Nature Center Summer Camps in full swing

Highlands is well-known for its proximity to nature, with an elevation of over 4,000 feet, Highlands sits right near the crest of the Blue Ridge, and it is surrounded by multiple other mountain ranges such as the Great Smoky Mountains and the Nantahala. With so much nature to explore, it’d be wrong not to take advantage of the opportunities available and that’s exactly what the Highlands Nature Center is doing with their summer nature camps.

The center hosts nine different camps, all of which are currently full, for three different age ranges. Each age range has three different camps to choose from, with the younger aged camps each running two separate sessions.

The camps, Buggy Bonanza, Nature Sensing and Plant Paradise, serve children ages four to six while camps Wilderness Walkers, Aquatic Adventures and Nature Tales serves ages seven to nine and Eco Trekkers: The land that shaped us, Mad Scientists and Eco Trekkers: Water Follies all serve the oldest age group of 10 to 12 years old.

“The Nature Center camps serve ages four to 12 throughout the summer, and really it’s such an asset to the community because childcare is in such high demand here on the plateau,” communications and events coordinator Winter Gary said. “And it’s just amazing to see new campers coming in and learning new things, as well as the campers that come back each year, year to year and you see them grow and start to help other campers and learn more in their abilities.”

Each camp focuses on a specific aspect of nature, whether it be animals, plants, water or the land itself. Campers will be able to learn more about the world around them while simultaneously having the opportunity to explore and connect one-on-one with nature.

“Camps like these give children the opportunity to continue to explore and learn about the natural world, especially with nature camps, and for them to continue to socialize with other children and to grow throughout the summer instead of having that break,” Education Specialist Holly Theobald said. “They’re able to engage with what they learned throughout the school year in the outdoor setting.”

Working with the kids is something Theobald said she enjoys.

“It’s such a pleasure to work with these kids and see them grow even more comfortable with themselves and the natural world,” Theobald said. “It’s always a treat, and it’s part of the reason why I continue to do this season after season.”

The Nature Center’s goal with the camps is to inspire the next generation of scientists and to teach children to be advocates for the natural world. Through education, experimentation and exposure the center teaches children everything from how to identify plants, animals and insects to how to take care of the planet and “leave no trace.”

While spaces are limited, the center hopes that parents will try to sign their child up for next year’s round of camps.

“I think introducing children at a young age to the natural world is an opportunity to have them care for and become advocates for it and to inspire them, especially in such a unique spot as like the Highlands plateau,” Gary said. “So, it kind of inspires them to become advocates for this area and our biodiversity and our animals and plants.”

Prices for the camps range from $120 for ages four to six, $200 for ages seven to nine and $280 for ages 10 to 12. However, members of the biological foundation at the Salamander and Bear Pen Mountain level are eligible to receive $10 off and have access to early registration. Donations of $30 or more to the foundation comes with a complimentary membership and the mentioned benefits. Need-based scholarships are also available thanks to a grant from Cullasaja Women’s Outreach.

To inquire about scholarship eligibility, check membership status or for more information on the nature camps, call 526-2221. Information and a waitlist link for the camps can also be found at highlandsbiological.org/2022camps.

- By Kaylee Cook