New! Travel camp takes kids on kayak excursions, sailing adventures, and nature explorations across the state!

For more than 30 years, Audubon Summer Nature Camps have provided kids with a better understanding and awareness of the environment through hands-on, environmental education. Children are given the opportunity to develop and understand the relationship between themselves and the natural world. Year after year, campers connect with nature and build a sense of respect and responsibility towards the environment through exciting learning experiences. Camp experiences include habitat exploration, hikes, nature studies, animal interviews, games, crafts and more.

Presented with opportunities for leadership and growth, kids explore the natural world with caring, competent role models who guide them through developmentally appropriate activities.

Audubon maintains a low camper-to-staff ratio, ensuring a quality and safe experience for every child. All instructors are experienced in the fields of environmental studies as well as education and have extensive experience working with children.

Nature Day Camps run for one-week sessions, beginning June 25 and ending August 17. Children in pre-k to grade 7 attend camps at one of the following Audubon sites located throughout Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts: the Environmental Education Center in Bristol; Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge in Smithfield, Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge in Exeter; or Caratunk Wildlife Refuge in Seekonk, MA. Audubon also offers unique programs such as travel, night and family camps.

Audubon Society of Rhode Island’s Summer Nature Camps have earned Accredited Camp Status from the American Camping Association.

For complete camp schedules, down-loadable camp forms, locations, and additional information regarding cancellation policies, medical forms and immunizations go to www.asrieec.org/sumercamp.htm or call (401) 949-5454 ext. 3014.

Audubon Summer Nature Camp schedule is as follows:

Early Birds for Ages 3 - 5
Take an adventure with your young child this summer. This unique camp experience guides you through a fascinating exploration of the natural world. Circle time, short hikes, nature exploration, stories, and crafts will complement each day's theme.

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Fees: $145 member team of 2; $195 non-member team of 2
Add $55 per additional child (maximum team of 3)

Fledglings for Ages 5 - 6
Is your child ready to fledge from the nest this summer? Fledglings is designed for young children that are ready for camp but not quite for a full day. So ease your child into the camp experience by enrolling in this half-day camp that focuses on mini-hikes, nature studies, stories, games, and crafts.

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Fee: $145 member; $195 non-member

Family Camp
Ages 3 – Adult

Family camp is a wonderful opportunity for family members to learn about nature together. Each day a different nature topic will be explored. There will be hikes, habitat explorations, crafts, animal presentations, and other fun activities to engage all ages.

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Fees: $145 member family of 2; $195 non-member family of 2
Note: Add $55 per additional family member (maximum family of 4)

Camps for Grades K - 1
Audubon offers three different themed camps for children in grades K-1. Each allows campers to enjoy hands-on nature explorations, habitat studies, games, crafts, and more. Campers can enroll in more than one camp session, as they are all slightly different.

Wonders of Nature
This camp theme highlights a variety of nature topics. Each day will be filled with surprises.

Animal Homes
Animal Homes focuses on local habitats such as forests, fields, and even the canopy. Campers will discover the plants and animals that live in each habitat they explore.

Explore the Shore
This theme introduces students to Narragansett Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and the inhabitants that call these waters home.

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Fee: $195 member; $235 non-member

Camps for Grades 2 - 3
Audubon offers three themed camps for children in grades 2-3. Each allows campers to enjoy hands-on nature explorations, habitat studies, games, crafts, and more. Campers can enroll in more than one camp session, as they are all slightly different.

Wildlife Discovery
This camp concentrates on general nature studies. Campers will be led on a new discovery each day.

Habitat Investigations
This theme focuses on local habitats such as wetlands, saltwater marshes, and even the forest. Campers will investigate the plants and animals that live in each habitat they explore.

Coastal Explorations
Coastal Explorations takes campers to the shores of Narragansett Bay to study the Bay and Ocean habitats as well as the creatures that live there.

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Fee: $195 member; $235 non-member

Camps for Grades 3 - 6
Nature Art
Nature Art Camp offers campers the opportunity to combine their creative side with their interest in nature. Natural history observations and explorations will be expressed through different artistic mediums.

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Fee: $195 member; $235 non-member

Camps for Grades 4 – 6
Explorers & Marine Explorers
The goal of Explorer camps is to encourage older campers to learn about the natural world through hands-on explorations and projects, advanced environmental and habitat studies, hikes, research, visits from professional guest speakers, and a few crafts. Marine Explorers at the Environmental Education Center specifically concentrates on Narragansett Bay and marine life. Note: Both camps feature a late day/night program at the end of the week.

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (M, T, W, & Th)
3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Friday
Fee: $195 member; $235 non-member

Night Camp
Stay up late and explore nature’s nocturnal world. There will be night hikes, games, owl prowls, wildlife explorations, and many other fun activities while campers learn about how creatures adapt to the night. This camp is only offered at the Caratunk Wildlife Refuge in Seekonk, MA.

Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Fee: $145 member; $195 non-member

Camps for Grades 5 - 7
Traveling Nature Camp
Take a road trip with Audubon! Each day campers will travel to different locations around the state including other Audubon wildlife refuges to learn about biodiversity, organic farming, Narragansett Bay, watersheds, recycling, and much more. All activities are fun and encourage learning through active participation. A highlight of the week includes kayaking on the Wood-Pawcatuck River.

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Fee: $350 members; $390 non-members

Registration Information:

Audubon will accept mail-in or faxed registrations that are postmarked and fax-dated no earlier than March 3, 2008. Photocopies of registration forms are accepted. Phone registrations will be taken after April 14, 2008. Telephone and fax registrations are accepted with credit card information. Phone: (401) 949-5454 ext. 3014 Fax: (401) 949-5788

Please mail registration forms to: ASRI, Education Department, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI, 02917 Phone: (401) 949-5454 ~ Fax: (401) 949-5788
www.asri.org email: audubon@asri.org

A complete listing of activities and programs are detailed in the summer Audubon Nature Tours and Programs, a free, 36-page guide to connecting with the natural world. To request your copy of Audubon Nature Tours and Programs, please contact the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, (401)-949-5454 or visit www.asri.org.

July 2, 2008 Kayak Explorations Sunset in Blue Belle Cove
Blue Belle Cove, Portsmouth, RI 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Blue Belle Cove is one of the Eastern Mountain Sports Kayak School teaching locations. It is a great place to get out on the water and explore. This trip is an evening adventure for those who are not able to join our usual weekend trips. Come and watch the sunset while sitting in a kayak with great blue heron, egrets and osprey all around you.
Program Fee: $48/member, $55/non-member; Ages: 15+. Course Number: 164333-27. To register call (401) 949-5454, ext. 3041 or email programs@asri.org

July 3, 2008 Narragansett Bay Lighthouse Cruise Wickford, Rhode Island 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Join Audubon aboard the motor vessel Sea Princess for a

scenic tour of the lighthouses of the upper bay. Featuring the story of the newly restored Plum Beach Lighthouse, we'll also visit Dutch Island Light, Jamestown Light, Wickford Light and others. The crew is full of stories of shipwrecks and disasters – and other mishaps on the water that the lighthouses averted. For added enjoyment, pack a dinner and bring it along. Space is limited so please register early! Departs from the Wickford Town Dock located at the end of Main Street.
Program Fee: $28/member, $38/non-member; Ages: 13+. Course Number; 134333-91. To register call (401) 949-5454, ext. 3041 or email programs@asri.org

July 5, 2008 Meet and Greet with Barbara Gee  Book Signing Audubon Environmental Education Center  Bristol, RI 11:00 a.m.  – 1:00 p.m.
Barbara Gee, well known writer and author from Portsmouth, Rhode Island, will be signing copies of her newly released book: The Rhode Island Gardener’s Companion: An Insider’s Guide to Gardening in the Ocean State on July 5 at the Audubon Environmental Education Center in Bristol. She is Rhode Island Editor for the northeast gardening magazine, People, Places & Plants, and has contributed to Southern New England HOME, Yankee magazine, Newport Life, Rhode Island Home, Living & Design and many others.
Audubon Environmental Education Center; Program Fee: Free with the price of admission.

July 5, 2008 Butterflies of the Newman Refuge Smithfield, RI 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
The Ethel M.C. Newman Wildlife Sanctuary, one of Audubon’s newest refuges, is a haven for butterflies. Swallowtails, Fritillaries, Painted Ladies, and Sulphurs are just some of the butterflies that may be spotted on this guided walk with Audubon naturalists. This program is suitable for novices and experts alike. Bring water, sun protection and tick repellent. Binoculars will be helpful. Meet at Audubon headquarters on Sanderson Road, Smithfield. Rain date: July 6, 2008. Contact Eugenia Marks before 9:15 a.m. to confirm if trip is happening: 272-8424.
Leave from Powder Mill Ledges, Smithfield, RI; Program Fee: $3/member, $5/non-member; Ages: All. Course Number: 114333-901. To register call (401) 949-5454, ext. 3041 or email programs@asri.org.

July 10, 2008
Audubon Lecture Encounters with New England's Most Imperiled Wildlife  Audubon Environmental Education Center  Bristol, RI 7:00 p.m.
Rhode Island-based author Todd McLeish will discuss the lives of some of New England's rarest wildlife, from bats and beetles to birds and butterflies, all of which are included in his new book Golden Wings and Hairy Toes. Mr. McLeish will elaborate on the threats these animals face and the dedicated biologists working to protect them, while also sharing his exciting adventures seeking these creatures in the wild. He will be available to sign books after the lecture. Program Fee: $7/member adult, $8/non-member adult; Ages: Adult. Course Number: 164333-26. To register call (401) 949-5454, ext. 3041 or email programs@asri.org.

July 12 & 26, 2008 Summer Saunters Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge Seekonk, MA 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Join Audubon on this leisurely hike and discover the beauty that abounds during the summer months at the Caratunk Wildlife Refuge. Nesting birds, butterflies, dragonflies, wildflowers and much more are waiting for discovery.
July 12, 2008; Course Number: 014333-016
July 26, 2008; Course Number: 014333-017
Program Fee: $8/member adult, $4/member child; $12/non-member adult, $6/non-member child. Ages: 5+.
To register call (401) 949-5454, ext. 3041 or email programs@asri.org.

