Summer Field Ecology Program 2010

The children's Summer Field Ecology Program consists of nine one-week explorations of the Quogue Wildlife Refuge and surrounding areas. Based on your child's grade entry level for the coming fall, he/she may attend one session of the Ecology Program.

This summer marks the 41st Anniversary that the Summer Ecology Program has been in existence. Throughout the years, we have investigated creeping bugs, hiked the windy Refuge trails, seined for slippery eels and fish, canoed Long Island's Carmen's and Peconic Rivers, caught squirmy frogs and slippery turtles, gone seining in the Shinnecock Bay, and explored the shores of the Atlantic ocean. Of course we can't forget the all time favorite Secret Mud Trail. With this hands-on intense exploration the children will learn nature's secrets, and how important the natural world is. Your child will complete this program with more knowledge and a great respect for the natural world. We hope these lessons will be carried with your child throughout their lives.

» Download the 2010 Summer Ecology Program Application »

Children's Field Ecology Program- For children entering grades 2-6

This program will explore the infamous areas of the Refuge including the super secret, extra squishy mud trail! Find the magic at Fairy Dell and get a taste of Chocolate Pudding Pond. We will even journey all the way to Dune Road to seine for slippery fish and quick crabs! Remember to wear sturdy shoes and dress to get wet every day! Classes run Monday through Friday, 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. Repeaters entering grades 5-6 will experience a Thursday night hike and activities at the Refuge from 7:00 P.M. to 10:30 P.M. in place of Friday's activity. Parent drivers will be needed for carpool transportation on Thursdays to and from Dune Road.

Young Explorers Program & Explorers Program-For kids entering grades 6-9

Visit all of your old favorite places, explore by canoe, and enjoy off-site field trips. There may even be a chance to participate in a hands-on improvement project at the Refuge. Return to the Refuge Thursday evening for a night walk in search of owls, bats and adventure! Program Hours are: Monday 9A.M. - 12:00 P.M.,Tuesday & Wednesday 9:00 A.M - 4:00 P.M., Thursday 9:00 A.M - 12:00 P.M., Return Thursday evening at 7:00 P.M., Young Explorers have a pick up time of 10:30 P.M. on Thursday, and the Explorer's group will have an awesome campout here on the Refuge and get picked up at 9:00 A.M. on Friday morning. Tuesday and Wednesday are off-site adventures and parent drivers will be needed to carpool the kids. Further information will be given on the Monday during the brief introduction.

Adventure Week - For kids entering grades 10-12

Looking for adventure? Join Refuge staff and other individuals your age in a quest for new experiences and adventure. You will rock climb, hike, and canoe/kayak. We will travel to New Paltz, NY for a two night camping adventure along with rock climbing instruction and survival skills training. This is an adventure you don't want to miss! We will leave for New Paltz early on Wednesday, and return Friday evening. Monday is onsite from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M., and Tuesday is off-site from 9:00 A.M to 4:00 P.M.

Little Naturalists - for kids ages 4, 5, 6

This program is designed to introduce and emerge young children into nature through exploring the outdoors, hands on activities, games, crafts, and meeting many of the Refuge animals up close. The children will learn respect for the natural world and will have lots of fun in the process. A variety of topics will be introduced to the children including forest and pond habitats, food chains, local plants and animals, birds of prey, animal defenses and adaptations, composting and recycling. This program is full of fun & education and is a great way for children to learn about the natural world that surrounds them! During this program, the children do not get wet or muddy. Each session consists of three days: a Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.

*We ask that a parent or guardian stay for the brief introduction on the first day of your child's program, which is held in the Nature Center. You will be notified in June if your child has been accepted into the program. The Refuge staff makes every attempt possible to ensure that every child is able to attend the program. If the # of applicants exceeds the class size, a lottery will be drawn for that class.

Assistant Program:

The Refuge staff relies on volunteer help for a successful program. Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age and are needed between the hours of 8:30 A.M. and 1 P.M. Responsibilities include assisting counselors with set up and clean up, as well as helping to guide the children in activities. If your child is interested in becoming an assistant, please contact the Refuge.

Scholarships:

Scholarships are available to help ensure that financial circumstance does not restrict a child from participating in this program. Please call or write the Refuge for more details.