Summer Nature Programs for Ages 7 to 9

The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center, located at 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge, New Jersey has opened registration for Eco-Explorers, a summer science and nature program for children ages 7 to 9.

Eco-Explorers offers a series of four one-week and two two-week summer sessions of day-long programming exploring nature and science through hiking, canoeing, games, crafts, and exciting day trips. The Naturalist-led series takes a hands-on approach to learning through creative expression, educational games, imagination, nature exploration, and physical skill development. Each of the six sessions offers field trips, guest speakers, nature walks, canoeing, games, arts and crafts, and more.

Eco-Explorers runs from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Monday through Friday.

Bugtastic! - Monday, June 27-Thursday, July 1

Become a bug expert, flying, crawling, hopping, and buzzing through the week to learn all about bugs and their amazing characteristics! Bugs from around the globe and our own backyard will be seen during the program. A field trip and canoeing will be part of the fun. Fee is $360 per person.

Tales of a Planet - Tuesday, July 5-Friday, July 15

Take a journey through time, starting all the way back at the Earth's beginnings! The two-week program will address geology, dinosaurs, unique places, early mammals, and all the things that happened to make Earth like it is today. A field trip and canoeing will be part of the fun.. Fee is $648 per person.

Eco Olympics - NEW - Monday, August 1- Friday, August 5

This week long session will address the Olympics and learn how animals compare to athletes. The hands-on learning and fun will include games, hikes, live animal viewing, and science experiments, all while being in sync with the 2016 Summer Olympics. A field trip and canoeing will be part of the fun. Fee is $360 per person.

Detailed program descriptions mat be found at www.somersetcountyparks.org, clicking on Environmental education Center link followed by the Summer Science Fun link.

Post program extended care options are available for all sessions. Registration may be made on-line at www.somersetcountyparks.org, in-person at the Environmental Education Center, via mail, or by telephone (if using a credit card) at 908-766-2489. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center is located within Lord Stirling Park, in the Basking Ridge section of Bernards Township, and is nestled within 425 acres of the western portion of the Great Swamp Basin of the Passaic River. A swamp vivarium, and an environmentally based library are located within the Center itself.

Information on this event and other Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org