Peconic Dunes Camp Programs
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BASIC OVERNIGHT CAMP
Our 4-H Overnight Camp is a place for young people to get outside, unplugged, and back to the best things in life- friendships, fresh air, discovery, self-confidence, and a sense of belonging. "P Dunes" emphasizes safety and responsibility, respect for others, the joy of being a part of the natural world and fun! Our overnight campers make friends and feel good knowing they can just be themselves!
We have boys and girls, 8 - 15 years old. Most of our campers join us from Long Island, and our community is expanding to include children from New York City, upstate, out-of-state, and abroad. For 1st time campers we recommend our Rookie Camp...a weekend introduction to overnight camp.
The Peconic Dunes Overnight program emphasizes challenge, choice, and community:
Community - We all belong to a community and most of us belong to many, including our family, school, and neighborhood. At Peconic Dunes we have our cabin, the Forest, Dunes and Sandcastle villages, and the whole camp. All members of our community are introduced to Peconic Dunes traditions like the opening campfire ceremony, sandsculpture contests, camp blankets, achievement patches, and the Lakota Friendship Circle. Like Millard Fuller, founder of Habitat for Humanity says, we believe that "for a community to be whole and healthy it must be based on people's love and respect for one another."
Challenge - The "Challenge Zone" is where we discover our potential to be greater than we were a moment ago. We find ourselves in the Challenge Zone whenever we're uncertain of our ability to succeed; yet with the support of a parent, teacher, counselor or friend, we choose to confront our personal trial. If we learn something each time we brave a difficult task, we have accomplished at least one part of that mission. We strive to challenge our campers through all activities, and promoting responsibility for oneself and to the community.
Choice - We're constantly working with campers and staff to improve the quality and quantity of choices in our program. Three (3) Optional periods each day allows a camper to choose their favorite activities to do with their newfound friends. And this summer we've updated our daily schedule to offer even more chances to choose through the new House system. Everyday, campers will have the opportunity to choose an afternoon House where they can focus on the program areas they enjoy most. The newest addition for 2011 is weekly Color War!
ECO OVERNIGHT CAMP
The goal of Ecology Camp Organon (ECO) is to connect children with the environment through authentic research and observation. Hands-on, field-oriented projects will enrich our campers' understanding of our local ecosystem and how micro-systems are interconnected. We will encourage the open discussion of many ecological issues, some controversial, so that campers reach a deeper understanding of the natural world and their role in preserving it, especially here at home on Long Island.
Our campers for ECO are boys and girls, 12 - 15 years old with an expressed interest in environmental science. Most of our campers join us from Long Island, and our community is expanding to include children from New York City, upstate, out-of-state, and abroad. We regret that ECO is not available to children under 12 year-old this year.
Campers will work with instructors to develop life skills, including teamwork and communication. They will spend at least 2 hours ensuring they have a fundamental understanding of basic ecological principles. The week will progress with campers spending over 10 hours developing their understanding of a specific, ecological system on Long Island and performing mitigation to improve the health of that system. While campers are concentrating on their chosen system, instructors will guide discussions on human's relationship with that system: historically, culturally, and economically. The goal is for campers to learn how to debate future resource needs, become more resource conscious at home, and decide upon a conservation project, which could improve some aspect of their hometown environment.
At least four systems will be studied in-depth each session. A maximum of five systems will be studied in-depth in 2011. These systems may include:
- Great Pond Ecology
- Long Island Sound Ecology
- Dune Ecology
- Woodland Ecology
- Shellfish Aquaculture
The ECO curriculum will be developed from a wide range of award winning resources and adapted to suit the environment at Peconic Dunes County Park. We will use material from Project WET, Project WILD Aquatic, Project Learning Tree, Long Island Sound Curricular Resource Guide, 4-H Wetland Wonders, Nature Study Guides, and Energy for Educators.
For the rest of the camp daily schedule, ECO campers will join the Peconic Dunes 4-H Camp's other 110 campers in all the activities offered during "Optionals". All activities and "unstructured" time at Peconic Dunes 4-H Camp has been intentionally structured to develop Life Skills as defined by Hendricks (1996).
The Peconic Dunes ECO program emphasizes challenge, choice, and community:
Community - We all belong to a community and most of us belong to many, including our family, school, and neighborhood. At Peconic Dunes we have our cabin, the Forest, Dunes and Sandcastle villages, and the whole camp. All members of our community are introduced to Peconic Dunes traditions like the opening campfire ceremony, sandsculpture contests, camp blankets, achievement patches, and the Lakota Friendship Circle. Like Millard Fuller, founder of Habitat for Humanity says, we believe that "for a community to be whole and healthy it must be based on people's love and respect for one another."
