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Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society (DOAS)

Established in 1968 – A Chapter of the National Audubon Society since 1970

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DOAS Revives Summer Camp at Franklin Mountain Sanctuary

ONEONTA, NY: After a five year hiatus, the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society is bringing their popular week-long New Summer Day Camp Program back this year at the group’s Franklin Mountain Sanctuary in Oneonta.  The one week program, Adventures in Nature, is available for children entering grades 3-6 in the fall and will run from July 22 through July 25 from 9:30am to 3pm each day.

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Camp Director, Megan Gigandet: “Teaching as always been a passion of mine since I was 7 years old. I graduated from SUNY Oneonta on May 18, 2013 with my bachelors degree in Childhood Education. I am very excited to use what I have learned over the past four years in college in my position as director of the summer camp program! We have many things planned for a fantastic week with nature!”

The program will be led by education professional, Megan Gigandet with assistance from DOAS Board Member, Julie Smith. Ms. Gigandet states that she is “looking forward to a fun and exciting week with a lot of thrilling adventures planned.”  The camp will provide fun, hands-on experiences in natural science and environmental education through field investigations, crafts and games.  Campers will explore a variety of habitats at the Sanctuary, known locally for the  Franklin Mt. Hawkwatch, and learn about creatures that live there.

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Campers have fun and learn about the environment at the John G. New Audubon Summer Day Camp.

The Summer Program, named in honor of long-time DOAS member Dr. John G. New, is part of the Audubon group’s effort to increase the use of the Franklin Mountain Sanctuary for education activities for children and families.  “With increased support from our new Business Sponsorship Program, we are offering the summer camp program this year as well as expanded education opportunities at our annual Open House event on October 5th, according to Education Chair, Susan O’Handley.  “If we can successfully raise additional needed funds, we plan to offer regular programming on Saturday mornings throughout the fall and spring months at the site.” she continued.

“The excitement about the program from our board and our members is palpable – and evident in the participation of our committee, sponsorship donations and offers from volunteers to help out with the program”, stated Andy Mason, DOAS Co-President.  “We are really looking forward to having the kids back this year.  The  Sanctuary is a perfect location for this type of outdoor program.”

Limited spaces are still available.  To register a child in the Summer Camp Program or to learn about the DOAS Business Sponsor Program, please contact DOAS Education Chair, Susan O’Handley at 607-643-5680.

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Why Birds Matter...

Birds are important because of the role they play in the natural world as pollinators and seed disbursers, assisting with the balance of nature by eating insects. They also clean up things that would go unattended otherwise. Birds are important TO ME because of the kinship that I feel with another living species, and the joy that they bring to me year around. Encountering spring migrants feels brand new every time! I feel responsibility for their well-being and take care not to disturb their nesting with unnecessary sounds, disturbance or habitat destruction. I respect the incredible work they do to bring about future generations.
Becky Gretton
Becky GrettonDOAS Co-President
Birds have always been an early warning system for our environment–the “canary in the coal mine.” It was the decline in bird species high on the food chain that tipped us off to the dangers of DDT and other chemicals. More recently, high altitude and high latitude birds are demonstrating the first definitive effects of global change. If science had been more advanced in the 1800s, the extinction of the Passenger Pigeon could have served as a warning about habitat destruction. This not just about protecting the birds–although that is a worthy goal–but all of these threats will ultimately reach the human race.
Andy Mason
Andy MasonDOAS Co-President
In addition to being indicators for environmental health, birds matter because they allow people all over the world to enjoy and appreciate nature. Caring about birds often leads to caring about their habitats and creates a stewardship ethic to protect our natural resources. Birds connect communities.
Susan O'Handley
Susan O'HandleyDOAS Co-President
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We envision a healthy world where people and wildlife thrive and natural resources are protected.
The mission of Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society is to protect our natural environment and connect people with nature
 to benefit birds and other wildlife through conservation, education, research and advocacy.
 

Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society
P.O. Box 544
Oneonta, NY 13820
(607) 397-3815
info@doas.us

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