[Oneonta, NY- REGIONAL] Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society (DOAS) has announced the dates for the 2018 John G. New Audubon Summer Day Camp Sessions, special natural history and ecology focused programs for children entering grades 1-6 in the fall.  The camp will provide fun, hands-on experiences in natural science and environmental education through field investigations, crafts and games.  Campers explore a variety of habitats and learn about their inhabitants.  The DOAS Summer Camp Programs are part of the Audubon group’s effort to increase opportunities for area youths to explore and learn about their natural world. 

The first two sessions of the summer will take place at the DOAS Sanctuary on Franklin Mountain, locally known as the location of the Franklin Mountain Hawkwatch. The third session this year (for younger children) will take place at Oneonta World of Learning (OWL) at Fortin Park as part of a new, collaborative program. 

According to Susan O’Handley, Co-President and Education Chair for Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society, “the grounds at Fortin Park will make a wonderful setting for the younger age groups who often tire out quickly when hiking at the Franklin Mountain location. Collaborating with OWL is a natural fit and we are looking forward to where this partnership can take us in the future for expanded youth program opportunities.”

The Audubon camp programs are directed by educator, Megan Langan, now in her sixth year with DOAS, with assistance from Liz Brown, an environmental education professional now in her second year with the program.  Liz is a former member of the Board of Directors and Volunteer Coordinator for OWL and has been instrumental in bringing the collaboration concept to fruition. 

“OWL is very excited to be working in partnership with DOAS this summer!  The natural history expertise that DOAS provides will pair well with the emphasis OWL places on learning through play to create an exciting outdoor experience for young children.  We at OWL are looking forward to getting children outside and exploring the variety of habitats and resources that Fortin Park has to offer.  We hope that this collaboration will continue beyond this summer as we continue to put together creative, environmentally minded programs for our community.” 
(Liz Brown)

The programs will take place on the following dates this summer:

Session 1: July 16, 17, 18, 19 – 9:30am-3pm at DOAS Sanctuary on Franklin Mountain, Oneonta  (for children entering grades 3 and 4)

Session 2: July 30, 31, August 1, 2 – 9:30-3pm at DOAS Sanctuary on Franklin Mountain, Oneonta (for children entering grades 5 and 6)

Session 3: August 20, 21, 22, 23 – 9:30-noon at Oneonta World of Learning, Fortin Park (for children entering grades 1 and 2) NEW THIS YEAR!

Established in 1983 through the efforts and leadership of former DOAS Board President, Barbara Marsala, along with others including Cheryl Boise, and Debbie Clough, the camp was dedicated and named in honor of long-time DOAS supporter and Board Director, John G. New who had passed away earlier that year.  The program is developed to provide positive outdoor experiences in a fun setting with a general focus on field ecology and wildlife through exploration and activities focused on our local habitats and their inhabitants.  

Full and partial scholarships to offset the per-child registration fee are distributed each year on a needs basis.  Donations towards this dedicated fund are accepted throughout the year and are greatly appreciated. For additional information about the camp program or how to donate towards our Camp Scholarship Fund, please visit the DOAS website at https://doas.us/education/summer-day-camp/ or contact Susan O’Handley, DOAS Education Chair at sjohandley@gmail.com or by phone at 607-643-5680.