Animal Tracking
Unique as a winter activity but appropriate year-round, this class transforms students into detectives as they try to decipher clues in the woods such as tracks and droppings, and other less conspicuous signs of animals like shelters, territorial marks, and general "behavioral traces." You will be amazed at what is found! 1 1/2 hours, Camp Bernie or school staff, F, W, S

Aquatic Ecology
Developing an awareness of life within an aquatic ecosystem including a pond, stream and wetland, students will have the opportunity to sample plant and animal life, perform water quality testing and do plankton sampling. Different stages of life development focused on during different seasons. 1 1/2 hours, Camp Bernie or school staff, F,S.

Captivating Critters
To captivate is our first challenge and is a means to a greater end, that of getting the students to appreciate the animals we show them for their unique beauty and for the vital role they play in nature. By discussing interesting and little-known facts, disputing common myths about the critters we show, and providing the kids with a literal hands-on experience, in the end the concept of bio-diversity, if not the animals themselves, should be understood. 1 1/2 hours, Camp Bernie staff required, F,W,S.

Forest and Field
Involves a wide variety of activities from general awareness of predator-prey relationships to basic ecology concepts. Help students become more aware and more appreciative of the multiple values of our forest and how all life environments interrelate. 1 1/2 hours, Camp Bernie or school staff, F,S (For Winter see Winter Forest Ecology)

Habitat Hunt
Where do all the animals live? Journey as we venture into the bustling community of diverse habitats and micro-habitats. Learn (and if we're really lucky, see evidence of) how animals adapt and protect themselves within their habitats. 1 1/2 hours, Camp Bernie or school staff, F,W,S.

Learning from Light
SOLAR ENERGY IS ALIVE!!! Learn how Camp Bernie utilizes the sun's energy to power our dishwasher. Solar panels on the Dining Room roof relay data through the DataPult system, which tracks energy usage and savings. Through observation, role-playing and hands-on experiments, students will gain an understanding of ways the sun affects and how it interacts with the earth and its inhabitants. Camp Bernie staff required, F,W,S.

Life and Death in the Forest
This activity assigns animal roles to students as they take on a predator or prey position within the forest environment. Be a predator and stalk your meal, or become prey and feel the frightening reality of the hunt. Learn about animal adaptations, strategies to remain alive and the balance of nature. 1 1/2 hours, CampBernie or school staff, F,W,S

NASA Program
Primarily an atmospheric study, this program uses the intensity of the sun's radiation to measure aerosol and particulate contamination. the scientific motivation is to examine how climatic trends can effect vegetative growth and in turn the overall health of the planet. The goal of this program is to make the students aware of air quality and how human actions impact that quality. Students will use a device known as a sun-photometer constructed by the group to conduct simple tests on the atmosphere. Camp Bernie staff required, F,W,S. Additional cost $40.00 per photometer.

Night Awareness Hike
An amazing experience in the forest in complete darkness. Astronomy, nocturnal animals, night vision, and some surprises are the main components of the activity. 1 1/2 hours, Camp Bernie or school staff, F,W,S.

Owls and their Adaptations
Students will identify owls, their adaptations and their role as a nocturnal raptor. They will then dissect and mount an actual owl pellet. A great hands-on, indoor activity. 1-2 hours, Camp Bernie or school staff, F,W,S.

Winter Aquatic Ecology
Do fish and other aquatic life head south for the winter? If not, how do they survive in a frozen environment? Students will answer this and many other questions as they collect and view life from a winter aquatic ecosystem. 1 1/2 hours, Camp Bernie or school staff, W.

Winter Birding
This activity enables students to investigate the habits of birds during the winter. Students will make simple natural feeders and gain knowledge that can be used at home or school. 1 1/2 to 2 hours, Camp Bernie or school staff, W.