AWESIM Kids 2018 (Ages 10 - 13)

The AWESIM Kids program will be starting its 23rd summer season in June of 2018!

AWESIM Kids is a unique combination of learning and summer vacation fun. We will spend our days hiking, boating, learning about local wildlife, exploring the park, meeting interesting people and professionals, and going on unique day trips each week. We encourage hands-on learning and peer leadership opportunities, working together daily in both small and large groups. Each of the four sessions are individually themed. Fun STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) projects and favorite activities like berry picking, boating, and swimming are repeated through-out the summer.

Naturalists Rich Hoffman and Christa Wood work with three seasonal Naturalists to provide daily programs. Other full-time staff Naturalists join us for day trips and specialized activities, increasing the opportunities for individualized attention and personal instruction. Typically, it is a five participant to one Naturalist ratio.

AWESIM Kids

Printed on recycled paper

REGISTRATION On-line (www.somersetcountyparks.org) and in-person registration begins Wednesday, February 7 at 9:00am. Phone-in or mail-in begins Wednesday, February 7 at 11:00am. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis. A non-refundable deposit of $150 per session is due at registration. Balance is due by Monday, May 7. VISA, MasterCard, Discover, Amex or cash/check are accepted.

ELIGIBILITY This program is age-specific. Participants must be a minimum of 10 years of age and a maximum of 13 years of age for the duration of the enrolled session.

PROGRAM HOURSMonday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm; optional extended day until 5:30pm for an additional fee.

WHAT TO WEAR AND BRINGWear comfortable summer clothing, sturdy footwear that can get wet/dirty, and a hat. Bring a day bag with a complete change of clothes, sunscreen, and bug spray if desired.

LUNCHParticipants should bring two snacks, lunch, and two drinks each day. There is no refrigeration available, so please send food in an insulated bag. Participants are encouraged to participate in our waste-free lunch program. Items such as reusable sandwich/snack containers, drink bottles, and cloth napkins are encouraged.

FIELD TRIPSEach week we will be taking a trip off-site. We will travel by van, leaving at approximately 9:00am and returning around 4:30pm. All trips are related to session themes.

OVERNIGHTThere will be an optional overnight (sleepover) on the first Thursday of each session. A dinner, healthy snacks, and drinks are provided. Evening activities may include night hike, star gazing, and other evening activi-ties as weather permits. Please note: participants get picked up the following morning, Friday, between 7:30am–9:00am.

COMMUNICATION When registering, please provide an email that you check regularly as most communication is via e-mail. Please add kawesim@scparks.org to your contact list.

Turn over for sessionsEnvironmental Education Center 190 Lord Stirling Road Basking Ridge NJ 07920 908 766-2489www.somersetcountyparks.org

H MEETS O Every living thing on Earth depends upon water. Join us as we learn about our amazing blue planet, both salt and fresh water habitats will be explored. Plan on getting wet and dirty as we paddle on ponds, explore streams, and spend time in kayaks. Our paddling experts will teach you the strokes, as well as how to stay safe while having a good time with friends. Sleepover, Thursday, June 21; pick-up Friday, June 22, 7:30am-9am$720 per personCourse Code: 50102EEC-42 Monday, June 18 – Friday, June 29 8:30am – 4:30pm

QUESTIONS & COMMUNICATIONQuestions about this program can be directed to Christa or Rich at 908 766-2489 ext. 5330. Or via email at kawesim@scparks.org.

When enrolled, be sure to add our email address to your contacts as communication is primarily via email.

Somerset County Park Commission welcomes everyone to participate in its programs and facilities regardless of race, color, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, or religious or political affiliation. If you have individualized needs due to a disability , please call 908 526-5650 and we will be happy to arrange reasonable accommodations. Three weeks notice is required to ensure that appropriate accommodations can be provided.

Post care available from 4:30pm-5:30pm for an additional fee.Answers to many frequently asked questions can be found in our Parent Handbook, available online or by request.

www.somersetcountyparks.org Environmental Education Center – program offerings

ANIMAL HOUSE This session is all about animals, the places they live, and their special adaptations that help them survive! Whether you are interested in slithery snakes, sly foxes, graceful gliders or slimy sliders, this is the session for you if you love animals! Sleepover, Thursday, July 5; pick-up Friday, July 6, 7:30am-9am$648 per person Course Code: 50102 EEC-43 Monday, July 2 – Friday, July 13 8:30am – 4:30pm

YUM! Come enjoy nature’s bounty as we learn about wild edibles and growing organic food in our AWESIM Kids garden; test your creative culinary skills in our awesome iron chef challenges. Spend time hiking the trails in search of high bush blueberries and wild blackberries that when perfectly ripe, are tasty treats, and search for the pollinators which are responsible for making our food grow. Sleepover Thursday, July 19; pick-up Friday, July 20, 7:30am-9:00am.$720 per person Course Code: 50102 EEC-44 Monday, July 16 – Friday, July 27 8:30am – 4:30pm

SURVIVE This session is all about the basics of both animal and human survival! Finding safe water for drinking, shelter for protection from the environment, gathering food along with other hands-on activities will keep this session fun. Whether making a piece of rope, learning to tie some basic knots or learning some basic wilderness first aid, we will be challenged every day. Sleepover, Thursday, August 2; pick-up Friday, August 3, 7:30am-9am$720 per person Course Code: 50102 EEC-45 Monday, July 30 – Friday, August 10 8:30am – 4:30pm

THE SESSIONS