Challenge - The "Challenge Zone" is where we discover our potential to be greater than we were a moment ago. We find ourselves in the Challenge Zone whenever we're uncertain of our ability to succeed; yet with the support of a parent, teacher, counselor or friend, we choose to confront our personal trial. If we learn something each time we brave a difficult task, we have accomplished at least one part of that mission. We strive to challenge our campers through all activities, and promoting responsibility for oneself and to the community.
Choice - We're constantly working with campers and staff to improve the quality and quantity of choices in our program. In ECO, campers choose one of five (5) projects available for them to focus on for the week. And two (2) Optional periods each day allows campers to choose their favorite outdoor activities to do with their newfound friends. The newest addition for 2011 is weekly Color War!
SCHOLARSHIPS - Due to support from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, we our proud to offer full camperships this summer. Scholarships are awarded to those who complete an application and score the highest based on a point system. Financial need is rated highest.
ROOKIE CAMP
Are you beginning to wonder if your child has outgrown day camp? Is s/he ready for greater independence? Our Rookie Camp is designed to provide a comfortable transition from day camp to sleep-away camp. During Rookie Camp campers will participate in the same activities as they would during a full week of camp: archery, canoeing, kayaking, arts & crafts, team sports, outdoor skills, etc. Rookie campers make friends and feel good knowing they can just be themselves!
Rookie Camp is comprised of boys and girls, 7 - 12 years old. Most of our campers join us from Long Island, and our community is expanding to include children from New York City, upstate, out-of-state, and abroad!
The Peconic Dunes Rookie Camp program emphasizes challenge, choice, and community:
Challenge - The "Challenge Zone" is where we discover our potential to be greater than we were a moment ago. We find ourselves in the Challenge Zone whenever we're uncertain of our ability to succeed; yet with the support of a parent, teacher, counselor or friend, we choose to confront our personal trial. If we learn something each time we brave a difficult task, we have accomplished at least one part of that mission. We strive to challenge our campers through all activities, and promoting responsibility for oneself and to the community.
Choice - We're constantly working with campers and staff to improve the quality and quantity of choices in our program. Three (3) Optional periods each day allows a camper to choose their favorite activities to do with their newfound friends.
Community - We all belong to a community and most of us belong to many, including our family, school, and neighborhood. Rookie Camp's limited enrollment makes it possible for every camper to meet and develop friendships with every other camper so your child is assured to be a valuable member of our community. All members of the Peconic Dunes community are introduced to traditions like the opening campfire ceremony, sandsculpture contests, camp blankets, achievement patches, and the Lakota Friendship Circle. Like Millard Fuller, founder of Habitat for Humanity says, we believe that "for a community to be whole and healthy it must be based on people's love and respect for one another."
Session: June 1 - 3
Tuition for the weekend is $239 • Enrollment limited to 40 campers • Veteran campers welcome
4-H DAY CAMP
The 4-H Day Camp is an excellent alternative to day care for your 6 - 12 year old, boy or girl. Camp offers young people opportunities for growth and continued learning, and it's a lot of fun! Most of our day campers are North Fork and Shelter Island locals, and some are vacationers or second homeowners from the city and beyond. This summer give your child the chance to play outside like you did when you were a kid...
The Peconic Dunes Day program emphasizes challenge, choice, and community:
Community - We all belong to a community and most of us belong to many, including our family, school, and neighborhood. At Peconic Dunes we have our cabin, our activity House, and the whole camp. All members of our community are introduced to Peconic Dunes traditions like achievement patches and Friday All-Camp games. Like Millard Fuller, founder of Habitat for Humanity says, we believe that "for a community to be whole and healthy it must be based on people's love and respect for one another."
Challenge - The "Challenge Zone" is where we discover our potential to be greater than we were a moment ago. We find ourselves in the Challenge Zone whenever we're uncertain of our ability to succeed; yet with the support of a parent, teacher, counselor or friend, we choose to confront our personal trial. If we learn something each time we brave a difficult task, we have accomplished at least one part of that mission. We strive to challenge our campers through all activities, and promoting responsibility for oneself and to the community.
Choice - We're constantly working with campers and staff to improve the quality and quantity of choices in our program. Three (3) Optional periods each day allows a camper to choose their favorite activities to do with their newfound friends. And this summer we've updated our daily schedule to offer even more chances to choose through the new House system. Everyday, campers will have the opportunity to choose an afternoon House where they can focus on the program areas they enjoy most. New for 2011 is weekly Color War!
EXTENDER WEEKENDS - available only for Overnight Campers
Campers who prefer to live at camp for two or more weeks without going home can sign up for Extender Weekends featuring an all-day trip each Saturday, Saturday Movie-Night at Camp and Sleep-in Sunday! Extender Weekends also include meals, a modest allowance for an off-campus meal, laundry service, and 24-hour health services. Pick the trip that matches your weeks at camp!
