Published: Jun 28, 2013 | 21:09 PM

Irvine Ranch Water District San Joaquin Marsh is the Place for Summer Camp

Although spring is here, it’s already time to begin planning summer camp at the Irvine Ranch Water District San Joaquin Marsh. Options abound, these unique camps are provided by both the Discovery Science Center and the Sea and Sage Audubon Society.

“Our summer programs serve various age ranges of children and offer a wonderful place to spend the summer,” said Shannon Reed, IRWD Public Affairs Manager. “These very popular camps mix fun with learning.”

The Discovery Science Center is partnering with IRWD to offer seven one-week sessions of summer camp programs for children ages five through 10 designed to enhance enjoyment of the great outdoors.

Youngsters five and six years old will delight in the “Summer Smiles” camp. They will explore safe, fun science topics and investigate the world of frogs, leaves, butterflies and dirt. They will use magnifiers to study butterfly wings, concoct gooey slime, paint leafy prints and grind their own colorful sand. They will explore the San Joaquin Marsh’s ponds and wildlife during short hikes. A highlight is constructing an edible aquifer using ice cream, soda and chocolate chips.

“Summer Smiles” meets Monday through Friday during the weeks of July 9, August 13 and August 20. Camp hours are 9 a.m. through 12:30 p.m.

“Project Discovery” allows future engineers and builders ages seven through 10 to participate in such challenging activities as building a wind-powered car, dropping an egg without breaking it and constructing a catapult. The creations will be tested in a camp-wide competition. Discover how fun chemistry can be by performing a series of exciting experiments and much more. Campers will also investigate the secrets of the solar system and a take a close look at earth, starting with a drop of water. Sessions are Monday through Friday during the weeks of July 16, July 23, July 30 and August 6. Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

“Campers experience the atmosphere of the marsh and they will enjoy activities to enhance their learning experience,” said Discovery Science Center Vice President of Education Janet Yamaguchi. 

Space is limited, so register today by calling (714) 913-5030 or by visiting www.discoverycube.org.

Sea and Sage Audubon has provided a variety of summer camps since the early 1990s. Fledgling Camp focuses on seven and eight-year-olds and takes place June 25-29; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Beginning birders will sharpen observational skills on daily nature walks and learn to keep a birding journal. They will also have fun playing games, learning songs and doing crafts.

Nine to 12-year-olds will enjoy the Marsh Bird Camp. Sessions are the weeks of June 25 and July 9, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Campers will explore all aspects of marsh bird life, take daily nature walks, see live hawks and owls from a rehabilitator, paint a birdhouse, keep a nature journal, do crafts and much more.

Birds, Bugs and Blossoms Camp is for campers 11 years and older and takes place the week of July 16, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This camp will cover birds, bugs and native plants of the neighborhood. It will include a daily nature walk, an off-site field trip, nature craft activities, learning bird sounds and a scavenger hunt on the last day.

Please visit the Sea and Sage Audubon website for information on how to register for camp.

For more information about the IRWD Education and Community Programs, please visit our website.

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