News Release

NPS Offers Free Summer Science Camp

News Release Date: July 18, 2023

Contact: Anna Grismer, 5704262432

BUSHKILL, PA - Do you know any kids who are looking for something different to do this summer? Something where they can be outdoors, learn, and have fun? How about a free weekly Summer Science Camp hosted by the education team at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area?  
 

Beginning July 21, this free program will be offered on six consecutive Fridays from 10am to 2pm. Each week, attendees will visit different locations within the park to do hands-on science activities and learn about different park resources. Participants may attend as many or as few sessions as they would like. Though the content is targeted for youth ages 8 - 13, children of all ages are welcome to attend. These education programs also meet Next Generation Science Standards for grades three through five. 
 

Creating opportunities for fun, interactive, and educational activities is a major goal of the National Park Service. Programs, like Science Summer Camp, are developed to educate visitors on the natural and cultural resources found within park boundaries and assist visitors in forming connections to these public lands.
  

"Science Summer Camp is intended to bring families to the park to learn and explore together. Parks are classrooms on their own. We are here to help foster the relationship between education and the outdoors," says Dani Cessna, Chief of Interpretation, Education, and Partnerships. 
 

The schedule for Summer Science Camp is as follows:   

• July 21st from 10 am - 2 pm at Dingmans Falls Visitor Center 
  Learn about the secret superpowers native plants possess! Discover why the wide variety of plant life found at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is important for our environment. 

• July 28th from 10 am - 2 pm at Pocono Environmental Education Center 
  Do you love hide-and-seek? So do animals! Enjoy activities based on the remarkable characteristics of native animals and how they stay unseen. 

• August 4th from 10 am - 2 pm at the Marie Zimmerman House 
  How do you feel about after-school snacks? Aren't they fun? They give you energy to play and do homework! How do you think animals get energy to play? Learn about ecology and the food web of native animals in a beautiful environment. 

• August 11th from 10 am - 2 pm at Smithfield Beach* 
  Did you know that the water you drink every day is the same water that dinosaurs drank over 65 million years ago? This is possible through the water cycle! Learn more about the amazing properties of water near the Delaware River. 

• August 18th from 10 am - 2 pm at Milford Beach* 
  There is a reason "you rock" is a compliment! Rocks are super cool! Learn how scientists examine the past by studying rock types and fossils. 

• August 25th from 10 am - 2 pm at Park Headquarters 
  "What we are is what we leave behind." Protecting our natural resources is everyone's responsibility, especially park rangers! The National Park Service preserves land for the enjoyment of future generations. Learn how you can help keep these parks safe! 
   

Visit Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Hosts Science Summer Camp 2023 (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) for more details on the program and directions to each site.
 

For more information on Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area call [phone]; visit our website at www.nps.gov/dewa; or follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/DelWaterGapNPS and Instagram at www.Instagram.com/DelWaterGapNPS. 

*Expanded amenity fees are waived for those attending the Science Summer Camp programs at Smithfield Beach and Milford Beach.  

-NPS- 

About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 424 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.