Somerset County Park Commission to Host Camps for Kids Ages 6 to 18

BASKING RIDGE, NJ – Kids and teens ages six to 18 years can enroll in fun and educational weekly camp programs to be held at the Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center (EEC) and The Stable at Lord Stirling Park. Programs begin in June, July, and August. Online registration is open now.

During these nature and science-themed summer programs, children of all ages will experience a fun-filled adventure of learning and discovery through hiking, nature exploration, games, live animal presentations, science activities, art projects, or horseback and pony riding.

The Stable at Lord Stirling Park

Programs occur Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $500 per person for a one-week program. Three age-specific camp programs are available on the following dates:

• Introduction to Riding a Horse – (Ages 9 to 12), June 24 to 28
• Pony Rides and Hike with a Miniature Horse – (Ages 6 to 8), July 8 to 12
• Trail Riding & Horse Care Workshop – (Ages 13 to 18), Aug. 12 to 16

To register online, and for more information about horse camps and programs click here, email Jnatanzon@scparks.org or call 908-722-1200, ext. 5528.

Environmental Education Center

Eco-Explorers Programs (Ages 7 to 9)

All programs occur Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $240 to $400 per person depending on the program.

· Jaws & Claws – Monday, June 24 to Friday, June 28, use activity number: 51910-24

· Most Extreme Earth – Monday, July 1 to Wednesday, July 3 (No program July 4 or 5), use activity number: 51910-25

• Mystery in the Swamp – Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26, use activity number: 51910-28
• Bugtastic – Monday, July 29 to Friday, Aug. 2, use activity number: 51910- 29

To register online, and for more information about other Eco-Explorer programs in July click here or call 908-722-1200, ext. 5002.

AWESIM KIDS Programs (Ages 10 to 13)

All programs occur Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $800 per person for a two-week program.

• Animal House – Monday, July 8 to Friday, July 19, use activity number: 50102-62
• Survive – Monday, July 22 to Friday, Aug. 2, use activity number: 50102-63
• YUM! – Aug. 5 to Friday, Aug. 16, use activity number: 50102-64

To register online, and for more information about other AWESIM KIDS programs click here or call 908-722-1200, ext. 5002.

AWESIM Teens Program (Ages 14 to 16)

• Exploring the Beauty of the Great Swamp, Stewardship & Media Project – Teens will explore the beauty of the Great Swamp in Lord Stirling Park while learning about ecology, conservation, stewardship, and traveling the trails to observe animal life.

Teens will document their experience using art, photography, and videography. As a group, create art images of swamp life, and develop three short films to include “Life in the Swamp,” “Life in a Pond,” and “The Life Cycle of Butterflies.” There will be a film debut and art exhibit in the fall of 2024 to showcase the final projects.

A limited number of applicants will be chosen. The cost is $640 per person.

The program will take place on the following dates and times:

• Monday, June 24 to Friday, June 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Monday, July 1, from 2 to 9:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, July 2, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 3, from 5:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Online registration is not available for this program. To request an application, or for more information about the AWESIM Teens program, contact Naturalist Christa Wood at 908-722-1200, ext. 5337, or email cwood@scparks.org.

About the Environmental Education Center (EEC)

The EEC at Lord Stirling Park has approximately nine miles of hiking trails, Naturalist-led programs, school field trips, fun festivals, nature-themed exhibits, facility and classroom rentals, a resource library, conservation research, and more. The goal of the EEC is to improve environmental literacy in Somerset County and beyond.

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