Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge offers alternative spring break fun on Okaloosa Island

February 8, 2010

Children engage in animal encounters, science experiments during week long camp

Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge is hosting SpringWild Spring Break Camp for grades 1-5 to be held the weeks of March 29 – April 2 and April 5 – April 9 from 9 a.m. -3 p.m.   The camp will be held at The Boardwalk, Okaloosa Island.  Participants will learn about native wildlife through lectures, games and hands-on experiences, conduct science experiments and crafts, enjoy live animal encounters and more.
• Includes snacks, lunch, craft materials, camp t-shirt (or similar item)
• Explore the biology and natural history of terrestrial and aquatic native wildlife
• Science experiments- test local water, make recycled paper
• Animal encounters- meet the refuge’s animal ambassadors, learn to hold a flying squirrel and other animal ambassadors
• Wildlife detective- “Hide” and Seek (match animal hides with the animals they represent) use dichotomous key to identify species
• Marine mammal activities- play games to illustrate hearing adaptations, training games (kids will practice training each other with actual operant conditioning)
• Conservation Connection- through informal lectures, learn how to coexist with local wildlife and spot signs of wildlife in natural environments
• Design a “wildlife friendly” habitat (collect items from the field to create a natural habitat for your wildlife species)
• Art/ craft projects to take home
• Ethology (the study of behavior) research project
• Learn about current rehab/husbandry practices
• Develop informed decision-making in campers with mock rescue and rehabilitation
• Population games- a fun way to learn about current wildlife management practices
• “Stump the Staff”- campers challenge Refuge staff with questions about wildlife
Cost is $150.00 per week with added fees for before/after day care.  Family discounts are available.
Contact Susan at (850) 650-1880 to reserve