Home

Vision

Bylaws

History

Outdoor School

Newsletter

Programs

People

Maps

Membership

Links

Where could you ride on a Skipjack, send a secret message by homing pigeon, bike to a beaver dam, race a homemade boat, make your own sweep net, or camp out overnight? The answer is Fair Hill Nature Center summer camp.

Week one of camp began with an expanded version of "The Chesapeake Bay Starts Here." Campers traveled to the headwaters of the Big Elk in nearby Pennsylvania and followed it down to where if flows into the Elk River below Elkton. They observed different land uses along the river and toured the Elkton drinking water treatment facility and the Elkton wastewater treatment facility located along its banks. The latter earned "best activity" of the day or "least liked activity, " but all agreed it was stinky! This camp was partially funded by a grant from the Chesapeake Bay Trust. The Trust receives support through donations via the tax checkoff on the Maryland State Income Tax form, sales of the "Treasure the Chesapeake" commemorative Bay license plate, private donations, memorial gifts and support from the business community.

In week two Wilderness Adventure campers assembled an emergency kit, practiced filtering drinking water, and set up our own tents at the McCloskey site. We enjoyed hotdogs, marsh mallows and games before settling in for the night. Even a summer evening thunderstorm never dampened our spirits.

A new offering this year, "Nature Wizards," explored the real magic in nature with a Harry Potter theme. Dr. Don Fieldhouse taught us about carnivorous plants and we mixed up potions of slime and giant bubbles. A special thanks to Bob Lydum of Agilent Technologies for supplying us with our pellet dissection kits.

Everyone beat the heat by wading into the stream to explore its inhabitants. This was listed on camp evaluations as a highlight each week along with making T-shirts and "anything with snakes."

Parents said that they most appreciated the educational hands-on activities that maintained their child's enthusiasm. They also gave us some great suggestions for next year. Thanks to all who responded with ideas.

Staff are now enjoying a brief vacation period before gearing up for the opening of school in late August. A cool fall leaf walk sure sounds inviting right now. We have one planned in October so make plans to join us!

Complete Newsletter PDF