KINGSTON, R.I. – May 9, 2016 – The University of Rhode Island’s Extension Outreach Center invites budding scientists to engage in an outdoor adventure this summer. Eco-Exploration camps at the URI Botanical Gardens in Kingston and the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center in Providence will encourage kids to explore and learn about the natural world in a wide variety of ways.

Two one-week camps in Kingston run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. beginning on July 11 and 18, while Providence camps take place during the weeks of August 1 and 8 at the same times.

“Campers will investigate the many amazing plants at the botanical gardens and learn about birds, insects and mammals,” said camp director Amy Cabaniss, URI’s youth STEAM director. “They’ll also actively engage in STEAM activities, building knowledge about science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics as they relate to nature.”

Participants will also play wildlife-themed games, create arts and crafts, keep journals, collect treasures for their nature boxes and more. “It’s a great opportunity to engage children in their outdoor world in a fun, educational and exciting way,” Cabaniss added.

In Kingston, week one (July 11-15) is called Our Wild World and is for children aged 7 to 11. It will feature games and activities that investigate the natural world. Week two (July 18-22), Earth Rocks!, is a geology camp for children 6 to 10. Investigations of rocks and minerals in natural settings include several local field trips. Both camps include a visit to the URI pool.

In Providence, Week one (August 1-5), called Nutrition n’ Nature, is for 6 to 10 year olds and features games and activities that investigate the natural world and our food system. Participants will help to harvest produce from the community garden and learn about nutrition. Included is a field trip to the Natural History Museum in Roger Williams Park. Week two (August 8-12), STEAMing Ahead with Providence Youth, is an opportunity for campers aged 7-11 to learn about weather, energy, water quality and more. Participants will enjoy fun and educational STEAM activities in nature.

Lunch is provided during the Roger Williams Park camps by the City of Providence.

Each weekly session costs $175. A sliding fee schedule accommodates families in need, and a 20 percent sibling discount is available.

For more information or to register for the camp, visit the URI Outreach Center website at Eco-Exploration Camps, call 401-874-2900 or email outreach@uri.edu.