Young conservationists-in-training eager to explore nature and have up-close wildlife encounters can look forward to The Connecticut Audubon Society’s state licensed summer camps, including two local options at the Center at Fairfield and the Coastal Center in Milford.

“The Connecticut Audubon Society’s summer camps have been immersing campers into the wondrous world of nature and science for decades,” Liza Hickey, of The Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Fairfield, said. “Each year, new generations of families return to explore [the] outdoors, make new friends, develop independence, and build appreciation and respect for wildlife and nature’s resources.”

The Center at Fairfield and the Coastal Center in Milford locations have weekly sessions that take place this summer, Monday through Friday, with full days from 9 am to 4 pm and half days from 9 am to noon. There is also a lunch brunch option from noon to 1:30 pm; a before-care option from 8:30 to 9 am; and, exclusive to Milford, an after-care option from 4 to 4:30 pm.

Campers ages 4 to 14 are eligible to register for both camps, and teens (ranging from 14 to 18 years old in Fairfield and 15 to 18 years old in Milford) can sign up to become Junior Volunteer Counselors for the half-day or full-day options.

“All camp programs are led by teacher-naturalist and college-educated staff with experience in education and/or science and training in first aid, CPR, and Epi-Pen use,” Ms Hickley explained. “Our high staff-to-camper ratio ensures all campers [have] a safe, educational, and enjoyable camp experience.”

Campers are organized into groups based on their ages and rotate through different teacher-led science and nature-themed activities, games, and crafts — all tailored for their ages and interests.

The Center at Fairfield

Weekly themes at The Connecticut Audubon Society Summer Camp at the Center at Fairfield include Geology Rocks, Wetland Wonders, Wilderness Skills, Amazing Adaptations, Puddle Jumpers, and Wings of Wonder.

The camp also offers two weeks of Traveling Day Camps for ages 12 to 14.

The Coastal Center at Milford Point

Weekly themes at The Connecticut Audubon Society Summer Camp at the Coastal Center at Milford Point include Sensational Seashore, Motion in the Ocean, Living the Tide Life, Eco-Pirates, Seaside Safari, and Ocean’s Oddballs.

“Whether in the woodlands and meadows of our Fairfield Larsen Sanctuary or the marshes, beaches, and tidal pools of the Milford Coastal Center,” Ms Hickey said, “campers get to explore and investigate nature’s riddles, learn about habitats, develop outdoor skills, and meet live animals.”

She adds, “Our goal is to provide campers with a balance of fun and engaging activities that instill a sense of wonder and connection to the natural world and teach ways to preserve and protect it.”

Registration is now open. To sign up for The Connecticut Audubon Society Summer Camp at the Center at Fairfield, visit [naviga:u]ctaudubon.org/fairfield-camp[/naviga:u]. To sign-up for The Connecticut Audubon Society Summer Camp at the Milford Coastal Center, visit [naviga:u]ctaudubon.org/coastal-center-summer-camp[/naviga:u].