Campers Entering Grades K & 1

Incredible Insects

Learn about the largest group of animals in the world! Investigate insect characteristics and then go outdoors to collect samples and make field observations. Discover what insects live in the Meadowlands and why they love it here.

Marsh Muckers

Visit the salt marsh and get acquainted with the animals and plants that live in our wetlands environment. After introducing the turtles, fish and birds that live here we will go for a guided walk outdoors to see how many we can find. A marsh craft activity is also included.

Campers Entering Grades 2 & 3

Marsh Explorers

Get outdoors and learn about the salt marsh! Investigate the animals and plants that call the Meadowlands home, and discover why they thrive here. Observe the inhabitants in their natural surroundings and examine live specimens and taxidermies in our science classrooms.

Astounding Adaptations

What helps animals and plants survive in the wild? Experiment with tools to learn how animals have adapted so they can eat, walk, fly or swim in their environment. Go on a scavenger hunt outdoors to find the special adaptations our local animals have that help them live in nature.

Campers Entering Grades 4, 5 & 6

Astro Adventures

How well do you know the neighbors? Learn about the sun, the moon, the solar system and the tools astronomers use to study them. Discover how important the sun is, including how its movement affects our seasons and ways we can use its energy to help us in our everyday lives. A visit to the McDowell Observatory will be included, weather permitting.

Salt Marsh Safari

Take an in-depth look at the brackish water in the Meadowlands marsh by collecting and examining the creatures that live in it. Identify the main components of the local Meadowlands marsh food chain and consider how we can help it stay healthy. Learn about local plants and animals on a guided field walk.

Campers Entering Grades K-1

Animal Superheroes!

The amazing animals of the marsh are in trouble! Someone has stolen their adaptations and they won’t be able to survive in the wild if we don’t help get them back. Campers will use a simple habitat map to find where in our park each animal lives then try to uncover their adaptations before it’s too late.

Campers Entering Grades 4 & 5

Liquid Olympics

Using a mix of brains and brawn to succeed, campers won’t hesitate to jump into this fun-centered and content rich competition, feet first of course! Each of the many events will address the importance of water conservation as well as the physical properties of this vital  substance.

Campers Entering Grades 6, 7 & 8

Salt Marsh Canoeing Adventure

If you’re interested in seeing more of the Meadowlands than MetLife and whatever zips by as you peer out your car window, this is the excursion for you. Starting out in the Hackensack River proper we’ll eventually meander into one of its tributaries in search of wildlife. Content will include bird identification, basic water chemistry, and biotic sampling.

Campers Entering Grades 2 & 3

Wind and Water:  Building for the Elements

Young campers will be exposed to how weather can change the land and the nature of waves.  With hands-on models, they will then investigate ways to resist weather effects.  Using natural materials, can they build a wind-resistant tower, wave-proof castle, AND float their boat?

Campers Entering Grades 4 – 8

Green Building Design

Get a taste of modern home design in this environmental challenge.  Campers will investigate and test elements of solar design and/or green roofing, and then build 3-D models to demonstrate the most energy efficient house designs.  Don’t forget to stay within your budget!