Laurel Clark Earth Camp

Entering Grades 8-9 in the Fall 2017

June 12-16, 2017

Not all science happens in a laboratory. This summer spend some time in the great outdoors exploring what it might be like to become a botanist, zoologist or geologist. This camp includes two overnight camp outs (Monday and Wednesday nights) and time at the museum, in the desert, at a lake, on a mountain top and underwater (in a pool as we learn to scuba dive). Hands-on field research will allow students a real world experience in learning about the natural world and developing a passion to preserve and protect it.

Times vary day to day; details will be included with confirmation materials.

Monday:

Ethnobotany Day - Harvest saguaro fruit and make it into syrup over a fire simmering all night long. Sleep under the stars at the harvest site amongst the lullaby of coyotes. (Monday night spent camping)

Tuesday:

Zoology Day – Peak behind the scenes of the museum to find out how we care for and train the amazing animal collection - including the colorful macaw. (Tuesday night spent at home)

Wednesday:

Geology Day – Travel up Mount Lemmon and see why the trip is equal to driving from Mexico to Canada. Try your hand at capturing crayfish and learn why they need to be eradicated from our lakes and streams. (Wednesday night spent camping)

Thursday:

Hydrology Day – Toss a stick in the stream and learn how to measure stream flow. Take a hike up through the forest to view a watershed from the tippy top. (Thursday night spent at home)

Friday:

Ocean Day – Dive right in with PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) Discover Scuba Diving Experience at Tucson's premier PADI 5 Star Dive Shop. Discover the amazing underwater world and have a scuba diving experience in the shop's indoor pool!

Dinner provided Monday and Wednesday night. Breakfast and lunch provided Tuesday and Thursday. Bring your own lunch and snacks on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Tents will be provided. Some sleeping bags and sleeping pads are available to borrow on first come, first served basis.

Transportation to campsites provided.

Who was Laurel Clark?

Captain Laurel Salton Clark was a physician, diver, aviator and astronaut, and also a great lover of nature. Laurel's greatest and last adventure ended February 1, 2003 over the southern United States when she and the Space Shuttle Columbia crew perished during re-entry. Earth Camp honors Laurel and her love of the Desert Museum, which included everything from the smallest insect to the Raptor Free Flight program.

About the Instructor:

Amy Orchard has been an environmental educator since 1992. She has worked at Arches National Park as an interpretive ranger, at numerous river companies throughout the western US as a river guide and as an Education Specialist at the Desert Museum since 2000. Amy also is a registered yoga instructor (RYT 200) and loves teaching all ages and all levels of yoga. She enjoys her position at the museum working with the Teen programs and its 30 teen volunteers as well as the being the lead coordinator and instructor for the Earth Camp programs since 2005. Amy's own two daughters are now on big adventures of their own, so she looks forward to spending lots of time with other youth. Amy is a certified Wilderness First Responder (many steps above basic first aid certification) and is current in CPR certification. Besides teaching and practicing yoga and working with teens, she enjoys riding her bike over Gates Pass, backpacking with her husband, star gazing and listening to the breeze move through the spines of a saguaro.