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Residential Summer Camps 2008


Register Securely Online

To register by phone call: 510-642-5134
(M-F, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)

Mail or fax an application (pdf).

Fax: 510-643-0994

Mail:

University of California, Berkeley
Registration Office
Lawrence Hall of Science #5200
Berkeley, CA 94720-5200

Residential Science Camp
Ages: 8–12   Coastal Ecology   June 23–27, 2008

Backpacking Science Camp
Ages: 10–16   Grouse Ridge   July 8–13, 2008

Research Camps for High School
Grades: 9-12   Marine Biology   June 14–19, 2008
Grades: 9-12   Wildlife Biology   August 4–9, 2008

At Lawrence Hall of Science (LHS) residential summer camps, the mountains, forests, and seashore become exciting places to explore science in ways not possible inside a classroom. As UC Berkeley’s science museum and center for K–12 education, LHS combines the best hands-on, inquiry-based environmental education activities with what you love most about summer camp. LHS residential camps span a range of ages and interests, from young campers exploring coastal forests and tide pools, or experienced campers taking their outdoor skills to new levels, to high school students engaging in college-level research activities.

Safety
Safety is of paramount importance to us. We are proud of our excellent safety record, which is the result of our strict staff selection process (we attract and hire only the best and most qualified), thorough training process, low student-to-staff ratios, and very detailed and well-tested program procedures.

Interpersonal Skill Development
Having strong and positive group dynamics is important to us. We spend time developing strong teamwork and friendships through daily group activities and shared responsibilities. If you decide to sign up with a friend, we honor all buddy requests. These camps build self-confidence and encourage independence in a safe, structured environment.

Support Academic Achievement
Research has shown that authentic hands-on explorations in nature inspire intellectual curiosity and support academic achievement. Hands-on science activities, the hallmark of LHS programs, feature age-appropriate science topics and concepts. Each of the camps has a unique theme and program, and is designed for a specific age group. Take advantage of the time-tested techniques of the University of California, Berkeley’s public science center to help your child fulfill his or her potential.

 

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Residential Science Camp

Coastal Ecology offers the camper a secure environment to explore science in a traditional camp setting, while making new friends and having tons of fun. This camp will be held at the well-equipped Exploring New Horizons Sempervirens facility near Big Basin State Park. Each day brings new activities and insights about science, along with traditional camp activities like swimming, crafts, games, and campfires. Picture your child making friends in our fun and supportive camp environment; and returning home with new interests and skills, confidence, and lifelong memories!

Coastal Ecology Sempervirens Outdoor Camp
June 23–27, 2008 (5 days)
Ages: 8–12

Enrollment: 64–72 campers
Orientation at LHS: May 21, 7:00 p.m.
$690 ($645 for LHS members)

Life is pretty exciting where the forest meets the sea! Explore the animals and plants that live at and near the ocean. The rocky tide pools, streams, grassy fields, and groves of giant redwood trees we’ll visit are home to a huge variety of life. Campers will use field biology techniques to observe, compare, appreciate, and learn about the local inhabitants and how they survive and thrive. We’ll bring a large assortment of our most popular science activities from LHS for campers to choose from. Highlights include a trip to the ocean to explore the creatures that live in tide pools, and a trip to Big Basin State Park to learn and have fun amongst huge redwoods. Camp life is balanced with a rich array of activities such as swimming, crafts, games, archery, campfires, planetarium shows in our star dome, storytelling, and beachcombing. This camp, ideal for first-time campers and returning campers, is filled with plenty to do and many chances to make new friends.

The Sempervirens Camp is located next to Big Basin State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains on 20 acres of land with nature trails through coastal forests and redwoods. This camp has many amenities including a large swimming pool, a small petting zoo with goats and chickens, organic gardens, an outdoor amphitheater with stage, an archery range, Ping-Pong tables, tetherball, a sand volleyball court, a large meadow for sports and games, and clean comfortable cabins. Food and transportation between LHS and camp are included.

Backpacking Science Camp

The Grouse Ridge Wilderness in the Sierra Nevada mountains provides a perfect training ground—for beginning and more experienced backpackers—with gentle and more challenging trails lined with alpine lakes and abundant flora and fauna. An excellent teacher-to-student ratio, good food, experienced leaders, and solid science instruction make these camps a wise way to spend a bit of your summertime. Tents, food, and transportation to and from LHS are provided.

