learn how to build survival shelters using all-natural materials. Depending on the child’s unique passions, techniques will range from traditional to wacky and innovative. Students will learn the art of following animal tracks and sign, understanding animal behavior and our impact on their environment, and how we become better stewards, naturalists, and friends of the wild places through cultivating our powers of awareness. This camp will include learning about the original stewards of the land, the Uypi Awaswas people, and about the Amah Mutsun Land Trust.
This camp will be similar in theme to our classic Forest Wizards Camp - only our activities and challenges will be suited to an older age group. This should be a lot of fun!
Theme 2
Earth Bellies: Gardening, Baking, Fermenting, and More, Outside!
The only thing more fun than making a pie is eating it. And even better…? eating it with friends! The kids will work together to make several delicious dishes made with local, organic ingredients. We will also learn about, prepare, and take home several different ferments that they can watch turn in to yummy and healthful snacks. Camp will cover many aspects of food, from how we grow it, to how we turn old food back into fertilizer through compost. This is a fun, creative, hands-on way for children to learn food preparation skills alongside an appreciation and ethic of caring for the places our foods come from. Food prep and learning will be "sandwiched" between lots of games and activities in the garden and in the forest. Food allergies will be accommodated. COVID-related food precautions are taken to ensure safety.
Materials fee $20.00
......:.... July 29TH- August 2nd ....:.......
Theme 1
Exploring The Wild Coast: From Seabirds, to Restoration, to Fossils, to Waves
In this camp we will explore the unique ecology of our local coastline. We will track coyote prints in the sand, explore tide-pools, plant native plants with local restoration groups and watch Northern Harriers dive for their prey on the bluffs. This camp will have a slightly more scientific focus with lots of discovery, play, and reflection in between. We are lucky to live and explore in such a beautiful part of the world and to get to learn from local restoration scientists who are helping to keep it healthy and beautiful!
Theme 2
Land of the Gnomes: Spring Holes, Rock Spirals, Mosses and Ferns
In this camp we will celebrate the end of summer with lots of games in magical, mysterious places. Will we see families of wild turkeys flying through the Douglas Firs, koi fish swimming in spring box, newts living by streams, and lots of ripe blackberries! The theme is discovery, awe, joy, and playfulness while we greet nature out on the trail!
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TO REGISTER FOR OUR CAMPS:
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1. Fill out our registration and emergency contact form
.:.:.: REGISTRATION LINK :.:.:.
2. Pay for the camps you have selected to reserve your spot
.:.:.:. PAYMENT LINK :.:.:.
3. If online store shows that the camp you would like is full,
your registration form will be saved on the waitlist and you will be contacted
if space becomes available.
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Each of these camp titles, themes, and curriculums are designed exclusively by and for Santa Cruz Kids in Nature. They have been published and are protected under the Copyright Act. Any use of these materials for profit without the consent of Santa Cruz Kids in Nature is illegal.
If you are interested in using these camp titles and themes, please contact us :)
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