Camps helping kids enjoy outdoors

Yes, the temperatures outside can still dip into the 30s, but in reality spring break is almost here. Soon enough, it will be full speed to summer. So moms and dads do you have plans for the kids to utilize their time constructively?

How about getting the kids involved in nature and outdoors? One of the coolest places in the summer is also one of the coolest in the off-season of March.

“It is the sixth year for Nature Camps, and the second year for Spring Break Camp and it is ten weeks instead of six,” Richard Shaver, operations manager of Blue Hole Programs, said. “We partner with others such as Hays Master Naturalists, Southern Wildlife Rehabilitation and Wimberley’s Dark Sky Star Lab Experience.”

The camp is for children 6 years old through 12 years old.

So what will they do? All sorts of exercising outdoor activities.

“I really love the archery program. The kids have so much fun. There’s also the Meadows Center program on Macro-Invertebrates, and there’s dip netting, with nets to collect specimens (from the creek), tiny fish and bugs, see if the water quality is good.”

The park will be hosting Spring Break Nature Camp from March 16-20 with kayaking, fishing, archery, and more. Starting in May, four sessions of camp have been added for a total of 10 weeks of summer camp!

There will be a lot of camp counselors around for safety, and they also have a program for 13 to 15 year olds to get to be a counselor, an apprentice counselor if you will. But they will not be in charge.

“They get more responsibility.”

Getting prepared for the upcoming season, there are jobs open and online is the only way to apply.

“We’re hiring now for Camp Director and assistant positions with five counselors also needed and can also apply online,” Shaver continued. “What is needed is good leadership, someone who will be heavily involved. We need really good leaders.”

Blue Hole Nature Camp Sessions fun weekly on Spring Break and May 25 through July 31.

Registration is $150 per camp and is open now. Registration closes one week prior to the first day of each session. There is no swimming at the camp; however, kids will be wading in the creek daily. Camp hours are from 7:30am – 5pm, Monday through Friday.

To apply to the camps or for an open position for the camps, please see the city’s website www.cityofwimberley.com.