A Successful Camp During A Pandemic
A Successful Camp During a Pandemic
Spring of 2020 set back many with the realization that COVID-19 was going to affect us for far longer than hoped. Places closed, families went into quarantine, and everyone was left wondering—what happens next?
One of the Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital’s main goals was to continue our mission of Environmental Education. No other program meets that goal like our youth camp, Camp Wild. However, Spring Camp had already been canceled, so there was no precedent for running a successful camp during a pandemic. But the need for a sense of normalcy and a place for children to go have fun and further their education was definitely there.
Camp Wild 2020 – Summer Session continued under new rules and safety regulations. An average camp size of thirty was reduced to a capacity of fifteen. In the open-air outdoor classroom at the Sawgrass Nature Center, assigned seats and spaces were created for campers with a six-foot minimum distance between them. Masks were required and worn at almost all times, apart from food and water breaks. Mandatory hand washing and hand sanitizing were scheduled throughout the day. Regular reminders to keep their hands to themselves, to show care for their friends’ safety by not sharing and the risks involved with breaking the very important safety rules helped campers understand the role they were playing toward a safe and successful camp experience.
The curriculum and activities were also adapted to new safety requirements. Typical toys and games that could not be easily sanitized (playdough, crayons, Legos) were substituted with items that could be kept clean and separate. When it came time for crafts, every camper was preassigned with their own set of supplies and materials. Counselors were then responsible for collecting and cleaning supplies.
One of the most difficult issues of running an outdoor camp during COVID-19 is the requirement of face masks. How do we ensure the campers keep them on and that they are breathing properly in the face of Florida’s unrelenting heat? Fortunately, face masks have proven to be quite breathable. Campers were told that if they ever felt like they needed a mask break, or that they were breathing too hard, a safe space would be made for them to breathe freely.
With all these safety regulations, Camp Wild attendees were able to participate in typical camp activities like outdoor games, dip netting, slogging, bug hunting, and more. Camp Wild 2020 was a success in the face of a global crisis. Six weeks of successful operation showed us that there is a way to keep our children safe and educated during uncertain times and for them to have a fun summer camp experience.
More Posts from Sawgrassnaturecenter and Others
It's feeding time for the SNC's resident Great Blue Heron. Their long, sharp beaks are perfect for fishing. And these guys will flip fish vertically in their mouths so they go down easier.
This European Starling is a permanent resident at the Sawgrass Nature Center due to their Exotic status in South Florida. This Starling was surrendered to the SNC after a previous owner was no longer able to care for them. Come visit our starling in our walk-through aviary, located between our Wildlife Hospital and our Admin building.
“ First brought to North America by Shakespeare enthusiasts in the nineteenth century, European Starlings are now among the continent’s most numerous songbirds. They are stocky black birds with short tails, triangular wings, and long, pointed bills. Though they’re sometimes resented for their abundance and aggressiveness, they’re still dazzling birds when you get a good look. Covered in white spots during winter, they turn dark and glossy in summer. For much of the year, they wheel through the sky and mob lawns in big, noisy flocks. “ -The Cornell Lab https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/European_Starling/overview
Art and nature go hand-in-hand more often than people think. Previous artist in residence, Jan Kolenda, came out to touch up our tortoise statue. This statue highlights some important tortoise features such as their leathery skin that is adapted to crawling across land, their dome shaped shells, and the scutes that make up their shell.
Are you feeling increased stress and anxiety due to COVID-19 related issues? Lavender is one of the best ways to naturally reduce stress and anxiety. Burn a lavender candle, use a few drops of lavender essential oils in a bath, or even use some to mix with lemonade!
Check out what other people are using lavender for here: https://www.ausnaturalcare.com.au/health/life-style/10-benefits-of-lavender-essential-oil-and-how-to-use-it/
Yknow the thing where red pandas just lay down on a branch and let their legs hang and they’re just like vibing
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Slovakia - Malá Studená dolina [OC] [3000x4000] - Author: FlowSnakes on reddit
It is officially baby season at the Sawgrass Nature Center! This week alone we have taken in 36 baby opossums with the goal to release them back into the wild once they are old enough to fend for themselves.
Ancient sea bottom exposed along a modern seaside rocky platform. This immense amount of fossilized shells is preserved in ~250 million year old sea sediments which would have been a feeding grounds for all these bivalves.
South coast, NSW, Australia.
A non-native iguana snuck into the alligator’s enclosure. Luckily for him Wally wasn’t hungry today!
Riddles + an Event = Fun!
https://sawgrassnaturecenter.org/2021/09/28/world-animal-day/
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The Sawgrass Nature Center (SNC) is a nonprofit located in South Florida. Our mission is to educate the public about native wildlife and environmental stewardship. We also rescue, rehabilitate, and release injured, orphaned, or sick wildlife. Animals that cannot be released due to permanent injuries or disabilities are given a forever home on site with animal keepers that know how to properly care for them. We are able to operate due to donations from generous patrons. If you are interested in helping us further our mission, check us out at: https://sawgrassnaturecenter.org/
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