ECO OVERNIGHT CAMP
The goal of Ecology Camp Organon (ECO) is to connect children with the environment through authentic research and observation. Hands-on, field-oriented projects will enrich our campers' understanding of our local ecosystem and how micro-systems are interconnected. We will encourage the open discussion of many ecological issues, some controversial, so that campers reach a deeper understanding of the natural world and their role in preserving it, especially here at home on Long Island.
Our campers for ECO are boys and girls, 12 - 15 years old with an expressed interest in environmental science. Most of our campers join us from Long Island, and our community is expanding to include children from New York City, upstate, out-of-state, and abroad. We regret that ECO is not available to children under 12 year-old this year.
Campers will work with instructors to develop life skills, including teamwork and communication. They will spend at least 2 hours ensuring they have a fundamental understanding of basic ecological principles. The week will progress with campers spending over 10 hours developing their understanding of a specific, ecological system on Long Island and performing mitigation to improve the health of that system. While campers are concentrating on their chosen system, instructors will guide discussions on human's relationship with that system: historically, culturally, and economically. The goal is for campers to learn how to debate future resource needs, become more resource conscious at home, and decide upon a conservation project, which could improve some aspect of their hometown environment.
At least four systems will be studied in-depth each session. A maximum of five systems will be studied in-depth in 2010. These systems may include:
- Great Pond Ecology
- Long Island Sound Ecology
- Dune Ecology
- Woodland Ecology
- Shellfish Aquaculture
The ECO curriculum will be developed from a wide range of award winning resources and adapted to suit the environment at Peconic Dunes County Park. We will use material from Project WET, Project WILD Aquatic, Project Learning Tree, Long Island Sound Curricular Resource Guide, 4-H Wetland Wonders, Nature Study Guides, and Energy for Educators.
For the rest of the camp daily schedule, ECO campers will join the Peconic Dunes 4-H Camp's other 110 campers in all the activities offered during "Optionals". All activities and "unstructured" time at Peconic Dunes 4-H Camp has been intentionally structured to develop Life Skills as defined by Hendricks (1996).
The Peconic Dunes ECO program emphasizes challenge, choice, and community:
Community - We all belong to a community and most of us belong to many, including our family, school, and neighborhood. At Peconic Dunes we have our cabin, the Forest, Dunes and Sandcastle villages, and the whole camp. All members of our community are introduced to Peconic Dunes traditions like the opening campfire ceremony, sandsculpture contests, camp blankets, achievement patches, and the Lakota Friendship Circle. Like Millard Fuller, founder of Habitat for Humanity says, we believe that "for a community to be whole and healthy it must be based on people's love and respect for one another."
Challenge - The "Challenge Zone" is where we discover our potential to be greater than we were a moment ago. We find ourselves in the Challenge Zone whenever we're uncertain of our ability to succeed; yet with the support of a parent, teacher, counselor or friend, we choose to confront our personal trial. If we learn something each time we brave a difficult task, we have accomplished at least one part of that mission. We strive to challenge our campers through all activities, and promoting responsibility for oneself and to the community.
Choice - We're constantly working with campers and staff to improve the quality and quantity of choices in our program. In ECO, campers choose one of five (5) projects available for them to focus on for the week. And two (2) Optional periods each day allows campers to choose their favorite outdoor activities to do with their newfound friends. New activities for 2010 include snorkeling, the Expressive Arts House, Dune Ecology, and Woodland Ecology.
SCHOLARSHIPS - Due to support from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, we our proud to offer full camperships this summer. Scholarships are awarded to those who complete an application and score the highest based on a point system. Financial need is rated highest.
Cost is 539/week. Dates are June 27-August 21.
Click here to download the ECO Overnight Camp Schedule
Click here for the ECO Scholarship Application
Click here to register