Published: Apr 24, 2017 | 09:00 AM

Not Too Soon to Plan for Summer Camp

Spring Break has ended, now it’s time to begin planning for summer camp. The Irvine Ranch Water District San Joaquin Marsh provides the ideal setting for fun and learning. Opportunities abound for youngsters age seven to 12.

Sea and Sage Audubon Society will once again host its popular nature camps as it has done for more than 20 years and Discovery Science Center returns with Summer Smiles and Project Discovery camps.

All of these camps fill up quickly, so sign up now!

Sea and Sage’s Fledgling Camp is for 7-8-year-olds and scheduled for June 26-30, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Campers will enjoy bird walks, journaling, songs, art projects and games.

Marsh Bird Camp is geared toward those nine-12 years old and is scheduled June 19-23, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Participants will explore all aspects of marsh bird life, take daily nature walks and have a visit from the Birds of Prey Center.

Coastal Camp is for ages 11 and up and requires Marsh Camp experience. Camp is scheduled July 10-14, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. The camp covers all aspects of coastal shorebirds and their habitats, with two off-site days on Tuesday and Thursday at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve and Crystal Cove State Beach. The week includes bird walks, journaling, crafts and other related activities.

Advanced Bird Camp is for campers 11 years and older and requires Marsh Camp experience. Camp takes place July 24-28, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Campers learn about birds of Southeast Arizona. They will also paint a wood bird model seen in that area. Other activities include nature walks, keeping a daily nature journal, sketching and more.

Visit the Sea and Sage website for information.

Discovery camps begin with Project Discovery the week of July 3. Other weeks include July 10-14, July 24-28, August 7-11, and August 14-18. Duration of camp is 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Campers will investigate chemical reactions, design, construct, test, and compete with a series of hand-made devices like roller coasters and catapults. Project Discovery is for children seven-10 years old.

Summer Smiles is for the five-seven-year-old set, with dates of July 17-21 and July 31-August 4, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. During this camp, youngsters will investigate the world of marshland plants and animals, while also focusing on a series of children’s storybooks. Hands-on activities include concocting gooey slime, creating a cloud in a bottle, and designing a bug.

Visit Discovery Science Center’s website for more information.