Weekly Camp Themes

Session 1:  (June 16-18): 

Seasonal Theme: Summer Solstice

 

Theme Overview: This "Summer Solstice" theme is full of energy, light, and nature-based exploration. The Summer Solstice marks the longest day of the year, a celebration of light, warmth, and nature’s vibrant energy. We will explore seasonal rhythms of the Earth while engaging in fun, hands-on activities!

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Theme Description: This week we will explore the importance of the sun, the changing seasons, and the natural rhythms that guide life in the forest. The children will engage in outdoor activities that foster a deep connection to the environment, while also learning about the cultural significance of the solstice across various traditions.

Session 2: (June 23- 26): 

Seasonal Theme: Seed to Blossom - The Lifecycle of a Seed

 

Theme Overview: This "Seed to Blossom" theme will inspire a deep understanding of the natural world, showcasing the beauty and complexity of plant life while fostering a sense of responsibility and wonder in the children.

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Theme Description: This week the children will embark on a nature-filled journey, exploring the life cycle of a seed as it grows into a plant. They'll dive deep into topics like germination, photosynthesis, plant anatomy, and the interconnectedness of plants and animals. This theme will celebrate the incredible processes that allow life to sprout and thrive, using hands-on activities, outdoor exploration, and art to bring the science of plant growth to life.

 

Week 3-4: (July 7-10 & July 14-17)

Seasonal Theme: Berry Bonanza

 

Theme Overview: This "Berry Bonanza" theme will not only deepen the children’s understanding of local ecology but also cultivate a sense of wonder and respect for the natural world, in particular, the humble but powerful role of berries in sustaining life of all living things.

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Theme Description: This two-week juicy theme will be a fun filled adventure exploring our forest of local berries that grow in Maryland’s native environment. The children will learn about various types of berries, the animals and insects that rely on them for food, and how berries play an essential role in our local ecosystems. By observing how berries are a major part of the food chain and the contribution they provide to new growth, children will develop a deeper understanding of how nature is interconnected. The children will participate in creating berry theme creative art activities using the berries to make paints, mud kitchen ingredients, and dying of diverse materials.
 

Week 5-6 (July 21-24 & July 28-31):

Seasonal Theme: Pollination Celebration

 

Theme Overview: This “Pollination Celebration” theme will not only teach the children about the science behind pollination but also inspire them to be active stewards of the natural world, promoting pollinator health and environmental sustainability.

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Theme Description: These weeks the children will immerse themselves in the fascinating world of pollinators, exploring the essential roles they play in sustaining life on Earth. We will discover pollinators native Baltimore County, MD, including bees, butterflies, moths, birds, and other insects. By studying these pollinators up close—particularly with the bee hive on-site—they'll gain a deeper appreciation for nature’s intricate web and understand the critical importance of pollination for healthy ecosystems. The children will also actively contribute to enhancing local pollinator populations by planting new pollinator-friendly plants in gardens and meadows.
 

Week 7-8 (August 4-7 & August 11-14):

Seasonal Theme: Wonders of Water

 

Theme Overview: This "Wonders of Water" theme will provide children with a hands-on, nature-based education about the incredible importance of water in our ecosystems and the need to protect this precious resource for the future.
 

Theme Description: These “Wonders of Water” weeks will immerse the children in the fascinating world of water, focusing on the role it plays in Maryland's local ecosystems, with particular emphasis on the Pierce Branch Stream on the forest school grounds. Through hands-on investigations, creative projects, and nature exploration, children will learn about the water cycle, stream ecology, freshwater ecosystems, and how humans impact water resources. By the end of the theme, they will have a deeper understanding of the importance of water to all living things and how to protect this valuable resource.

 

Week 9 (Aug. 18- 21):

Seasonal Theme: Foraging and Frolicking

 

Theme Overview: This "Foraging and Frolicking" theme will encourage children to engage with the natural world in a hands-on, responsible, and culturally rich way, while also giving them practical skills they can carry forward into their lives.

Theme Description: Our exciting last week of Summer Forest Friends will focus on the exploration of native plants, emphasizing safety, sustainability, and the rich cultural history of foraging. Children will learn how to identify edible plants, understand the difference between safe and hazardous plants, and discover how different cultures use plants for food, medicine, and craft. Through hands-on activities, nature walks, and culinary adventures, the children will gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world and how it sustains life.