New Hampshire Audubon Wants to Help Kids Reconnect with Nature

Research shows that children who understand and appreciate the natural world will fare better in many arenas, such as problem solving, creativity, wellness, and building relationships, according to a press statement. And as our society’s leisure time becomes increasingly devoted to technology-related activities, it’s important to understand how and where the natural world fits in to it all.

“I know that kids who have ample time to explore outside are better at interacting with others, better at creating their own boundaries and learning to be safer, and are more observant,” said Kevin Wall, director of education at NH Audubon’s McLane Center in Concord. “If we want future generations to care about our planet, we have to teach them early on to love, appreciate and protect it.”

And that’s exactly what counselors do at NH Audubon’s day camps in both Concord and Auburn, with sessions running through August 14 for kids ages 4 to 12 years old. Each year, about 300 New Hampshire children spend - time with live animals like snakes and turtles at the McLane Center or take day trips to places like Franconia Notch to identify plants and animals and explore the diverse natural resources of the state. In past years, campers have learned to build shelters, track animals, and identify birds and frogs by their sounds. But all of the hands-on activities are designed to teach campers ecological awareness, team building and outdoor safety.

“The skills campers learn here can be used in all aspects of their lives,” said Angie Krysiak, director of the Wildside Camp at the Massabessic Audubon Center in Auburn. “We want campers to understand their place in nature and how their actions can be either beneficial or harmful, and be empowered to share what they learn about the natural world and ways to help protect it.”

The instructors and counselors leading group activities are people with a passion to work with children and environmental education. Many are college students studying environmental science or education, and more than half of the camps’ current staff is comprised of former campers who enjoyed the experience as children and return to pass on what they have learned. Unless there’s a storm -, campers spend days outside enjoying structured activities designed around the week’s theme. During a session called “Festival of Flight”, campers learn about raptors, songbirds and bats while exploring the physics of flying. They explore - how birds, butterflies and bees fit into New Hampshire’s ecosystem, all while taking advantage of the beautiful woods, ponds and wetlands on Audubon sanctuaries.

Camps begin June 22 and are tailored by age group. Kids ages 4 and 5 attend half-day sessions from 9 am to noon. Camps for children 6 to 9 years old and campers 10 to 12 years old attend full-day sessions from 9 am to 4 pm. Session dates and themes are:

• Session 1: June 22 to June 26. Festival of Flight: Celebrate the magic of flying things! Enrollment is currently closed for session 1.
• Session 2: June 29 to July 3. Nature Lovers: How can we help our planet?
• Session 3: July 6 to July 10. Survival Strategies: What would you do if you were stuck in the woods?
• Session 4: July 13 to July 17. Slime and Scales: For the herpetologists among us.
• Session 5: July 20 to July 24. Mammal Mania: What types of mammals live near you?
• Session 6: July 27 to July 3. Nature Lovers: How can we help our planet?
• Session 7: Aug. 3 to 7. Wet and Wild: So many living things make their homes underwater!
• Session 8: Aug. 10 to 14. Survival Strategies: What would you do if you were stuck in the woods?

To learn more about NH Audubon’s camps, fees, and which sessions are still open, visit nhaudubon.org/get-outside/camps/ and click on the “Summer Camps” tab.

About New Hampshire Audubon

Founded in 1914, New Hampshire Audubon’s mission is to protect New Hampshire’s natural environment for wildlife and for people. It is an independent statewide membership organization with four nature centers throughout the state. Expert educators give programs to children, families, and adults at centers and in schools. Staff biologists and volunteers conduct bird conservation efforts such as the Peregrine Falcon restoration. New Hampshire Audubon protects thousands of acres of wildlife habitat and is a voice for sound public policy on environmental issues. For information on New Hampshire Audubon, including membership, volunteering, programs, sanctuaries, and publications, call 224-9909, or visit www.nhaudubon.org.