INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — There are a wide range of summer camps for students of all ages at the Environmental Learning Center this summer. Half-day adventures are offered to children who are entering pre-kindergarten through the 3rd grade. Full day adventures target students entering the 4th through the 12th grades.
The aim of all these programs is to help the student discover and appreciate the variety of living things that populate our Indian River Lagoon, and at the same time, have fun doing it.
There are numerous half-day sessions that run for four consecutive days during June and July.
“Little Wonders” introduces pre-kindergarten and kindergarten children who are at least 4 years old to nature through eco-activities, stories, and crafts.
“Young Explorers” for those entering the 1st grade explores the forests, gardens, and trails on the ELC’s island campus.
“Our Living World” is an opportunity for those entering the 2nd and 3rd grades to learn more about all the plants and animals on the island campus. Participants in the latter program should come ready to get wet!
The cost for each child is $60, or $55 for ELC Members, for the 4-day session.
Numerous full day sessions that run for three days or five days are available for those entering the 4th through 7th grades.
“Island Adventure” for those entering the 4th and the 5th grade, will be spent exploring the barrier island and several islands in the Indian River Lagoon by canoeing, hiking, biking, beachcombing, seining, and boating for three consecutive days. The cost per student is $110, or $100 for ELC Members.
“Week on the Water” is a five-full-day program from June 9 through 13 that has two sections, one for those entering the 4th and 5th grades, and one for those entering the 6th and 7th grades.
Both are very active programs that explore both the Indian River Lagoon and area beaches by field trips and watercraft. The last day ends with field games and an ice cream social with the family. The cost for each camper is $210, $200 for ELC Members, for the 5-day session.
“Marine Safari” for those entering the 6th and the 7th grades will discover marine life through snorkeling, canoeing, beachcombing, and boating. The cost for each student is $120, or $110 for ELC Members, for the 3-day program.
A real adventure is in store for students entering the 8th through the 12th grades. Beginning June 29 at Noon and ending at noon on July 3, the student will spend five days and four nights discovering our local “wild” waters. It is a true camping experience that includes snorkeling, boating, and kayaking. The cost is $395 per student, or $385 for ELC members, for the five-day program.
The complete schedule is available on line at www.DiscoverELC.org. To register for any of the programs or get additional information, call (772)589-5050 ext. 114.
Thanks to generous funding from clubs and individuals, there are a limited number of scholarships available. An application may be requested by calling ELC Naturalist Rosemary Badger at (772) 589-5050 ext. 108.
The Environmental Learning Center is located north of Vero Beach off County Road 510 at the end of the Wabasso Bridge. Its 64-acre campus includes exhibit areas, native plant gardens, picnic facilities, gift shop, and visitor center. ELC membership benefits, a list of its many field excursions, Eco-ventures, including nature walks, canoe excursions, and boating adventures can be found at www.DiscoverELC.org.
Admission is $5 per person, children 12 and under are free, and ELC Members receive free admission year-round. The first Saturday of every month is free to all.