EcoRangers
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Each summer, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center sponsors summer camps for students called EcoRangers. These camps introduce students to different concepts of science, art and the social sciences and how they relate to southeast Texas. A low student-to-teacher ratio enhances hands-on learning in natural environments. Depending on the camp, students may explore different ecosystems by testing water, searching for organisms, and engaging in other hands-on activities. Summer 2010 camps include Garden Gurus; Scat, Skins and Skulls; Flocks of Feathered Friends; Living Landscapes; and Colors to Dye For.
Application - Application Due By June 11, 2010. All three pages of the application must be signed by both parents, and complete immunization records must accompany the application. Applications are not considered complete and will not be processed without all medical documentation.
Program Guidelines
Each session runs Monday through Friday from 8:30 am - 2:30 pm. Children cannot be dropped off before 8:30 am and pickup is promptly at 2:30 pm. There is no child care before 8:30 am or after care provided once the daily session ends at 2:30 pm.
Children must bring a sack lunch and a snack for each day. Children should dress appropriately for the activities and weather; tennis shoes required. Sunscreen, bug repellent, hat, and a labeled container of water will help your child be comfortable.
Sessions:
Garden Gurus June 28 - July 2, 2010 Grades 3, 4
Do you like to dig in the dirt and watch plants grow? If so, then this camp is for you! Each day we will explore a different topic in the garden with games, hands-on activities, and crafts. We will tend the gardens of Shangri La, harvest ripe vegetables, conduct science experiments, learn how to compost, sing songs, play games, and much more. This camp will include a field trip to the Shangri La Production Greenhouse to learn gardening techniques and to see how plants are grown for the gardens.
Scat, Skins, and Skulls July 5 - 9, 2010 Grades 5, 6
Animals are elusive, but they leave behind signs that tell us they were here. This week, we will study animal tracks and walking patterns, scat, skins, feathers, bones, and many other animal signs. We will learn how to interpret these signs to learn more about the lifestyles of our local wildlife. Campers will play games, dissect scat, and conduct observational studies. Come learn the secrets of our bobcats, rabbits, beavers, and other animals that call Shangri La home!
Flocks of Feathered Friends July 19-23, 20109 Grades 6, 7, 8
In partnership with the Stark Museum of Art
Join us for bird week! We will study these flying creatures at Shangri La, learn their names and draw them in our nature journals. Campers will learn about famous naturalist-artist John James Audubon, who loved to draw birds. We will visit the Stark Museum of Art to see Audubon’s art and learn about his printmaking process. Then, campers will make a book of the birds of Shangri La using their own drawings of our feathered friends. Campers will play bird games, learn about birding, and try printmaking techniques.
Living Landscapes July 26 - 30, 2010 Grades 3 and 4
In partnership with the Stark Museum of Art
Come explore the extraordinary ecosystems of Shangri La! Campers will visit four different ecosystems this week, where they will do experiments, take soil samples, and learn about the plants and animals that depend on the land. Then we’ll visit the Stark Museum of Art and examine how artists portray different landscapes. Campers will be introduced to basic painting techniques and have a chance to make their own landscape masterpieces.
Colors to Dye For August 2 - 6, 2010 Grades 4 and 5
In partnership with the Stark Museum of Art
Come discover the wonders of the plants around us and the colors they give artists. During this camp, we will explore the Elements of Art and create weavings from natural dyes and plant materials. Students will learn to spin their own yarn and make their own dyes for their weaving project. We will learn about plant life, experiment with dyes, and gather natural materials at Shangri La. At the Stark Museum of Art we will take inspiration from the Southwest weaving collection, look at Native American traditions, and tour the works of naturalist-artists.