Seasonal: Camp Guide

Afloat Camp,

at the Russian Submarine Museum in Providence. Day camp aboard Juliett 484, the former Soviet submarine moored on the waterfront at Collier Point Park. Four-day camps (Mon.-Thurs.); Aug. 9 (grades 3-4); Aug. 16 (grades 5-6); Aug. 23 (grades 7-8) include on-the-water adventures with maritime partner organizations. Thursday Parents Day activities include campers guiding parents through the 300-foot-long cruise missile sub. $175 ($150 members). One-day camps available Tues.-Thurs., June 1-Aug. 7 (excluding weeks of July 12 and 19). Learn about daily life aboard a Russian sub, history of the Cold War, and how the sub was used in the movie K-19: The Widowmaker. $50 ($40 members). Midshipman programs available for high school students with a serious interest in submarine operations and/or the history of the Cold War. Overnight programs available. Call 521-3600 or see www.saratogamuseum.org/juliett/camp.

Alton Jones Camp, W. Alton Jones Campus, URI, 401 Victory Highway, West Greenwich. 397-3304, ext. 6043. June 28-Aug. 20. Farm and Ecology Day Camp, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., for ages 5-11, choose from two day camps: Woodvale Farm Day Camp for ages 5-8, $185, explores farm life and nature, and Eco-Zone Day Camp, for ages 8-11, $195, explores ecology. Overnight Earth Camp, ages 9-13. Choose from themes focusing on the environment: Forest Frenzy, Waterworlds, Outdoor Skills, Night Camp, Marine Madness and Eco-Mania. $410-$595. Teen Expeditions, ages 12-17, Sun.-Fri., include backpacking, kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing and rappelling, and wilderness survival skills, $510-$645. Expeditions held throughout New England. Open house on the Alton Jones Campus April 3-4, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. E-mail urieec [at] etal.uri.edu or visit online at www.uri.edu/ajc/eec.

Audubon Day Camps, Audubon Society of Rhode Island, 12 Sanderson Rd., Smithfield. 949-5454. Nature programs at six sites in Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts. Weekly sessions for grades K-8 and pre-schoolers, June 21-Aug. 13. Among the themes are naturalist training camp, coastal explorations, explorers, wildlife discovery, nature art and marine explorers.

The BIOMES Marine Biology Center, 221 Shady Lea Rd., North Kingstown. 295-4690. Private hands-on facility used as a school and family learning resource. The center's 60 exhibits feature more than 100 types of marine animals and reptiles. Weekly camps in July and August. Ages 5-7 meet twice a week for three hours each day; ages 8-11 meet three times for three hours. Times alternate each week between morning and afternoon sessions 9 a.m.-noon and 12:30-3:30 p.m. Ages 5-7, $75 per child. Ages 8-11, Mon.-Wed.-Fri., $95 per child. Activities include animal identification, protective behavior lessons, feeding behavior lessons, adaptations, habitat designs, reptile and fish handling, shark petting, scavenger hunts and crab "racing." Visit online at www.biomescenter.com or e-mail biomes [at] cox.net.

Brown Environmental Leadership Lab uses the shores of Narragansett Bay as the classroom. A two-week overnight adventure for high school students interested in the environment and leadership. Students will navigate a ropes course, scale a wall as a group, explore unspoiled shores in a kayak and end up as a more confident student with a better understanding of group dynamics and the synergies that exist between the environment and human behavior. Four sessions: June 13-25, June 27-July 9, July 18-30, Aug. 1-13. $2,550. Call Brown's Office of Summer Studies at 863-7900, e-mail summer [at] brown.edu. or visit the Web site at www.brown.edu/summer.

Camp Best Friends Day Camp, Canine Training Center, 71A Wheaton Ave., Rehoboth, Mass. (508) 336-4021. On a training center in a farm setting, children ages 6-14 learn about their dogs and how to train and take care of them; daily activities include obedience instruction, agility, games, nature walks, hayrides, visits to Oakdale Farm, junior handling, dog care and grooming, training demonstrations, costume party, dog show with awards. Two one-week sessions, July 26-30 and Aug. 16-20, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. $175 a week, includes snacks and drinks ($10 sibling discount) or $40 a day. Children can bring their own dogs, or a dog can be borrowed.

