From Safaris to Spacewalks: Exotic (and Educational) Summer Programs
Exotic summer learning programs for children are more plentiful than ever. That's good news for parents. These programs tend to fill up fast, however, so you might find that some already have waiting lists. But don't despair if you haven't made plans for your child's summer yet—even the most popular programs have last-minute cancellations.
What Kinds of Programs Are There?
- Family programs
- Kids-only programs
- College programs for high school students
- General interest camps for the younger set
- Specialty camps
A Summer Program Sampler
If you'd like to give your child the opportunity to sail near a rare Right Whale, kayak past a falcon's nest and hike to a Native American graveyard, check out The Whale Camp. Located off the southeastern tip of Maine, on the Bay of Fundy, The Whale Camp is situated near one of the world's most diverse marine environments. Says co-director Dennis Bowen, "The Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the world and that tidal action creates excessive amounts of plankton, which is the basis of the food web. So there are lots of whales, dolphins, porpoises and seals. There's also a little island with hundreds of nesting puffins and there's always bald eagles around."
Whale Camp offers youth-only sessions as well as family programs. The youth sessions include whale, marine mammal and bird observation, sailing, and ecology studies. "We go out on a sail boat with the manager of the whale research station. The kids participate in not only whale watching, which is awesome, but whale research," says Bowen.
Sessions last from one to three weeks.
Located in the Four Corners region of Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, Crow Canyon offers programs in archeology for teens and families. "Right now we're working at Goodman Point Pueblo which is part of Hovenweep National Monument," says Stephanie Ramsey of Crow Canyon Camp. "Goodman Point is rare in the sense that the area was one of the first to be designated for protection and conservation over a 100 years ago, so it hasn't been homesteaded or farmed in all that time. It's a pristine landscape. Some of the artifacts may not have been touched by human hands for 800 years or more. Of course, the Southwest is one of the most prolific archeological areas in the United States."
With history lessons about the Pueblo Indians and hands-on archeology activities, campers will experience the thrill of uncovering the past. No previous archeological experience is required to enjoy this program. The teen program offers high school students the opportunity to work alongside professional archaeologists as they dig into the Pre-Columbian past of the Pueblos.
This program is a must for nature-lovers. Explore Yellowstone's amazing canyons, geysers, wildlife and waterfalls. Lodging and meals for four nights are included in the price, plus guided explorations with a Yellowstone Association naturalist. Programs are available for families with 5 to 7 year olds, and for families with 8 to 12 year olds. Other national parks also offer learning adventures. Yosemite National Park in California, for example, has a summer programs for teens.
Cornell University Summer College
If you have a teen with an academic bent, you might want to consider Cornell University's summer program, where your scholar can enjoy an Ivy League setting, take courses for college credit and contemplate her future college career. Cornell is one of many universities that open their college campuses to high school students and offer special programs geared to them during the summer. Check out Harvard University, University of California at Santa Barbara and Northwestern University, to name a few.
