Thank you for your interest in URI Eco-Exploration Camp. Unfortunately, we are not offering camp programs for youth this summer (2018). For more information about CoopExt programming, and to stay connected to us through our e-blasts, please visit our Stay Connected page.

Hosted at the University of Rhode Island Botanical Gardens in Kingston!

RWP garden harvesting donating foodURI Cooperative Extension invites your budding scientists to engage in an outdoor adventure this summer. Our day camps encourage kids to explore the natural world, with programs conveniently located both in Kingston, RI. Campers will investigate the geology of Rhode Island, ecology and natural history of Rhode Island plants and animals, learn citizen science, engage in hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics) activities, play nature-themed games, create arts and crafts projects, write in journals, collect treasures, and more! Each week is themed and geared towards different age groups based on the level of content. Campers will also enjoy swim time one day each week at the URI pool. Eco-Exploration educators are URI faculty, staff and students. Send your child for one week or more! Siblings attending the same week receive a discount.

Testimonials

“We loved this camp! Great mix of free play/exploration with structure and supervision.”
~2015 Providence camp parent

“Great camp; thank you! Excellent counselors. We really appreciated having lunch provided, too.”
~ 2014 Providence camp parent

“I have signed my 9 year old son up for many camps and activities. The Eco-Exploration Camp was one of his favorites so far! The games and crafts promoted learning, and the counselors were wonderful!”
~ 2013 Kingston camp parent 

Registration

URI Eco-Exploration Camp registration begins on March 22, 2017 and continues until filled. Early registration is encouraged to ensure camp enrollment.

Weekly camp registration rate: $200/camper (20% sibling discount for the same week).

Need-based scholarships available on a limited basis. Please inquire before registering

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2017 Camp Schedule

  • July 10 – 14 – Eco-Exploration: Our Wild World (Ages 6 – 9)

    eco camp 1Have you ever wondered what lives in the garden? This week, campers will learn about the amazing world of plants and animals. They’ll visit a URI greenhouse, net insects, and “meet” mammals and birds that live in Rhode Island, through activities, artifacts and exploration of the URI Botanical Gardens and nearby North Woods. They will learn ecological principals, natural history, nature from an artist’s viewpoint, and play fun games as they learn more about our environment. At the conclusion of this week, children will have a widened perspective of nature, equipped to turn any backyard into a living laboratory!

  • July 17 – 21 – Eco-Exploration: STEAMing Ahead (Ages 9 – 11)

    This week of camp taps into science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM)! 

    Investigating the world through multiple lenses, campers will investigate nature’s biological diversity, learn about structure and function in nature and the built world, create works of art, photograph nature, learn about energy, and create their own energy-generating prototypes, and more.

  • July 24 – 28 – Eco-Exploration: Earth Rocks! (Ages 7 – 10)

    eco camp 3Rocks are everywhere! Look at the world in a whole new way by participating in a week of discovery about rocks. Daily geology mini-lessons will be paired with guided exploration of minerals and rocks and related art projects. Dr. Dawn Cardace (URI-Geosciences) and URI students will guide campers in learning opportunities tied to the properties of minerals and the different ways that rocks form and evolve on Earth.  This week includes a local field trip to see rocks in natural settings and, to imagine how they got there.

  • July 31 – August 4 – Eco-Exploration: Our Wild World (Ages 6 – 9)

    eco-camp-1Have you ever wondered what lives in the garden? This week, campers will learn about the amazing world of plants and animals. They’ll visit a URI greenhouse, net insects, and “meet” mammals and birds that live in Rhode Island, through activities, artifacts and exploration of the URI Botanical Gardens and nearby North Woods. They will learn ecological principals, natural history, nature from an artist’s viewpoint, and play fun games as they learn more about our environment. At the conclusion of this week, children will have a widened perspective of nature, equipped to turn any backyard into a living laboratory!