Spend a week exploring our coastal environments in a fun and hands-on way! Engage in science experimentation and exploration, play games, go on field trips, explore the beach, create arts and crafts, and much more all while enjoying a new theme each week: Weird Science, Jurassic Marsh, Explore the Shore, Oceanopolis, Titanoboa to Terrapins, Sharks ‘n Bait and Creation Nation!
For children ages 5-12, programs are held weekly from July 1 – August 12, 2013 and include field trips (except age 5), beach days and exclusive activities. Children age 4 can enjoy special programs during the weeks of July 15, July 29, and August 12, 2013. Children ages 4-5 attend programs daily from 9:30am – 12:00pm and children ages 6-12 attend programs daily from 9:30am – 2:00pm.
Don’t delay, register today!
Download Registration Packet
Pricing and age level availability vary by week. Please download a registration packet for complete details.
Questions About What To Expect Each Week?
Download FAQ/Procedures for Full Week or Download FAQ/Procedures for Short Week
Additional Questions? Call (609) 368-1211
2013 Summer Nature Program Themes and Descriptions
July 1 – 3, 2013 (Monday-Wednesday Only!)
Theme: Weird Science
In three jam-packed days, fill your brain with the weirder side of science! Learn about the creepiest, grossest, slimiest animals on earth, create a Mentos® geyser, chew on moon rocks and make spaghetti dance… All this and more during weird science!
July 8 – 12, 2013 (Monday – Friday)
Theme: Jurassic Marsh
Find out about New Jersey’s prehistoric past – giant dinosaurs, 30-foot crocodiles, ancient fish and sharks! Discover how they are related to today’s modern birds and get up close and personal with a living animal that hasn’t changed in 250 million years… Field trip to Cape May County Zoo and Belleplain State Forest.
July 15 – 19, 2013 (Monday – Friday)
Theme: Explore the Shore
Crabs, sea stars, shrimp, urchins, terrapins, salamanders and shorebirds are just some of the animals we’ll meet as we explore New Jersey habitats. Whether by foot or kayak, we’ll find what lives in the ocean, beach, salt marsh and forest! Field trip to Kimbles Beach and Belleplain State Forest.
July 22 – 26, 2013 (Monday – Friday)
Theme: Oceanopolis
There’s an entire world below the sea! Learn how ocean creatures interact together and then work with fellow campers to survive the PIT… Explore in detail marine mammals including whales, dolphins, manatees and more. You may even get to see one! Field trip to Cape May Whale Watch and Cape May Point State Park.
July 29 – August 2, 2013 (Monday – Friday)
Theme: Titanoboa to Terrapins
Learn about New Jersey’s living reptiles – lizards, snakes and, of course, turtles! See live diamondback terrapins and go behind-the-scenes to help Institute scientists with terrapin research. We’ll also recreate the largest snake the world has every known – Titanoboa! Field Trip to Cape May County Zoo and Belleplain State Forest.
August 5 – 9, 2013 (Monday – Friday)
Theme: Sharks ‘n Bait
Sharks are fish?! Indeed they are! Awesome, amazing and at times scary, these popular fish come in all shapes and sizes. We’ll separate shark fact from shark fiction, learn about other fish great and small and meet their cousins the skates and rays. Field Trip to Atlantic City Aquarium.
August 12 – 14, 2013 (Monday-Wednesday Only!)
Theme: Creation Nation
Unleash your wild and creative side! Use all your senses to explore the outdoors and create works of art inspired by nature. Artwork will be created through the use of natural materials, digital photography, sculpture, pottery, watercolor, paper mache, theatre/dance and much more!
Come enjoy the shore! We’ll see you soon!
