Chapel Ledge, Web of Life, and Bird Photography!

Reminder: On Friday, July 13 we are holding Camp Share at 2:30 here at Hitchcock. This is a chance for the older campers to present to the younger campers about what they've learned at camp, and vice versa. Families are also welcome to attend this gathering, just let your counselors know you're coming.

Pretending to be horses in the classroom

Campers have been having a great week learning about shelters, habitats and ecosystems. Yesterday the Young Naturalists learned about camouflage as a strategy for survival. Then they went on an epic adventure, all the way to Chapel Ledge in Ashfield! They hiked Pony Mountain - an impressive feat for 6 and 7 year-olds - and picnicked at the top, where there was a fantastic view!

Reading a story at the top of Pony Mountain

The Explorers have hard at work all session sculpting animals for the web of life hoops. Each camper has a hoop made from a bittersweet branch with animals they have made from craft dough. Yesterday they painted their animals and attached them to the webs. When they are done, they will show the interconnectedness of all the members of the ecosystem.

Today campers had a special visitor: John Van de Graaff, a bird photographer from Northampton. He presented his amazing shots of local birds, and birds from all over North America, including Alaska, Maine, Michigan and Utah!  Campers recognized some of their favorite birds, such as peregrine falcons, common loons and bluebirds, and learned some new ones as well! Photos of chicks and ducklings were big hits.  

This is John's photo of a Willow Ptarmigan, an artic bird that turns white in the winter to camouflage itself from predators!