Note: Extender Weekend must follow your week at camp; campers cannot begin camp on an Extender Weekend.
Mystic Aquarium: June 30 – July 1 (Extends Session. 1 to 2)
Campers will ride the Orient Point Ferry to New London, Connecticut and spend the day at the Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration. We’ll see get to see the brand new Titanic -12,450 Feet Below exhibit, view scientists in action feeding the sharks and rays, wade in the water with a beluga whale and penguins and get to go on the Deep Sea 3-D, the Ride. http://www.mysticaquarium.org/
Minnewaska State Park Hike: July 7 – 8 (Extends Session 2 to 3)
Campers will travel to Kerhonson, NY where they’ll hike the lake trail to Awosting Falls and view the scenery from atop one of the many ridges of the historic Minnewaska State Park Preserve located on the Shawangunk Mountain Ridge. The park features numerous waterfalls, three crystalline sky lakes and dense hardwood forests. Comfortable hiking boots required! http://nysparks.com/parks/127/details.aspx
Splish Slash: July 14 – 15 (Extends Session 3 to 4) & July 28 to 29 (Extends Session 5 to 6)
During the hottest days of the year, our campers will be cooling off on one of Splish Splash's 20 water "rides & slides". We'll provide the lifejackets to ensure our campers can enjoy as many rides as possible (obeying Splish Splash's height restrictions and other park rules). http://www.splishsplashlongisland.com/
Orient Canoe/Beach Trip: July 21 – 22 (Extends Session 4 to 5)
Campers will canoe, swim and explore Long Island’s Orient Beach State Park where there is 45,000 feet of beach frontage on Gardiner's Bay and an environmentally rare maritime forest with red cedar, black-jack oak trees and prickly-pear cactus and views of Plum Island and Orient Light House.
Sunken Forest Hike/Beach Trip: August 4 – 5 (Extends Session 6 to 7)
Campers will ferry to The Sunken Forest in Sailor’s Haven, one of the few remaining maritime forests featuring bayberry, sassafras, shadblow trees that have been twisted and shaped by wind and salt spray over the years. The forest is also home to a rare 300 year old primeval holly forest, the only one of its kind on the East Coast.
Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark @ Broadway: August 11 – 12 (Extends Session 7 to 8)
Campers will travel to NYC’s amazing Theatre District to The Foxwoods Theatre on 42nd Street and see the much-anticipated Broadway performance of Spider-Man. Hailed as one of the most technically elaborate Broadway musicals of all time, Spider-Man brings the Manhattan skyline to life and features incredible aerial stunts as Spider-Man flies over the audience to fight his foes.
$150/trip. Space is limited. Sign up early.
SAILING
Peconic Dunes' sailing program will get you tacking and jibing on the Long Island Sound. Our program follows the US Sailing Sailor Certification System for the Small Boat Sailor in Light Air (5-14 mph). While all campers are striving for certification, our goal is to use the standards to help campers develop a solid foundation. The program is recommended for beginner and intermediate sailors. Our sailing instructors come from around the world to offer small group instruction.
Campers receive 4, 3-hour clinics
Enrollment in the program does not guarantee certification and completing every skill in one week in unlikely.
Tuition is $200/week. Available all summer. Enrollment extremely limited.
COUNSELOR IN TRAINING / CIT PROGRAM
At Peconic Dunes Camp, it is our belief that individuals grow significantly when they encounter and successfully surmount a range of challenges, master new skills, get out of their comfort zone, or engage in physically and interpersonally demanding activities.
CITs will receive training in American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer, Responding to Emergencies and Lifeguarding. If they successfully meet the course requirements they will receive certifications valid for 3 years. Participants will also receive training in Meghan's Law, learning how to comport oneself with campers and to recognize signs of abuse.
We'll canoe the Peconic River, camp at Indian Island County Park, and discuss strategies to accomplish our group and personal goals. CITs will also participate in Morning Exercise four or five days each week. Morning Exercise is a fun opportunity to run obstacle courses, swim, and get the blood flowing for a full day of learning.
CITs will spend at least 1 hour everyday in our Outdoor Classroom exploring and role playing the following topics:
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CITs will also participate in and assist with Extender Weekends.
CIT Cohorts will be responsible for planning and completing a Community Service Project by the end of their program.
Program Logistics
dates: JUNE 24 - JULY 21 (1st cohort)*
JULY 22 - AUGUST 18 (2nd cohort)*
*Participating in both cohorts is not possible, nor is customizing the schedule to any candidate's particular summer schedule
requirements: To qualify you must be 16 years old before the program begins.
tuition: $999 (all expenses included)
CIT Program Overview and Application Form
