By Candice Holt
Camp Bernheim 2023 is a place to make memories, conquer obstacles, meet new people, and most of all, connect with nature. Last week, the first round of campers arrived near the Sensory Garden welcomed by early morning bird songs, the wind whistling over the tops of the tulip poplar trees, and camp counselors full of glee! Each camper brought their own level of passion and wonder on the first day in hopes of finding joy in the activities of the day.
“My camper was up on time and anxious to get to Bernheim each morning!”
~Camp Bernheim Parent
The Novice Naturalists (6-8 yrs.) and Expert Explorers (9-12 yrs.) engaged in ice breakers, hiking on the Bent Twig trail, fed the turtles, made art journals, went kayaking on Lake Nevin, creek stomping at Rock Run, led adventures at Playcosystem, visited the Forest Giants, and much more! We closed out the week with a very special trip to Wilson Creek to catch crawfish and other invertebrates. Before pick-up on Friday, campers heard a story and snacked on satisfying smores made by campfire!
We would like to give a big thank you to Wren Smith, Interpretive Programs Manager, volunteer naturalist Nuala Rohrer, Kat Panther, Gracie, Nafziger, and Tammy Clements who supported Paint by Nature. Campers learned how to source natural materials to paint by nature with leaves, dry dirt, mud, flower petals, charcoal, and various other mediums. We would also like to give a big thank you to the volunteer naturalists Dick Dennis, Butch Grantz, Mike Turner, Ed Briand, and Cele Beckner who came to teach at the Discovery Stations. Campers learned about owls, bats, beavers, exoskeletons, animal furs, and reptiles. Bernheim’s one-and-only Corny the Corn Snake came out to play at the reptile Discovery Station and captured the hearts of young nature lovers.
Nature awaits your next visit to Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest.
