CAMDEN — For the first time in several years, Merryspring is offering Summer Ecology Camps for the 2014 season. Through a partnership with the Knox Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District, Merryspring is able to present not one but TWO weeks of summer day camp programming in July and August.

The first session of Summer Ecology Camps, ECO – EXPLORERS, is a half-day program for young children, ages 6-8, and takes place between July 21 and 25, from 9 a.m. to noon. This first session acts as an introduction to the concepts of nature and the world around us, as well as to Merryspring itself. Through interactive nature walks, hands-on activities, gardening and play, children will gain a greater understanding of nature and how our environment affects us every day.

Participants will create nature journals, which they will use daily throughout the week to record and reflect on each day's lessons. The cost or this session is $90 for non-members, with a discounted rate of
$75 for members of Merryspring.

The second session of camp is a full-day camp for older children. ALIEN INVADERS will run from Aug. 18-22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for teens ages 11-14. This is an intensive, service-learning based camp focused on invasive species and biodiversity. Plant, insect and other species will be explored during this program. Participants will set up transects, engage in species removal and explore the natural versus built environment in this hands-on camp. Students will also have the opportunity to eat away at some of these unwanted species- literally! The cost for this session is $180 for non-members, with a discounted rate of $150 for members of Merryspring.

To sign up for these camps, drop by or contact Merryspring at 236-2239 or email info@merryspring.org to request a registration form. Camps are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so please check for available space before sending in completed registration forms. More information on Summer Ecology Camps can be found at the Merryspring office or at the KLWSCD office on Route 90 in Rockland.