Come explore the world of nature and art by attending the Ned Smith Center educational summer camp programs. The camps are designed to explore the natural world and the arts through unique, experience-based activities. Participants must wear close-toed shoes and pack a brown bag lunch with extra water. Light snacks will be provided. All camps will occur at the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art, except the Drama Camp, which will be held at the Halifax Area High School.
FEES: (unless otherwise noted): $37.00/student; $33.00/student with member discount.
Camp registrations are taken on a first-come, first-serve basis. Full payment is due upon registration. Visa, MasterCard, personal checks and cash are accepted.
For more information and to register, please contact Beth Sanders at 717-692-3699. You may also view our website for more details: www.nedsmith.org
Bugs, Beetles and Butterflies
Ages: 9-12 years old. Tuesday, June 17, 9:00 am–4:00 pm
It’s all about insects! Abby Sharbaugh and Beth Sanders will lead a variety of activities that will focus all of our attention on insects, big and small. Get better acquainted with the lives of these special animals as we discover their fascinating world. Watch them in action, be a “pest,” and take home a special “bug” art project.
PA Flying Predators
Ages: 9-12 years old. Friday, June 20, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Students are invited to join Beth Sanders for a day of exploration that will discover the relationship between some PA hawks and owls, and the animals they depend on for survival. See live animal presentations by Jack Hubley; and try your hand at nature journaling, owl pellet dissection, and various other hands-on activities.
Over the Rainbow
Ages: 8-10 years old. Tuesday, June 24, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
There are colors all around us, but how many do you “really” notice? You are invited to join Abby Sharbaugh and Beth Sanders to explore your world using the colors of the rainbow as your guide. You’ll be amazed at how many things in nature have “your” favorite color in them!
Animals, Animals, Animals
Ages: 6-9 years old. Friday, July 11, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Out of sticks, out of stones, out of clay, out of bones - students will spend the day learning about three-dimensional art and will explore different ways to have fun by creating many different types of animal art projects. Roni Dietrich and Beth Sanders will you through this day of art discovery.
Field Study Drawing Camp
Ages: 9-12 years old. Tuesday, July 15, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Join Roni Dietrich and Beth Sanders for this fun outdoor nature drawing camp. Hike and learn techniques to draw plants in the morning; break for lunch and learn a variety of techniques to draw animals in the afternoon. Each child will receive a copy of Ned Smith’s Wildlife Sketchbook to take home at the conclusion of the program.
Fishing for Families
Ages: 8 – 14 years old. Saturday, July 19, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The Ned Smith Center, Bass Pro Shops, Doc Fritchey Chapter of Trout Unlimited, PA Fish and Boat Commission have partnered together to offer this fun-filled instructional camp. If you have wanted to share the joys of fishing with your child, please send in your registration. Parents are encouraged to attend at no additional cost. Skilled instructors will cover topics that include conservation, aquatic insects, fly tying, casting and fishing gear. Ample time will be dedicated to casting instruction and practice, as well as fishing on the Wiconisco Creek. Equipment will be provided for use during the program. In addition to close-toed shoes, participants should wear long pants and bring a brown bagged lunch and an extra bottle of water. Each child will return home with their own spin cast reel and rod.
FEE: $12.00/ student; Member discount: $10.00/student. Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend this camp.
Ooey Gooey Art
Ages: 6-8 years old. Wednesday, August 6, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
For our young students, Beth Sanders invites students to view art and science in a playful way. Through science, we will combine unlikely ingredients to create some amazing projects. Wear your messy play clothes and be prepared to have a sloppy, but fun, learning experience. (Don’t worry we will provide aprons)!
Ooey Gooey Art
Ages: 9-12 years old. Thursday, August 7, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
For our older students, Beth Sanders invites students to view art and science in a playful way. Through science, we will combine unlikely ingredients to create some amazing projects. Wear your messy play clothes and be prepared to have a sloppy, but fun, learning experience. (Don’t worry we will provide aprons)!
Drama Camp for Kids
Ages: 6-12 years old. July 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Performance Dates: July 25, 26, and 27. This exciting drama camp includes theater and musical training, dance movement and creative activities. This year the theme of the camp is Beauty and the Beast! FEE: $40.00/student. Drama Camp will be held at the Halifax Area High School. For more information and to register, please contact Linda Enders, Educational Director at
717-362-3959.
American Indian Crafts Camp
Ages: 9-12 years old. Wednesday, August 13, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Plains Indians documented their life stories – season by season – by painting on animal hides. With pelts provided by the Center, Roni Dietrich and Beth Sanders will teach you the correct techniques to create a “winter count” that will illustrate your own family’s life story. There will also be an opportunity to examine American Indian artifacts in an exhibit set-up specifically for this program.
Grandparent and Me
Children’s ages: 4-7 years old and an older adult. Grandparents are especially welcome! FEE: $5.00/person; member discount and families with more than 2 children: $4.00/person. You are invited to join Beth Sanders for one or both of these sessions. By exploring nature through the eyes of a child, you will share discoveries that include “nature snooping” and creative art projects. Wear comfortable walking shoes and don’t forget to pack your sense of curiosity, for an adventure that will surely be enjoyed by all!
Session I: It’s a Bug’s Life Friday, August 15, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Each child is asked to bring an empty, clean plastic peanut butter jar with them to this session. Please remove the label but don’t forget the lid!
Session II : Teddy Bear’s Picnic Tuesday, August 19, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Each child is requested to bring along their favorite teddy bear or stuffed animal!