Casey Farm Summer Camps, 2325 Boston Neck Rd., Route 1A, Saunderstown. 295-1030. At Growing Together camp, ages 5-8 have fun and learn on a working farm. Explore the woods, cultivate and harvest crops. Play historical and new games, make ice cream and candles, and go for a hayride after a swim in the river. Three one-week sessions, July 12-16, 19-23 and 26-30, Mon.-Fri. from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $175 per week. At Farm and Forest camp, ages 9 to 11 learn about organic farming and explore the extensive woods, shoreline and other ecosystems on Casey Farm property. Includes a Thursday-night sleepover at the farm. Three one-week sessions, July 12-16, 19-23 and 26-30 held Mon.-Wed. from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Thu. 9 a.m.-Fri. 3 p.m. $210 per week. Farm is accessible to campers with some special needs.

Cool Places, Rocky Hill School, 530 Ives Rd., East Greenwich. 884-9070. Ages 5-9 explore natural environments including salt and fresh water marshes, salt ponds, beaches and woodlands. Session I, July 5-9; Session II, July 12-16; Session III, July 26-30. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $180.

Forensic Science Summer Program, Roger Williams University, One Old Ferry Rd., Bristol. 276-4846. Students entering grades 8-11 learn, in hands-on sessions, how law enforcement uses science in criminal investigations. Listen to professionals discuss their trade, and participate in a mock trial. Instruction, materials, use of labs and equipment, field trips, recreation, lodging and meals included. June 19-25. Price to be determined. Call 276-4846 or e-mail kosborne [at] rwu.edu.

EcoTarium, A Center for Environmental Exploration, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester, Mass. (508) 929-2700; fax (508) 929-2701. Loring Summer Discovery Camp for ages 7-12. Three sessions, $460 each session ($410 members). Registration ends May 31. Amazing Animals, July 5-16. Fantastic Forests, July 19-30. Wild World of Water, Aug. 2-13. Leaders in Training for ages 13-15, $225; Counselors in Training for ages 16-18, volunteer opportunities. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., with extended hours options available.

Frosty Drew Nature Center's Nature Weeks, Ninigret Park, Charlestown. A maximum of 12 children, ages 6-10, explore Ninigret Salt Pond and National Wildlife Refuge with experienced naturalists. Weekly July and August, Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Daily swim. Weekly themes. Campers take home birdhouse they build themselves and develop a personal nature journal. $125. Call 364-9508.

Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology Summer Camps, Mount Hope Grant, 300 Tower St., Bristol. 253-8388. For ages 8-12, Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Uncovering the Past, July 12-16. Calling all future archaeologists! Learn how archaeology works. Activities include surveying techniques, examining stone tools, "reading" animal bones, building your own Paleolithic fireplace, playing a stratigraphy game, examining garbage, exploring tree rings, and more. Members $125; nonmembers $150. Culture Caravan! For ages 5-8, Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-noon. July 19-23. Explore five different cultures through crafts, games and music. Members $110; nonmembers $135.

Health Careers Exploratory Camp, July 19-30, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m., at St. Luke's Hospital, 101 Page St., New Bedford. $300 per week; $600 total. Ages 14-16 have shadowing experiences in the following health-care areas: obstetrical units (labor and delivery, nurseries, postpartum), pediatrics, ER, diagnostic imaging, physical rehabilitation, operating room. Campers receive training in CPR (adults and children), basic first aid, vital signs and infant care. Call (508) 748-9933.

