Preschool Summer Programs:
Caterpillar Camp

Caterpillar Camp Description:

Digging in the dirt, exploring the natural world, and making art with reusable materials - we have something for everyone! Caterpillar Camp will be all outdoors, with occasional trips inside Avery House to say hello to the indoor animals. We will meet near the Avery Park Inclusive Playground (across the street from Parks & Recreation Admin Office at 1310 SW Avery Park Dr.) Monday-Thursday, and nearby parks for Field Trip Fridays. Let's explore!

We can accept ERDC for our caterpillar camps. Email natureplay@corvallisenvironmentalcenter.org for more details!

Note: Campers must be three years old and completely potty trained by the time camp starts.

Camp schedule: Drop-off is between 9:15 - 9:30 am and camp activities run 9:30 am - 1:30 pm all week. No aftercare is offered for this camp.

Ages: 3-5 years

We will use the following topics as a starting point for each week and see where the children’s ideas and imaginations take us:

Week 1 : 6/15-6/19 "Explorers of the Wild" $225

During our first week, we’ll read the book 'Explorers of the Wild' and embark on an adventure to discover the wonders of Avery Park. On Friday, we'll meet at Chepenefa Park—feel free to bring bikes and scooters, and don't forget your helmets!

Week 2: 6/22-6/26 "The Adventure Continues" $225

We'll continue the adventures for our returning campers and warmly welcome new ones. Some campers might have favorite spots at Avery Park they wish to revisit. On Friday, the fun continues at Willamette Park - Bikes welcome.

Week 3: 6/29-7/2 "Little Adventure" $180

Join us for a 4-day camp M-TH as we explore the trails, meadows, and everything Avery Park has to offer. We'll discover "nature's" playground - places to balance, climb, hide, swing, bounce....

Week 4: 7/6-7/10 "All Sorts of Things" $225

There are so many things we can find to sort in the natural world: colors, shapes, sizes, textures. We will go on a sorting adventure every day. Friday drop off will be at Crystal Lake Park and pickup will be at the rotary shelter at Willamette Park.

Week 5: 7/13 -7/17 "We're Going on a Nature Hunt" $225

There are many things to discover around Avery Park—like insects, spiders, birds, slugs, and plants. We wonder what our little campers will want to search for after reading the book 'We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.' On Friday, we will meet at the playground at MLK Park and explore the trails. Bikes and scooters are welcome; please bring a helmet!

caterpillar camp - two boys in a tree.png

Week 6: 7/20-7/24 "Hug a Tree" $225

There are countless wonders in the natural world. We'll kick off the week by reading 'The Big Bear Hug' and then find out what our campers' favorites are. What's not to love about Willamette Park? We'll meet near the shelter on Friday for river wading, trail hiking, fort building, and bike riding—don't forget your helmet!

Week 7: 7/27-7/31 "Trailblazing" $225

There are several little trails we can explore—some are shortcuts to our favorite playground, while others are longer and lead us to the river. We’ll discover them all. This week, we’ll mix things up for our Friday Field Trip. We’ll head downtown, starting at the Central Park playground, walk to the library, and finish our day at the fountains for some water fun. Campers can be picked up at the Riverfront Memorial Park (fountain). In preparation for our downtown field trip we will read "Mr. Walker Steps Out" and practice safe street crossing.

Week 8: 8/3-8/7 "Searching High, Looking Low" $225

Children are invited to explore Avery Park with new eyes using binoculars to look up high and far away or magnifying glasses to see the little things up close. We'll read the book "Beneath" and talk about what we might find below the grass. We'll spend Friday at Willamette Park. Campers can be dropped off near the shelter. Bikes and scooters are welcome—don't forget your helmet!

Week 9: 8/10-8/14 "Whose House is That?" $225

What’s living below the ground, up in a tree, or in the river? Our explorations continue as we discover various habitats at Avery Park! We will read the book The Lodge that Beaver Built. On Friday, we'll meet at the playground at Starker Arts Park and explore SAGE.

Week 10: 8/17-8/21 "Hide and Seek" $225

How many different kinds of leaves, insects, birds, and flowers can you find? There are so many things to search for at Avery Park. What types of things are hard to find? On Friday, we'll explore Chepenefa Park—bikes and scooters are welcome; don't forget your helmet!

Week 11: 8/24-8/28 "Happy Trails" $225

It's the last week of camp! We’ll revisit our favorite places, adventures, and summer activities at Avery Park. On Friday, we'll meet at the playground of MLK Park and explore. Bikes and scooters are welcome—don't forget your helmet!

Registration opens Monday, March 2nd at 8am!

Key Camp Information

Camp schedule: Drop-off is between 9:15 - 9:30 am and camp activities run 9:30 am - 1:30 pm all week. No aftercare is offered for this camp.

Cost: $225/week

Program Requirements

Participants will be asked to keep their backpacks with them at all times. We suggest bringing the following items, all labeled with their name (please make sure your student can carry their backpacks):

1-2 filled water bottles
Sturdy, closed-toe shoes- This applies during all activities, including water activities.
- Crocs, sandals, and flip-flops are not considered safe for camp as they fall off easily.
Water shoes can make wading much more pleasant for campers.
Morning Snack
A packed lunch
Weather-appropriate clothes- Students must be prepared to be outside for all of the session.
Sunscreen must be applied at or before drop-off and kept with your student during the day. You can give staff permission to reapply sunscreen as needed during the day.
A small towel, change of clothes, and bag for wet clothes- we may get wet and just in case!

Your child's safety is our #1 priority. To see our Safety Policy and Procedures, click here.

Be sure to view our Registration and Financial Policies.

Preschool Summer Programs: Caterpillar Camp

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