July 15, 2008 Kimball MoonWalk Audubon Kimball Wildlife Refuge Charlestown, RI 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
No, Bob Kenney will not be dancing like Michael Jackson, but he will take you on an evening exploration of the Kimball trails under the light of an almost full moon. Often the busiest time of day in the summer woods is the evening, when birds, mammals, and insects get active as the temperature cools. Sunset will be at 8:18 p.m., and the moon will rise at 6:47 p.m. Expect mosquitoes (long pants and insect repellent are advisable), and a flashlight might be helpful. Program Fee: $8/member adult, $4/member child; $12/non-member adult, $6/non-member child; Ages: All. Course Number: 044166-73. To register call (401) 949-5454, ext. 3041 or email programs@asri.org.

July 15 & 16, 2008 Audubon Environmental Book Club Smithfield, RI Bristol, RI 7:00 –  8:30 p.m.
Enjoy selected books and essays on contemporary environmental issues and join lively, spirited discussions on their content with members of Audubon’s Environmental Book Club. The chosen book for July is Control of Nature by John McPhee, a 1999 Pulitzer Prize winner.

The Club meets monthly - alternating between reading essays and books selected by the group. Discussion is relaxed and friendly, with no prior environmental knowledge necessary. Discussions are led by staff from the Audubon Policy Department who has a broad knowledge of environmental issues. The Club aims for stimulating, lively discussion about contemporary environmental topics. Light refreshments are served.

The Bristol Book Club meets the third Tuesday of the month, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., at the Audubon Environmental Education Center. The next meeting is July 15. The Smithfield group meets the third Wednesday of the month, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., at Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge. They will meet on July 16.
Program fee: free; Ages: Teen and Adult. Contact July Lewis for more information and to receive email announcements of upcoming readings: jlewis@asri.org or 949-5454 x3044. Essays are available either electronically or in paper form from the club.

July 17, 2008 Summer Stroll Audubon Fort Nature Refuge North Smithfield, RI 10:00 a.m.  – Noon
Summer is a wonderful time to stroll along the trails. Come observe the plants and look for signs of wildlife. If you wish, bring your favorite binoculars. Wear sturdy shoes. Trails are easy with gentle rolling, but uneven terrain. Younger children are welcome, but we will be walking over a mile and a half, and the trails are not stroller-friendly. Program Fee: $8/member adult, $4/member child; $10/non-member adult, $5/non-member child; Ages: 7+. Course Number: 154333-201. To register call (401) 949-5454, ext. 3041 or email programs@asri.org.

July 19, 2008 Butterflies of the Great Swamp Great Swamp Management Area South Kingstown, RI 10:00 a.m. –  1:00 p.m.
The Great Swamp is one of the best places in Rhode Island to observe butterflies! Naturalist Walter Bosse leads this walk, where if conditions are good, you can expect to find about 20 species of butterflies. This program is suitable for novices and experts alike. Bring water, snack, sun protection and insect repellent. Binoculars will be helpful. Meet in the Great Swamp Management Area parking lot off Liberty Lane/Great Neck Road. Rain date: July 20, 2008. Contact Walter Bosse to confirm if trip is happening: 658-1164 or wfbosse@cox.net
Program Fee: $3/member, $5/non-member; Ages: All. Course Number: 104333-901.
To register call (401) 949-5454, ext. 3041 or email programs@asri.org.

July 19, 2008 Introduction to Tree Identification Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge Smithfield, RI 10:00 a.m. - Noon
Learn to recognize major families of trees and shrubs as well as a number of common species in the wild and home landscape. Invasive species and good choices of plantings to attract wildlife will also be discussed. Dress for the weather.
Program Fee: $8/member adult, $12/non-member adult; Ages: Adult. Course Number: 114333-202. To register call (401) 949-5454, ext. 3041 or email programs@asri.org.

July 24 & August 21, 2008 At Night Outdoors at the Movies Audubon Environmental Education Center  Bristol, RI 8:00 p.m.
Remember your favorite nature show growing up? Bring the brood and join us for a special movie night OUTDOORS! Relive your childhood and share memories with your family and friends. Episodes of the nature shows you grew up with will be featured - “Flipper” the classic 1960’s TV show and the original “Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom.” Bring your blanket, lawn chairs, snacks and relax as you watch a classic nature show outside under the stars. In case of inclement weather the movie will be moved inside to the auditorium.
July 24, 2008: Flipper; August 21, 2008: Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom; Program Fee: $10.00 donation for a family of four; Ages: All. Course Number: 164333-25. To register call (401) 949-5454, ext. 3041 or email programs@asri.org 12 Sanderson Road ~ Smithfield, RI 02917-2600 ~ Phone: (401) 949-5454 ~ Fax: (401) 949-5788
www.asri.org email: audubon@asri.org