Summer Ecological Camps for Children in the St. Louis, MO Area

With school almost over parents and their children will be looking for that special summer day camp that offers unique experiences in activities such as sports, games, crafts, nature, science, gardening, and more. The Green movement and the growing environmental concerns of the world, makes summer ecological camps an excellent choice to allow children to better understand ways to help Mother Earth retain her beauty. At least three camps in the St. Louis, MO area offer programs related to ecology and gardening.

Elemental Earthcamp

Elemental Earthcamp offers several weekend family camping adventures throughout the summer. One weekend entitled "Plant Gathering" (August 20 to 22), is for learning what native plants are used for medicinal and sacred purposes as well as those that are suitable for eating. Learn how the Osage and Cherokee Native Americans helped the pioneers cure illnesses and treat injuries using wild herbs and plants. Have fun and gain knowledge by learning to identify native plants, digging edible roots and gathering seeds. All you need do is bring your tent and camping gear to this 500 acres area located in the Ozarks near Steelville, MO,

Missouri Botanical Garden

Missouri Botanical Garden (MBG), conveniently located in the center of St. Louis, offers a variety of day camps for children. Designed to help children connect with the plant world, programs like "Summer Little Sprouts", which is for children two to three years old, includes hands-on activities, songs, stories, and walks in the garden. For children six to eight years old, MBG offers a program called the "Great Green Thumbs", which helps children learn about growing vegetables and flowers. Children will grow and care for their own plants. Camp sessions are from July 6 through July 9. A program for nine to 11-year olds is "Garden Designers". In this weeklong day camp session (August 9 to August 13), children learn landscape planning and design their own garden spaces, within the botanical garden.

Camp Pegnita

Located at Villa di Maria Montesssori School, Camp Pegnita is one of the oldest summer camps in the area. Founded in 1948, this camp provides summer fun to children ages five to 15. Groups of no more than 15 children are lead by experienced camp counselors. Besides learning the art of gardening, other activities include sports, archery, cooking, hiking, Red Cross swimming lessons, and nature activities, with a special event each week. The camp is open June 7 through August 6, with daily and weekly rates, as well as an all summer discount. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with special hours for working parents (7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.-*additional fee applies).

Sources: www.elementalearthcamp.com, www.mobot.org, www.camppegnita.com