Kids Camp
Become a good steward of the land by learning about the natural world around us.
Blossom & Root abides by Leave No Trace principals, embraces learning through science experiments, discoveries and play, and promotes kindness and respect. We believe that with instilled knowledge and genuine good deeds, we can harness and promote a positive spiral in our community. All weeks of camp are $325 per child, per week.
Blossom & Root is located in Damariscotta, on a 17 acre residential property where lessons will be held in the diverse fields, forests, and wetlands. It is adjacent to the Doyle Preserve, where children will frequent the trail to Pemaquid Pond. Life vests will be required for all children playing in and near to the water. Packing water shoes is welcome.
Wednesday field trips will be announced the week prior, and are weather dependent.
Daily:
All lessons and learning will be hands-on through art, craft, building, exploring, experimenting and observing. Children will learn how to pack-in/pack-out and are expected to carry their own food and gear while exploring. Extra change of cloths, rain gear on sunny days, and extra snacks will be stored at Blossom & Root. All children will need to bring their own lunch, snack, and rain gear. Extra socks are welcome and proper footwear is a must!
In addition to the daily learning described above, children will have time to practice their math and reading skills throughout the day.
8:00 am Drop-off & 3:00 pm Pickup ($325 per week)
7:00 am-8:00 am Early Care + Snack ($55 extra per week)
3:00 pm-4:00 pm Aftercare + Snack ($55 extra per week)
Summer Schedule:
Week 1 - June 15 thru June 19 - Learning about us & our ecosystem
People play a very impactful and important role in our ecosystem. We will discuss and explore how we impact our world and learn how to make a positive impact, starting with the world that is in front of us.
Field Trip: TBD - beach trash pick up
Week 2 - June 22 thru June 26 - The water cycle & under water life
Understanding the water cycle answers so many questions! Children will learn how runoff occurs and how it affects aquatic ecosystems.
Field Trip: Boothbay Aquarium
Week 3 - June 29 thru July 3 - What is mud? Soil science learning
Mud is more than just wet dirt. Children will learn about the different soil types and what "healthy soils" are. They will also learn about pollution and "unhealthy soils." We will venture to the wetland to observe who lives in the mud.
Field Trip: TBD
Week 4 - July 6 thru July 10 - Botany, Plant ID, & Photosynthesis
Although we learn about basic plant ID in all of the weeks, our botany week is going to delve into plant taxonomy and physiology. Older children will explore at a cellular level, whereas younger children will learn more conceptually.
Field Trip: TBD
Week 5 - July 13 thru July 17 - Sun & Energy
Creating energy and heat, providing light and casting shadows. The sun has a lot to offer. Children will construct a solar-powered model and learn about harnessing the power of the sun.
Field Trip: TBD
Week 6 - July 20 thru July 24 - Flight
Birds fly. Seeds fly. Kites fly. Helicopters fly. How do each of these things fly? Children will create various flying objects throughout the week.
Field Trip: TBD
Week 7 - July 27 thru July 31 - Animals & Their Sounds
Have you ever walked through the woods and said "Listen. What is that?" We will practice our quiet walking skills to listen to nature and identify her sounds.
Field Trip: TBD
Week 8 - Aug 3 thru Aug 7 - Angry Birds
Trajectory - horizontal and vertical motion. Angles, force, speed, height and distance. This is not a quiet week. Children will be encouraged to cheer and celebrate their destruction. They will go from building small, table top catapults, to launching large Angry Bird balls across the lawn.
Field Trip: TBD
Week 9 - Aug 10 thru Aug 14 - The Rock Cycle
Weight, density, and flotation. We will explore geology through rock formation, landforms, and minerals.
Field Trip: LaVerna Preserve, Bristol
Week 10 - Aug 17 thru Aug 21 - Natural Resources
Throughout a summer of learning about the Earth's natural resources, Week 10 will bring it all together. This will be a very impactful week where children will leave camp with useful knowledge and a sense of purpose to take care of the Earth.
To celebrate a summer of fun and exploration, there will be an evening potluck opportunity (weather dependent) at Blossom & Root to observe the night's sky and play. Children who attended camp this summer are welcome to join us with their family. Date TBD