Nature Day Camps

Summer Nature Day Camps 2022

Including WILD (Wonder. Investigate. Learn. Discover) Nature Day Camps

Changes and Updates!

In an effort to provide a safe learning environment for your child(ren), we introduced a number of additional protocols in 2021 and will continue with them in 2022.

Below are some highlights.

Increased outdoor time (Yes, more time outside!)
Low camper to instructor ratios
Daily coronavirus (COVID-19) screening
Masks are required when social distancing is not possible
Increased sanitizing
No shared snacks or food
8:30 a.m. Early Drop-Off and 4:30 p.m. Late Pick-Up

To learn more about Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) COVID-19 Policies and Procedures click here:

ABCA COVID-19 Policies and Procedures for Conservation Education (PDF file pending)

One-Day Speciality Summer Nature Day Camps

The Conservation Education Team at Ausable Bayfield Conservation is pleased to announce we are offering one-day specialty summer nature day camps at different conservation areas in our watershed.

The following day camp is now full: Fantastic Fossils
The following day camp is now full: Delightful Decomposers
The following day camp is now full: Marvelous Macros

Tremendous Trees Day Camp at Rock Glen Conservation Area

Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at 9 a.m.

Join Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) conservation education staff for a special one-day Day Camp program at Rock Glen Conservation Area, Arkona. The theme of the day is Trees! $40 for the day.

Marvelous Macros Day Camp at Morrison Dam Conservation Area (MDCA)

Thursday, August 11, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Join Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) conservation education staff for a special one-day Day Camp program at Morrison Dam Conservation Area. The theme of the day is macroinvertebrates (bugs)! $40 for the day.

Wonderful Water Day Camp at Clinton Conservation Area

Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at 9 a.m.

Join Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) conservation education staff for a special one-day Day Camp program at Clinton Conservation Area. The theme of the day is water!
$40 for the day.

Delightful Decomposers Day Camp at Morrison Dam Conservation Area (MDCA)

Friday, August 5, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Beautiful Bugs Day Camp at Clinton Conservation Area

Thursday, August 4, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Join Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) conservation education staff for a special one-day Day Camp program at Clinton Conservation Area. The theme of the day is bugs!
$40 for the day.

Fantastic Fossil Day Camp at Rock Glen Conservation Area (RGCA), Arkona

Wednesday, August 3, 2022 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Join Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) conservation education staff for a special one-day Day Camp program at Rock Glen Conservation Area. The theme of the day is fossils!
$40 for the day.

Explorers Day Camp (Age 6-9)

One week: July 25-29, 2022 * NOW FULL!

Click here to add your camper's name to the waiting list.

Program cost: $186/child

WILD Explorers Day Camp provides campers ages 6-9 the opportunity to explore the natural world at Morrison Dam Conservation Area along the Morrison and MacNaughton Sections of the South Huron Trail.

Pickup and drop-off will be from the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) Administration Centre location at 71108 Morrison Line, east of Exeter.

Ratio:

Two instructors: 16 campers (maximum)
Two instructors: 10 campers (minimum)

Depending on health regulations and staffing capacity in July 2022, we may create two separate cohorts of campers, each of with eight campers or add additional campers.

On the registration form, we would appreciate any suggested names for your child’s group mates.

Adventurers Day Camp (Ages 8-12)

August 15-19, 2022 * NOW FULL!

Click here to add your camper's name to the waiting list.

WILD Adventurers Day Camp provides campers ages 8-12 to explore the natural world at Morrison Dam Conservation Area along the Morrison and MacNaughton Sections of the South Huron Trail.

The campers will also develop team skills and knowledge through week full of fun, engaging, hands-on nature-based activities.

Program Cost: $205/child

Ratio:

Two instructors: 16 campers (maximum)
Two instructors: 10 campers (minimum)

Depending on health regulations and staffing capacity in July 2022, we may create two separate cohorts of campers, each of with eight campers or add additional campers.

On the registration form, we would appreciate any suggested names for your child’s group mates.

Litterless Lunch

We are committed to the environment and reducing our impact on the Earth! To help us with this commitment please bring food and drinks in reusable containers, with each container clearly labeled with your camper’s name. Recycling and composting facilities are available on site.

As you sign your child into camp each day, we will verbally verify that there are no nuts/nut products in your child’s lunch or snack. If there has been an oversight and there are nuts/nut products, we will request that these be removed.

At snack and lunch times, camp staff will also check with children to ensure there are no nuts. If a child has an item that contains nuts, a separate area for eating nuts/nut products will be available to the child. Children who have consumed nuts will also be asked to thoroughly wash their hands afterwards.

Typical Day

A typical day begins at 9:00 a.m. and finishes at 4:00 p.m.

Qualified and experienced instructors will build a connection between our child and our local environment by sharing natural history knowledge through exploratory adventures, games, and other activities. Most of the time, campers will be in one group but some activities will be completed in smaller groups.

A Typical Day at Camp (schedule may change slightly from day to day)
8:45	9:00	Drop-Off
9:00	9:30	Welcome and “Get to know you activity”
9:30	11:00	Block 1 Themed Lesson & Outdoor Skill Development
11:00	11:45	Snack and Free Play
11:45	1:45	Block 2 Themed Games & Activities
1:45	2:30	Snack and Free Play
2:30	4:00	Block 3 30 min Themed Games & Activities 30 min Nature Appreciation 30 min Campfire
*4:00*		*Pick-up*

Daily Themes

Summer Nature Day Camp is a great place to explore and learn about the living natural world! Each day, will we explore a new topic to help build our connection with the local environment.

Drop-off and Pickup

Please park your car in the main parking lot at 71108 Morrison Line, RR 3 Exeter, Ontario and walk your child to sign them in and out.

Drop-off is between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. and pickup is between 4:00 and 4:30 p.m.

On the first day, please ensure you meet with one of the camp staff to introduce your child and remind us of anything we should know about them

Please sign your child in and out by initialing the printed copy of the Sign In/Out/Emergency Contact Sheet