The Louisville Nature Center and Beargrass Creek Nature Preserve is offering kids of all ages the opportunity to explore nature, observe animal behaviors, and learn about the microscopic environment that surrounds us.
Children ages four through six can investigate the difference between vertebrates and invertebrates at Backbone Bonanza July 16-20. The half day camp starts each day at 9 a.m. and ends at noon. The following week, July 23-27, children ages 6-12 can learn about insects at a full day camp called What’s Bugging You! from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Backbone Bonanza is a hand-on camp that allows children to look at different mammals, amphibians, birds, and insects in great detail. The children also will go short hikes around the nature preserve to experience some of the native animals. For the full week, members of the nature center will pay $100 and non-members will pay $115.
What’s Bugging You! is a more extensive, full-day camp and is geared toward older children. Campers will have an opportunity to observe insect behaviors and learn about collecting, identifying, and classifying insects. The children will be able to use magnifying glasses and microscopes to learn about the anatomy of the different insects. Other activities include creating insect crafts, going on nature hikes to see the insects in their natural habitat, and listening to guest speakers. The cost for this camp experience is $160 for members or $200 for non-members.
Parents interested in their children attending either camp can call 458-1328 or sign up online. To get a membership before signing up for summer camp, visit http://louisvillenaturecenter.org/membership.htm for membership level details. Along with reduced prices to summer camps, educational programs, and birthday parties, members also enjoy discounts to other national nature preserves and a quarterly newsletter. The Louisville Nature Center and Beargrass Creek Nature Preserve is located at 3745 Illinois Avenue and is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Photo courtesy of The Louisville Nature Center and Beargrass Creek Nature Preserve.
