Summer Camp at Blithewold

for kids entering grades 2 - 5

Give your child an entertaining experience at Buds and Blossoms summer camp at Blithewold, 2008. Our camp specializes in hands-on programs that emphasize the interaction of plants, animals, humans and the environment. Campers take part in an exciting mix of games, art projects, and physical activities on the grounds of Blithewold that focus on the following themes: Amphibians and Reptiles; Art in the Garden; Life at Sea; Local Wildlife; Green Growth; and Bugs in our Backyard. Buds and Blossoms offers campers fun and learning opportunities of all types in a friendly, small community atmosphere.

PARENT COMMENTS:

“We were thrilled with the facilities, the teachers/instructors, the resources available, the creativity and enthusiasm of staff, the focus on nature and the environment, the setting...the list goes on and on.”

“My son came home each day very excited about having learned something new.”

"She was fascinated by all the hands-on, real life parts of the day."

“My two girls absolutely loved the camp and were excited to go back each day. They enjoyed all the activities and I would highly recommend it to others.”

"Friendly, competent staff, very educational program and lots of fun!!"

"I was amazed at all the activities that my daughter participated in every day."

"He enjoyed the other children and the activities, including touring the house, walking down by the water and collecting shells.”

DATES AND HOURS:
The camp runs in six one-week sessions,
from July 7 -August 15, from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

 

COST:
$150 Blithewold members, $160 Non-members (per week) 
     
* Save 5% by signing up for two weeks/two campers or more!
* Receive an automatic $10 discount by signing up online

Extended Care:
3:00 - 5:00 pm: $27/week

 

WEEKLY DETAILS:

July 7 - 11: AMPHIBIANS & REPTILES   
Observation skills will be emphasized as amphibian-reptile adaptations, life history, and habitat essentials are introduced. Campers will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the frogs in the water garden and a variety of visiting reptiles.

July 14 - 18: ART IN THE GARDEN
Learning will focus on different artists, their mediums, and style. Campers will work on creative projects both inside and outside, using a variety of materials. Sketching, photography, nature art, and scrap-booking will be emphasized. The week features a visit by a local artist who will talk about her work and career.
 

July 21 - 25: LIFE AT SEA  PLEASE CALL TO REGISTER FOR THIS CAMP. 
This session will investigate sea plants and animals in their own environment, taking full advantage of Blithewold’s exquisite shoreline. Campers will be introduced to careers associated with the sea and study sea life and water composition.

July 28 - August 1: LOCAL WILDLIFE
This session introduces the different animals that live in the area, incorporating lessons about the food chain, predator-prey relationships, adaptations, and animal habits. Special visits by live animals and adults working with wildlife will supplement time spent playing games, observing in the field, and participating in focused projects.
 

August 4 - 8: GREEN GROWTH
This session will focus on the plants of Blithewold: trees, shrubs, flowers, and edibles. Time will be spent in the Children's Garden where campers will plant, maintain, and harvest crops, becoming familiar with plant requirements and life-cycles. A local grower will talk with campers about farming and gardening. 
 

August 11 - 15: BUGS IN OUR BACKYARD
Campers will explore the diversity of insects and bugs that live in the Blithewold gardens and in their own backyard. Life cycles, classification, and insect-human interactions will be highlighted during games and activities in the field. This session will feature a special visit by an insect expert.

 

We are pleased to announce that seasoned Head Camp Instructor, Jillian Amato, will return to lead Buds & Blossoms Summer Camp in 2008. After leading camp for the last three seasons, Jillian knows how to have fun exploring the nooks and crannies of Blithewold. An experienced teacher assistant in the Bristol-Warren Regional School District for four years, Jillian is a mother of two and holds an Associates degree from Bristol Community College. She is continuing her education at Rhode Island College in the Social Work Degree Program and plans to work in human services or counseling in the child/adolescent field, applying her recent professional and academic experience with past work with St. Vincent's Home for Children. In her free time, she enjoys camping, gardening, crafts, biking and scrap-booking. Jillian will be joined by a camp assistant with experience working with youth.

Experienced Summer Camp Assistant, Joanna Grabert, will join Jillian in leading camp activities each week. 2008 will be Joanna's third season at Blithewold and we look forward to her enthusiasm, dedication, and thoughtfulness.

CIT's (Counselor-in-Training) will also provide leadership and assist staff when available.

LOGISTICS

The morning begins at 9:00 am, and afternoon pick-up is at 3:00. Optional extended care is from 3:00-5:00. Please be punctual; Blithewold staff cannot easily accommodate early or late arrivals/departures. Camp is based in the Carriage House, a barn-like building located next to Blithewold’s parking lot. Upon arrival, please park in Blithewold’s main parking lot and check-in your child inside the Carriage House. Please pick-up your child in the Carriage House at the end of the day.

If you would like to add your name to our carpool list, we will help coordinate ride sharing for campers who live close by. Please get in touch by using the contact information below.

Please provide lunch, snacks, and drinks (other than water), as well as sunscreen and insect repellent. We will be spending time both inside and outside. We suggest you equip your child with extra layers, comfortable footwear, and waterproof clothing. An extra pair of shoes is recommended.

REGISTRATION:           Please register by any of the following methods: -ONLINE and receive an automatic $10 discount -Call 401-253-2707, ext. 21 and pay by credit card -Mail completed brochure and check/credit card payment to: Blithewold Summer Camp, 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI 02809 -Fax completed brochure and credit card payment to 401-253-0412 - Click here to download a pdf brochure to print and return by mail -

REQUIRED FORMS:

Your child will not be able to attend camp without our receipt of two important forms:
   -Health History
   -Pick-up Authorization
Within a few weeks of your registration, you will receive a confirmation letter and these forms in the mail. You can also
download these forms by clicking on the links above. As parent or guardian, please complete these forms and send to Blithewold by June 28 (July Campers) or July 25 (August Campers). THANK YOU!