Campers can go on a nature walk and discuss all the things they see such as plants, trees, birds, bugs and wildlife such as squirrels. Camp counselors can explain the differences between certain types of trees and can also show campers how to be on the watch for harmful plants such as poison ivy and poison oak. They can also try to identify different species of birds they may see by sight and also by the sounds the birds make.
Campers can participate in a nature scavenger hunt. The camp counselor or teacher can give each camper a list of items to find, or they may divide the campers up into two groups and each group can get a list of items to find. The first camper or group to find everyone on his list is the winner. Things to put on the list can include items such as bird feathers, animal tracks, clovers, dandelions, leaves of trees native to the area, acorns, pine cones, pine needles, caterpillars, snails, tree bark, rocks, butterflies and even worms and other types of bugs.
Campers can collect a variety of leaves in different colors and shapes from several different trees. They should avoid leaves that are moldy or muddy. To help the leaves to dry and stay flat, place them between two sheets of newspaper and place heavy books on top of them for a few hours. An adult can supervise the actual pressing of the leaves. Get some waxed paper, a hot iron and a flat surface. Place the leaves between the sheets of wax paper and gently press with the iron, moving over the entire leaf for approximately 10 seconds. Allow the leaves to cool completely, and place them in a photo album or scrapbook for display.
Campers will enjoy planting a tree or a flowering bush that they can watch grow day after day. Seedlings, small trees and bushes can be bought at a greenhouse or plant nursery or may even be donated by the Arbor Day Foundation. Campers can help to dig the hole and pour in the potting soil and fertilizer and can also take turns watering the tree.