History Adventure Camps, South County Museum, Narragansett. Day camps for ages 8-14 revolving around historical topics. 9 a.m. to noon, Wed.-Fri. Special needs children welcome. $85 ($65 museum members) per session. Smithy Camps I, II: students learn the art and skills of blacksmithing. July 14-16 or Aug. 25-27. Digging Up History: Join in a re-created archaeology dig on the SCM grounds. Junior Historian's Camp: Learn the 19th-century skills that go into being a young guide and interpreter at SCM. Students explore many traditional arts. July 7-9. Ahoy Ye Mateys: Campers investigate the rich past of Rhode Island's coastline. They look at knot tying, lighthouses, and life on a whaling ship. July 21-23. Sheep to Shawl: At Fiber Arts Center, campers are introduced to drop spindle spinning, wool dyeing, and weaving and make projects to take home. Aug. 6-8. Intermediate Smithy Camp: Graduates of last summer's Smithy Camp learn new blacksmithing skills. Aug. 4-6. A Soldier's Life for Me: Campers join a Civil War "encampment" at the SCM, deciphering codes and learning Civil War drills and marches. Aug. 18-20. Call 783-5400; visit online at www.southcountymuseum.org; or e-mail info [at] southcountymuseum.org.

Kinex Creations, Rocky Hill School, 530 Ives Rd., East Greenwich. 884-9070. Explore the world of mechanical people and clever inventions. Ages 5-10. June 28-July 2, 9 a.m.-noon. $115.

Learning Without Walls, The Wheeler School, 216 Hope St., Providence. 528-2100. Ages 14-15, June 28-July 2. Campers build and launch a variety of rockets. $425. Visit www.wheelerschool.org/extprograms.

Lego Explorers, Rocky Hill School, 530 Ives Rd., East Greenwich. 02818. 884-9070. Students create structures related to a daily theme. Ages 5-10. June 28-July 2, 12:30-3:30 p.m. $115.

The Lloyd Center's Summer Program in Coastal Studies, 430 Potomska Rd., South Dartmouth, Mass. (508) 990-0505. Environmental activities for ages 5-8 are Mondays and Tuesdays or Wednesdays and Thursdays 9:30-noon. Among the many topics are Slugs 'n' Bugs, Water Whiz and Be A Wild Child! $30 per two-day session for members; $40 nonmembers. Programs for older children: Diamonds in the Rough, grades 6-8, June 28-July 2, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. $250; $225 members. Campers seek the elusive turtle called the Northern Diamondback Terrapin. Creatures of the Night, grades 6-8, June 28-July 1, 5-10 p.m. Join one or all four evening explorations: Monday is Astronomy, Tuesday is Biolumenescence, Wednesday is Nocturnal Animals, and Thursday is Moonlight Canoeing. One night: $25; $20 members. All 4: $90; $75. Fresh 'n' Salty, grades 5-6, July 6-16, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Explore fresh- and saltwater habitats through canoeing, snorkeling, swimming and day trips. $400; $360 members. Coastal Kayak Adventure, grades 8-10, July 19-23, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. $250; $225 members. Learn to kayak while exploring rivers and estuaries; also learn map and compass techniques. Paddling the Pawcatuck, grades 8-10, July 26-30, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. $265; $240 members. A canoe and camping expedition including 3-night overnight. Freshwater Wetlands: grades 4-5, Aug. 2-13, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. $400; $360 members. Explore ponds, swamps, marshes, bogs and rivers. Marine Biology, grades 7-8, Aug. 2-13. $400; $360 members. Hands-on exploration of the ocean and coast through snorkeling, canoeing and collecting organisms; includes overnight camp-out. Orienteering Expedition, grades 7-10, Aug. 16-20, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Learn survival skills, how to set up an orienteering course, and have an overnight. $250; $225 members.

