In just a few weeks, schools around northwest Indiana will be ringing their final dismissal bells. As a result, officially signifying the start of summer break.
This is a time when students anxiously await summer. During this time, the Dunes Learning Center’s staff are busy lacing up their hiking boots. In addition, they are gathering ingredients for s’mores as they prepare for summer campers.
“Summer is almost here, and we can’t wait for beach days, tie-dye, and lightning bugs!” said Education Director Erin Crofton. Both day camp and week-long overnight programs are offered for students ages 5 through 17.
Activities for campers include exploration of the national park, campfire sing alongs. Parents will be glad to know that kids will also experience leadership and wilderness skill building skills.
“At Dunes Camp, kids are unplugged from technology,” Crofton said. “Kids today spend so much time in front of screens – as much as six hours a day. ”
Many times, screen time is traded for green time like hikes, outdoor games, and swimming in the lake. It’s a great chance for kids to explore our country’s newest National Park!
The Chellberg Farm Camp, a day program for ages 5 to 8, offers campers the opportunity to interact with the farm’s animals, explore the surrounding forest and play games as they learn about life at the farm.
Scholarships for overnight camps are available for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch during the school year. “Donors such as BP America, Cargill, Foundations of East Chicago, Friends of Indiana Dunes and Legacy Foundation support our scholarships, ” Grants Specialist Michelle Kreuger said. “We encourage teachers to nominate their students for these opportunities.”
Detailed camp guides, as well as the dates and cost of each program can be found at http://dunescamp.org/summer .
Dunes Learning Center is the nonprofit education partner of the Indiana Dunes National Park. They offer environmental education programs to inspire lasting curiosity and stewardship with nature.
READ MORE OF OUR ENVIRONMENTAL BLOGS:
• Birding in #NWI: https://panoramanow.com/birding-in-northwest-indiana/
• GARDENING, LANDSCAPING, GROWING: https://panoramanow.com/category/gardeninglandscaping/
• INDIANA DUNES: https://panoramanow.com/category/indiana-dunes/
• NATURE: https://panoramanow.com/category/nature/
• PARKS AND RECREATION (BLOGS) https://panoramanow.com/category/parks-recreation/
Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
