Mercer Botanic Gardens invites children entering kindergarten through fifth grade in the 2015-2016 school year onan adventure exploring all nature has to offer during its Garden Explorers summer camps, held every Tuesday through Thursday, July 14 through July 30 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Registration opens Monday, May 11 and each session is limited, so make a reservation today by calling 281-443-8731.
Whether it’s a sensory garden safari or a hike through the woods, Mercer Botanic Gardens provides plenty of crafts, games and age-appropriate entertainment sure to make your child’s summer memorable.
With more than 10 years teaching experience, Mercer’s Education Director Jennifer Garrison leads the camps designed to get children outdoors and learning the basics about botany.
“Learning doesn’t have to stop outside the classroom. We’ll have plenty of hands-on activities that will keep children entertained, engaged, and active,” said Garrison. “My goal is to leave children with an appreciation of nature they can build upon.”
The program includes the following three sessions:
- Mercer Gardens Summer Camp: A-B Seeds: July 14 – July 16 for children entering kindergarten and first grade. Discover seeds and explore the gardens during this three-day camp. From touring the sensory garden to creating a seed head buddy and observing the colors of popcorn kernels, children will look forward to crafts, activities, laughter and friendship.
- Mercer Garden Summer Camp: Butterflies & Bees: July 21 – July 23 for children entering second and third grades. Explore the gardens and investigate pollinators during this lively, three-day camp. Spot pollinators visiting flowers during a habitat survey, share your crafty side while constructing honeycombs, test your skills while playing nature-themed games and more!
- Mercer Botanic Gardens: Tip-Top Trees: July 28 – July 30 for children entering fourth and fifth grades. “Travel the world” by identifying trees native to Africa, China, Mexico and more. Scout out a cypress swamp and hickory bog, examine a tree cookie and test your skills while playing nature-themed team games.
A suggested donation of $30 is requested to cover the cost of materials, which is due at the time of registration. Participants must be dropped off between 8:45 a.m. and 9 a.m. and picked up at noon each day. A late pickup fee of $15 for every 15 minutes, or portion thereof, will be assessed.
With leadership from Commissioner R. Jack Cagle, Mercer Botanic Gardens is a Harris County Precinct 4 Parks facility located one mile north of FM 1960 at 22306 Aldine Westfield Road in Humble, 77338. Harris County Precinct 4 programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, sex, religion, national origin, or physical ability. Anyone seeking additional information or requiring special assistance to participate in any program should contact Mercer at 281-443-8731 or visit www.hcp4.net/Community/Parks/Mercer.