Grouse Ridge Wilderness
July 8–13, 2008 (6 days)
Ages: 10–16

Enrollment: 26–39 campers
Orientation at LHS: June 4, 7:00 p.m.
$775 ($730 for LHS members)

In this session there will be an emphasis on backcountry living skills: knots and navigation, shelter building and self-care, and how to travel safely in the wilderness, as well as the natural history of this spectacular area. The first day and night are spent at a secluded group camp site where we’ll review basic outdoor survival skills. Campers will then travel the trails as part of a smaller backpacking group, exploring lakes and streams, and identifying and observing wildlife. Gentle and more challenging trail options will be provided for new and returning campers. Gain strength, knowledge, and friends in a supportive and beautiful environment.

Activities include:

The Grouse Ridge area in the Tahoe National Forest is a hidden gem located a short 2-1/2-hour drive from the Bay Area. Most of the trails here change little in elevation and pass a lake every mile. Granite peaks polished by ancient glaciers, alpine lakes, meadows filled with wildflowers, and magnificent pine forests adorn this 22,000-acre wilderness. It is located north of the junction of Highways 80 and 20.

Research Camps for High School

These research camps are unique, intensive programs where students engage in wildlife study and conduct experiments at a college level. The pace of the program is aggressive—frequently requiring early morning wake-up, a full schedule with little free time, and a project presentation. We encourage students to apply who have an active interest in field science and who are highly motivated.

Marine Biology Research Camp
University of California
Bodega Marine Lab

June 14–19, 2008 (6 days)
Grades: 9–12

Enrollment: 20–24 campers
LHS Orientation: May 28, 7:00 p.m
$940 ($895 for LHS members)

Discover firsthand the field and laboratory skills used in marine biology. The University of California Bodega Marine Lab, at Bodega Bay on the Sonoma County coast, is one of the most richly diverse marine environments in the world. Rocky tide pools, mudflats, estuaries, coastal dunes, and sandy beaches surround this modern research station. Students develop their observational and inquiry skills as they work side by side with LHS instructors and scientists. Supervised evening activities offer time to relax, make friends, and play volleyball on the beach..

Activities include:

Facilities include research labs, classrooms, auditoriums, many large aquaria, a computer lab, and a library overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Transportation from LHS to Bodega, meals, and dormitory-style housing (overlooking Bodega Bay) are provided.

Wildlife Biology Research Camp
University of California
Sagehen Creek Field Station

August 4–9, 2008 (6 days)
Grades: 9–12

Enrollment: 20–24 campers
LHS Orientation: May 28, 7:00 p.m.
$840 ($795 for LHS members)

Participate in wildlife investigations usually available only to research scientists! The University of California Sagehen Creek Field Station, located 20 miles north of Lake Tahoe, has long been a favorite with wildlife researchers. Alpine meadows, the Sierra’s best fens, and lush forests teeming with wildlife surround this extensive research station. Students learn numerous field research techniques as they take on exciting wildlife biology projects.

Activities include:

Students take turns helping to prepare meals. During free time, they can pursue specific interests such as working on research projects, fishing, or simply relaxing with fellow campers. Facilities include research labs, a library, an underwater trout-viewing lab, and recently renovated cabins. Food and transportation to the site are provided.

Leaders

Camp Director Ted Robertson has directed camps for LHS for the past 22 years. He is an LHS teacher, a biologist, an accomplished wilderness instructor, and an Emergency Medical Technician. He has led field programs in the arctic, deserts, and tropics as well as throughout California. He has authored books on wolves, frogs, and animal adaptations. He has two daughters who have participated in these programs.

Backcountry Director Naomi Stein has led outdoor programs with LHS for 11 years during her 16 years of teaching here. She leads the LHS teen program (TEAMS) and is a senior member of the Science Discovery Theatre. An experienced backpacker and avid ethnobotanist, Naomi brings her interpersonal skills to her work outdoors by creating a fun and supportive camp experience.

The LHS Science Camp teaching staff includes LHS instructors, college graduates with science backgrounds, and environmental education specialists. All are experienced at delivering science using exciting, interactive teaching techniques. Camp staff have first-aid training and undergo thorough background checks.

Registration
   Online Registration
   Application (pdf)

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