When there’s no school, what could be better than roaming outdoors, exploring nature and playing games? Damariscotta River Association (DRA) is offering just that opportunity during teacher workshop days and February vacation this winter and spring.

The day camps give children ages 5 to 11 opportunities to explore, learn and enjoy the outdoors with the guidance of a naturalist. All sessions will focus on wildlife and include many activities including art and games that teach ecological concepts.

“Birds in Winter” is a two-day camp scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 22 and Friday, Dec. 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The children will meet a live duck and learn about its adaptations, dissect owl pellets, go bird watching, and make their own field guide. The fee is $90 or $80 for DRA members at the “Mussel/Family level” or above. Pre-registration is required by Dec. 19, although earlier registration is recommended as these sessions tend to fill up quickly.

The February vacation camp is a four day session themed “Wildlife in Winter” and will take place Tuesday, Feb. 21 through Friday, Feb. 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. The kids will take hikes to look for for animal tracks and signs with a naturalist, go snowshoeing and dog sledding, create art projects, play nature-inspired games and much more. Pre-registration is required by Feb. 13. The fee is $160 or $180 for DRA members.

The DRA is also offering two mini-camps during the spring AOS 93 professional development days on March 17 and May 26. The March program will focus on outdoor living skills such as fire building, shelter building and cooking. The May mini-camp will focus on wetlands. Participants will go marsh mucking for aquatic invertebrates, make a toad house to take home and play games. Both programs are $45 or $40 for members per day. Registration, open now, is due one week before each session.

Participants should bring two snacks and a lunch each day and come prepared to be outside for most of the day. If proper outdoor gear is a barrier to participation, the DRA can provide clothing. All programs will be held at DRA’s Great Salt Bay Farm Heritage Center, 110 Belvedere Road, Damariscotta. A health form will be required for all participants which can be downloaded on DRA’s website.

Contact the DRA to register. Scholarships are available. Gift certificates for these camps and DRA summer nature Camp Mummichog are also available to purchase. 

For more information call 207-563-1393, email dra@damariscottariver.org, or view their web site at www.damariscottariver.org.