Truckee Young Scientist Exploration Camp

2024 Dates:
Session 1: Water Week, August 5th – 9th
Session 2: Animals and Insects Week, August 12th – 16th

Times:
Drop Off 8:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. daily

Pickup: 3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. daily

Location: Truckee Donner Land Trust’s Carpenter Valley Road trailhead

Directions: Find Carpenter Valley road: the only turn North off Alder Creek Drive between the Tahoe Donner subdivision and Highway 89. Follow Carpenter Valley Road 2.25 miles from Alder Creek to a locked gate with Truckee Donner Land Trust signage. Please park in the parking area on the right hand side. Here is a pin from Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/VXmbD9pmJDpJzB8f8

General registration: Ages 5-12
Counselor-in-training program: Ages 13-15

Price:

Session 1: Water, $385 (includes Headwaters T-shirt), CIT $200
Session 2: Animals & insects, $385 (includes Headwaters T-shirt), CIT $200

Meals: all campers should pack a bag lunch, snack, and water bottle for each day of camp.

Camp overview:

Give your child the opportunity to explore nature this summer. This hands-on science camp is designed for children to have fun while exploring the unique ecology of the area.

Campers will explore Carpenter valley. From this site, hiking, splashing in the river, and other fun activities are all easily accessible. Science is fun and engaging when children get to ask the questions that they are curious about. This program will show your child that science is all around them, while forging a unique connection to the flora and fauna of the Sierra Nevada region.

Have questions? Need more info? contact our Camp Manager: Morgan Long morgan@headwatersscienceinstitute.org

Registration opens on February 1st. 

Session 1 –Water, the Source of Life

We will explore the water resources in the surrounding area. Campers will learn about water quality measures used by scientists. They will also learn about macroinvertebrates found in the local streams and lakes and how those communities potentially change with water quality. There will be plenty of time to enjoy splashing around in the water! Take home craft: Tie dye – Students will need to bring an old white t-shirt or some other piece of clothing to dye

Session 2 –Animals and Insects

Students will learn about the many animals and insects found in the area. We will hike and observe wildlife and wildlife signs (i.e., footprints), and learn how scientists observe wildlife. Campers will learn about the diversity of insects by going out and catching and observing insects in the different surrounding habitats. Campers will learn about insect pollination and how insects may blend into their surroundings via camouflage or sometimes stand out from their surroundings as a potential warming. Students will ask questions and answer them through observations made while exploring the area. Take home craft: Bug nets – Students will make their own bug net so that they can continue to observe insects even after camp is over.

Counselor In Training (CIT) Program

This program is designed for campers ages 13-15. We work on leadership skills. The CIT’s learn to lead games, teach, and learn outdoor child safety skills. This is a great way for them to learn responsibility so they will be ready to be a camp counselor.