NJ Palisades Park Offers Nature Camp for Kids

The NJ Section of the Palisades Interstate Park is pleased to offer a nature day camp for children ages 8 to 12. Led by the Park’s Trail Crew, the camp will run for five consecutive days from August 22 to 26, 2011, from 9 AM to 3 PM, and will meet at the historic Kearney House at the Alpine Boat Basin & Picnic Area (accessible from PIP Exit 2).

During the week, campers will experience the many features of the New Jersey Palisades through a series of games, hikes, and activities. Participants will learn outdoor survival skills, seine the Hudson River, take a day hike, explore the hidden nooks of the Palisades, and join the Trail Crew for a family campfire on the last evening. This program emphasizes hands-on activities.

Children should wear sturdy footwear, clothing suitable for outdoor activities, and bring their own lunches and water bottles. In case of rain, activities will be held in the Alpine Pavilion.

The cost for the program is $150.00 per child. Children must be dropped off and picked up at the Alpine Boat Basin & Picnic Area. Please be on time, as the group will sometimes leave the meeting place at the start of the program.

Program Schedule:

Monday, August 22: “Outdoor Survival”
Campers will learn outdoor survival skills through a series of games and
activities. Skills include shelter-building, compass-reading, and animal tracking.

Tuesday, August 23: “The Hudson River”
Bring a towel! A day of river seining, knot tying, beachcombing, and nautical navigation.

Wednesday, August 24: “Day Hike”
Campers will embark on a day hike. Along the way we’ll see waterfalls, the
ruins of old mansions, and awesome views of the Hudson from the cliff top.

Thursday, August 25: “The Park in the Past”
Experience a day as if it were the 19th Century. Campers will play games
from the 1800’s, gather water, cook their own lunch (with dessert!), and
explore nearby ruins from centuries ago.

Friday, August 26: “Field Day & Evening Campfire”
Field day activities include games, races, and crafts. The evening campfire
is open to ALL FAMILY MEMBERS of campers. The campfire will begin
at 6 PM with BBQ food, s’mores, and live music!