DELAWARE WATER GAP NATIONAL RECREATION AREA – Do you know any kids who are looking for something different to do this summer? Something where they can be outdoors, learn, and have fun? How about a free weekly Summer Science Camp hosted by the education team at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area?
Beginning July 21, this free program will be offered on six consecutive Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Each week, attendees will visit different locations within the park to do hands-on science activities and learn about different park resources. Participants may attend as many or as few sessions as they would like.
Though the content is targeted for youth ages 8-13, children of all ages are welcome to attend. These education programs also meet Next Generation Science Standards for grades three through five.
Creating opportunities for fun, interactive, and educational activities is a major goal of the National Park Service. Programs, like Science Summer Camp, are developed to educate visitors on the natural and cultural resources found within park boundaries and assist visitors in forming connections to these public lands.
“Science Summer Camp is intended to bring families to the park to learn and explore together. Parks are classrooms on their own. We are here to help foster the relationship between education and the outdoors,” said Dani Cessna, Chief of Interpretation, Education, and Partnerships.
The schedule for Summer Science Camp is as follows:
- July 21st from 10 am – 2 pm at Dingmans Falls Visitor Center
Learn about the secret superpowers native plants possess! Discover why the wide variety of plant life found at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is important for our environment.
- July 28th from 10 am – 2 pm at Pocono Environmental Education Center
Do you love hide-and-seek? So do animals! Enjoy activities based on the remarkable characteristics of native animals and how they stay unseen.
- August 4th from 10 am – 2 pm at the Marie Zimmerman House
How do you feel about after-school snacks? Aren’t they fun? They give you energy to play and do homework! How do you think animals get energy to play? Learn about ecology and the food web of native animals in a beautiful environment.
- August 11th from 10 am – 2 pm at Smithfield Beach (no fee for participants to enter)
Did you know that the water you drink every day is the same water that dinosaurs drank over 65 million years ago? This is possible through the water cycle! Learn more about the amazing properties of water near the Delaware River. - August 18th from 10 am – 2 pm at Milford Beach (no fee for participants to enter)
There is a reason “you rock” is a compliment! Rocks are super cool! Learn how scientists examine the past by studying rock types and fossils. - August 25th from 10 am – 2 pm at Park Headquarters
“What we are is what we leave behind.” Protecting our natural resources is everyone’s responsibility, especially park rangers! The National Park Service preserves land for the enjoyment of future generations. Learn how you can help keep these parks safe!
For more information, click here.