Mystic Aquarium Summer Camps, Mystic, Conn. (860) 572-5955, ext. 520. Summer Day Camp Programs: Beginner Beach Walks, ages 3 and 4. July 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16. 10 a.m.-noon. $22 per child/adult members; $30 per child/adult nonmembers. Down By The Sea, ages 3 and 4. June 28, 29, 30. Aug. 2,3, 4. Camp will run from 9-11 a.m. $60 per child/adult members; $75 per child/adult nonmembers. Summer Seafari Day Camps, ages 5-8. Sea Urchins, ages 5-6, 8:30 a.m.-noon, Sea Lions, ages 7-8, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. June 28-30, July 1-2; July 5-9; July 19-23; Aug. 2-6; Aug. 9-13. Sea Urchins $195 members; $225 nonmembers. Sea Lions, $295 members; $335 nonmembers. Jason Explorers, ages 9 to 12, July 5-9, July 19-23, Aug. 9-13. 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Member cost $300; nonmembers $350. Camp for Girls, ages 9-12. Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. June 28-30, July 1-2, July 12-16, July 26-30, Aug. 2-6. $300 members; $350 nonmembers. Future Marine Scientists, ages 14-17, Mon.-Tues. 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; Thursday 8:30-sleep overnight, Friday until noon. July 12-16, July 26-30. $375 members; $395 nonmembers. Overnight Summer Camp Programs: Marine Madness, ages 11 to 13. July 5-9, July 11-16, July 18-23, July 25-30, Aug. 1-6, Aug. 8-13, Aug. 15-20. $595 ($550 week of July 5-9). Paddlin' To The Sea, ages 13-16, July 11-16, Aug. 8-13, $550.

Nature Summer Camps, two offerings from South Kingstown Parks and Recreation, 325 Columbia St., Peace Dale. 789-9301. Wet 'n' Wild Nature Camp, ages 7-12 explore everything wet, in field trips from wetlands to oceans, including a day aboard the motorized Sea Princess. Aug. 16-20, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $145 for residents of South Kingstown; $155 nonresidents. Mystery Science Camp, ages 10-14 solve mysteries using science and ecology in hands-on activities. July 26-30, 9 a.m.-noon, except Friday until 1 p.m. $80 residents of South Kingstown; $90 nonresidents. Scholarships available for South Kingstown children. Registration begins March 20.

The Norman Bird Sanctuary, 583 Third Beach Rd., Middletown. 846-2577. Nature-oriented camp for pre-school through grade 8, June 21-Aug. 20. Preschoolers With Parents, ages 3-5 (not for kindergartners) is $50 ($40 members); Fledgling Camp for ages 4-5, $55 ($45 members); Nature Day Camp for ages 5 or older entering grades K-4, $185 ($165 members); Explorers for campers entering grades 5-7, $185 ($165 members); Summer Challenge for youths entering grades 6-8, $235 ($210 members); Island Investigators for youths entering grades 6-8, $205 ($185 members). Scholarships available. Registration for members began March 1.

Oceanography Explorer Day Camp, Office of Marine Programs, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett. 874-6211. Four-day camps, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with daily field trips to coastal areas, laboratory activities at URI's Graduate School of Oceanography and a trip aboard a coastal vessel. Session I: July 6-9. For students entering grades 6-8. $280. Session II: July 13-16, for students entering grades 4-5. $280. Session III: July 20-23, for students entering grades 6-8. $280. Beachcombing For Kids/Session I: June 12, 10-noon. Session II: July 17, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Session III: Aug. 14, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Educational beachcombing experience for children of all ages (must be accompanied by an adult). Free, advance registration is required. Meet at Fort Getty State Park, Jamestown.

Potter Hill Summer Nature Camp, 537 Old North Rd., Kingston. Nature camp for ages 4-10 on a 20-acre site includes songs, games, water play, pond mucking, hiking and crafts. July 5-9 is Donkeys, Chickens and Cows Oh My! a hands-on farming experience in conjunction with the South County Museum. July 12-16 is Blossoms and Beetles, a historical garden project in cooperation with the Master Gardeners Association. Learn about plants and discover creatures that live in the garden. July 19-23 is Adventures in Art, dedicated to exploring many levels of the arts such as sculpting, beeswax, nature art and drama. $210 per week ($20 discount if registered by March 30). Call 783-2233.

The Providence Maritime Heritage Foundation Summer Cadet Program. Operators of the Continental Sloop Providence, ages 12-15, to become members of the crew. Cadets live aboard the sloop and sail wherever she sails, up the New England Coast and through Long Island Sound. Five one-week slots start July 5. Registration is on a rolling basis. Cost is $1,000 per week, and includes instruction, accommodations, food, uniform and cadet manual. E-mail info [at] sloopprovidence.org to sign up. See Web site at www.sloopprovidence.org, or phone 274-7447 in the spring.

