If you happen to be looking
for a fun way that children can spend quality time outdoors while gaining
knowledge and lasting, meaningful memories…you can answer that question
with a confident reply of, “Yes, as a matter of fact I do!”
Earth Focus Day Camp (EFDC)
at the UW-Madison Arboretum will offer its 12th season of
outstanding summer nature programs for children ages 3-14. With more than 1,200 acres containing
many different habitats including the oldest restored tall grass prairie in the
world, the campers have an opportunity to learn about native Wisconsin plants
and animals in a beautiful and peaceful setting.
The enthusiastic naturalists
support a program that enables the campers to develop a sense of place along
with a sense of awe and wonder for the natural world. Camp activities are inquiry-based, allowing the camper to
explore, play, ask questions, share, create, discover, construct and cooperate
with each other. The camp themes
are based on the natural elements of fire, earth, air and water. These themes expose basic ecological
principles including; balance, connections, cycles and communities. Appreciation for the land community and
knowledge that children can be a positive influence on their world are key
goals of EFDC.
Camp brochures with
registration forms will be available in March 2003 at the Arboretum Visitor
Center, or on-line at: http://www.wisc.edu/arboretum Contact Marie Seguin, EFDC Coordinator
at 265-5872 for info about the camp, scholarships or volunteer/teaching
opportunities. Also, look for information coming to libraries and schools in
the spring.