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Forest
Frenzy
Ages 9-11
If you like all things forests--big trees, little trees,
groups of trees, pine groves, woodland meadows, climbing trees
(that's right, we'll let you!), camping out amongst the trees, and being part
of a small group learning about trees--all at the same
time, then this program is for you! Check-in is Sunday
between 2:00 and 3:00 PM. The program ends with a family
program Friday from 2:00-2:30 PM.
The goal of Forest Frenzy is to learn about trees, forests and other
uplands such as fields and meadows as well as the wildlife that
lives there. You will explore different upland environments to find
out what makes each unique and special. The week will be spent learning
and enjoying the forests and fields of the W. Alton Jones Campus.
Sunday is devoted to moving in and meeting and getting to know your
fellow campers, junior counselors and counselors both in your cabin
and your Forest Frenzy field group. Sunday night also includes an
“all camp” campfire where you will meet and see other campers
and counselors who are in Earth Camp for the week. You will sleep in cabins
with some campers who are in your group and some who are in other
themes, which will allow you to get to know lots of other kids. You
will eat your meals in the dining hall, except Wednesday breakfast.
On Monday, you will participate in some group-building activities
to enhance communication between you and the other campers in your
group as well as your Counselors. You will also
have an introduction to forest ecology and you will be involved in
activities designed to orient you to your natural surroundings. Swim
tests, free-swim time and canoeing occur at Lake Eisenhower, so be
ready to get wet! After dinner you will be involved in the all-camp
evening program.
Tuesday through Thursday you will spend each day exploring the different
upland communities of Alton Jones, such as pine groves, oak forests,
open fields and meadows. Field studies and simulation games will help
you understand how different animals are uniquely adapted for survival
in their habitats.
Tuesday is camp out night for Forest Frenzy. You will pack up your
sleeping bag and gear and after dinner hike out to a woodland
campsite. Once you get there it will be time to set up tents and
collect wood for a campfire. We will have a campfire, snack (s'mores
of course!), and a night walk if there's time before settling into our tents for the night. In the morning
we
may have time for an early morning walk, which is the best time
to see wildlife.
At Alton Jones (and no where else as far as we know!) you will have
the opportunity to experience trees first hand in a unique and
different way. We have set up a Tree Climb so
that you can climb high into the branches of a tall tree. Of
course we will only do this in a safe way, so everyone going up will
wear a helmet and be tied into a safety harness and a belay rope so that in case you
slip you won't fall. The Tree Climb will allow you to see the
forest from a bird's eye view and look at the different layers of
the forest canopy. You don't have to climb if you don't want
to, but it is quite an experience to try. The kids and staff
who did it last summer said it was "AWESOME!" At Earth Camp, only
Forest Frenzy campers will have the opportunity to try the Tree
Climb.
During the week we will also:
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Do on-site comparisons between different communities, such as the
difference between a white pine grove and a mixed deciduous forest.
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Gain an understanding of relationships between plants and animals
and their environment.
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See how animals are uniquely adapted for survival in forests or
fields.
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Develop an awareness of the human role within the forest environment.
Friday is spent putting the whole week together with review and wrap-up
plus closing activities. After lunch, there is some time to spend
with new friends before the family program begins. Sign-out and goodbyes
follow as the week comes to a close.
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