Green Valleys Association’s Summer Nature
Day Camps 2012
A Message from the Education Director, Dawn White
GVA has provided nature camps that have enriched the lives of our community’s children for 48 years. As our lives grow busier, we all have to remember to take time to get outside and play in nature - and what can be more fun than enjoying all that nature has to offer at Welkinweir! Parents, grandparents and guardians, we thank you for investing in your children’s nature education through GVA’s nature camps.
Our Camp Mission
GVA’s nature camps encourage children’s natural curiosity of the outdoors by engaging them in fun and educational activities. Our camps are a balance of structure and free play and exploration, and aid children in building social and life skills such as communication, teamwork, and self-confidence.
Our Staff
Nature Camp Counselors are college students (Senior Counselors) with either experience in teaching camps, or are majoring in elementary education, environmental science, or similar studies; and high school students (Junior Counselors) with camp experience. All staff have passed the necessary background checks, are certified in CPR and First Aid, and receive training for camp by GVA’s Education Department.
New this year - GVA’s Counselor in Training (CIT) program for students ages 14 and older. Students gain work experience while training with the Education Director, senior camp staff, and assisting with camp groups. Interested students should contact the Education Director at 610-469-8646.
Camp Details
Nature camps run rain or shine, on a weekly basis, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. A 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. option is available for children age 4 and entering Kindergarten. Eight weeks of camp are offered for children age 4 through 6th grades, with each week having an independent theme. Five of the eight weeks offer adventure-based camps for children entering grades 7 and 8. Campers are split into groups by grade, with age-appropriate activities,
And all groups have a ratio of at least 2 counselors per 12-14 campers. Children are outdoors the majority of the time, with an indoor facility for cooling off and shelter from storms.
Special Activities
Special programs at GVA’s nature camp make our camps unique and create even more memorable experiences for campers of all ages. Each week offers:
Guest Presentations
Each week, one or more guest presenters and instructors are invited based on their expertise on the week’s theme. Presentations may include live animal programs, storytelling, and other demonstrations that get campers involved in learning through fun activities.
Campfire and Smore’s on Fridays
Parents provide the lunches, and GVA provides the dessert, while all campers gather to enjoy toasting marshmallows and making smore’s around a campfire.
Discounts
Register by April 16 and take 5% off your total cost of camp.*
Register for more than one camp week and take 5% off your total cost of camp.*
*Full payment required, see registration forms for details.
Scholarships
GVA believes all children should have the opportunity to experience its nature camps. We work with local foundations and individuals to provide camp scholarships to families in need of support. If you wish to apply for a scholarship, please print the Scholarship Application form on the side panel, complete it in full, and send it to GVA via mail or fax. If you would like to donate to this important program, please see the Scholarship information on the registration forms.
Registration Details
Registration begins on March 5, 2012 for GVA Members and March 26, 2012 for nonmembers.
You can join GVA ($50 membership fee), register early, and receive the membership rates for camp.
NEW! You can now register online by clicking the icon on the side panel of this page. You can also print and mail or fax the registration forms with payment to GVA.
Many camps will fill quickly, so register early to secure spaces in your child’s favorite camps.
There is no registration deadline. Registration remains open as long as spaces are available.
Download 2012 Summer Camp Brochure
Camp Open Houses
Saturday, April 21
and June 2, 2012
9:30-11:00 a.m.
Walk the grounds, see our facilities and talk to the Education Director.
Download Scholarship Application Form
Download the PA Academic Standards addressed in GVA Nature Camps
Download the 2012
Parent Guide