Summer Day Camp Blog

Highlights from the Wild Scientist

August 10, 2017

This week at Ecology Day Camp, we took on the role of earth scientists and discovered the wild world of Audubon, making it our laboratory. 
 
Exploring ecology camp
Exploring the water Photo: Audubon Vermont
playing river camp
Photo: Audubon Vermont
ecology day camp friends
Photo: Audubon Vermont

On Monday, we visited several Audubon spots to observe and explore - Beaver Pond, Peeper Pond, and the Sherman Hollow Brook. We took a pH test and temperature test and caught many creatures at each spot.  We also started to plan experiments in small groups to conduct during the week. We ended the day with a camper favorite activity, shelter building and fairy house building with materials from the world around us. 

ecology camp finds
Photo: Audubon Vermont
Solar Oven Smores
Solar S'mores! Photo: Audubon Vermont
Water ecology camp
Photo: Audubon Vermont
Tuesday, we discussed the parts of an experiment and worked on planning group experiments. Then, we ventured down to the Huntington River to explore and do a pH test. We played lots of water games and did a sponge relay race, it was lots of fun! Later in the afternoon, we continued to work on shelter building and fairy house construction; they are truly coming along great!  
 
Finds at ecology camp
Photo: Audubon Vermont
crayfish ecology camp
Crayfish from the water! Photo: Audubon Vermont
When Wednesday came, we finally conducted our group experiments in several different locations. One group did bridge building at the Brook, one group tested pH at all the water spots, one group tested methods of fire building, another tested which tree protects you from water most, and one group tested several liquid mixtures to see which attracted bugs the most. We further developed our inner scientists by making predictions about how long it would take dye in water to change the color of white flowers, and ended the day by exploring the Huntington River again. 
 
Hiding in the bird watching house camp
Hiding out in the bird watching house Photo: Audubon Vermont
ecology day camp
Photo: Audubon Vermont
Water ecology camp
Photo: Audubon Vermont
Looking forward to the rest of the week, we will continue to spend lots of time by the various water sources at Audubon to cool down and learn more about the world around us. We will do some more experiments and learn what it takes to be a true earth scientist. 
ecology camp wild
Photo: Audubon Vermont

How you can help, right now