Roger Williams Marine Biology Camp, One Old Ferry Rd., Bristol. 254-3108. For high school students who have completed a course in biology. Introductory program in coastal ecosystems, including field trips to marshes, rocky coast, tide pools, salt ponds and barrier beaches. Students use a variety of techniques to gather samples for analysis. Instruction, materials, use of labs and equipment, field trips, lodging and meals. Two sessions, July 25-31 and Aug. 1-7. Call the Science Department at Roger Williams University at 254-3108 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays. Visit online at http://department.rwu.edu/biology/summercamp.html.

Roger Williams Park Zoocamp, Elmwood Avenue, Providence. All 10 one-week sessions for ages 6-14 have already been filled; no more names are being taken for the waiting list. Registration for summer Zoocamp in 2005 will begin in January. To be put on next year's mailing list, please call 785-3510, ext. 351, in December 2004.

Science Camp, Jewish Community Center of R.I., 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence. 861-8800. Contact Claudia Fiks (e-mail cfiks [at] jccri.org). Aug. 2-6. $250; $225 members. Grades 1-3 interact with nature, learn about conservation, hold science fair at end of week.

S.E.A. Critters Kids Camp, Rocky Hill School, 530 Ives Rd., East Greenwich. 884-9070. Ages 4-8. Little S.E.A. Critters, ages 4-5. Six sessions from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 21-25, June 28-July 2, July 5-9, July 12-16, July 19-23, July 26-30. $190 per week. Big S.E.A. Critters, ages 6-8. Six sessions from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., June 21-25, June 28-July 2, July 5-9, July 12-16, July 19-23, July 26-30. $190 per week.

Summer Bay Camp, Save the Bay, 434 Smith St., Providence. 272-3540, ext. 139. Campers learn about Narragansett Bay in week-long sessions aboard Save the Bay's research vessel, Alletta Morris, and on the beaches. Session 1: North Kingstown, July 12-16, grades 4-5; Session 2: North Kingstown, July 19-23, grades 6-7; Session 3: Barrington, July 26-30, grades 4-5; Session 4: Cranston, Aug. 2-6, grades 6-7; Session 5: Newport, Aug. 9-13, grades 4-5; Session 6: Newport, Aug. 16-20, grades 6-7. All sessions 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $195 members; $235 nonmembers. E-mail bbrown [at] savebay.org or visit online at www.savebay.org.

Summer Nature Camp, Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, P.O. Box 122, Mystic, CT 06355. (860) 536-1216. Outdoor natural science exploration and adventure for ages 4-14, including daily field trips. Eleven one-week sessions beginning June 14. Half-day (ages 4-6) $115; full-day (all other ages) $240-$300 per week. Pre- and after-camp programs available.

Summer Science at Project Oceanology, day and residential camps for grades 5-12 designed to nurture interest in and enthusiasm for science and marine environment, on UConn's Avery Point Campus in Groton, Conn., and run by Connecticut's marine science and environmental education organization. Under the guidance of professional marine scientists, campers use equipment such as sediment corers, salinity meters, otter trawls and seine nets. Grades 5-7 study coastal habitats July 4-9, July 18-23, and Aug. 15-20. Grades 7-9 study nearshore habitats July 11-16 and July 25-30. Grades 9-12 study offshore habitats June 27-July 2. Tuition is $525. Visit on the Web at www.oceanology.org; call (800) 364-8472, or e-mail oceanology [at] aol.com.

The Weather Report, Little Compton Community Center. 635-2400. Activities will include recording daily weather events in a variety of ways and learning to use tools that measure sunlight, wind speeds and precipitation. Kids will learn to forecast their own weather reports and make weather crafts. Session I: ages 3-4, Aug. 10-12, 9-11 a.m.; Session II: ages 5-7, Aug. 10-12, 1-3 p.m. $50 members; $60 nonmembers.

Wilderness Adventure, Rocky Hill School, 530 Ives Rd., East Greenwich. 884-9070. Ages 9-13. June 28-July 2. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $330.