| Elachee
Nature Science Center has hosted quality environmental education
camps in the Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve for over 30 years.
Each week of camp uniquely blends traditional camp activities
and inquiry based learning opportunities set in the beautiful
Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve. The pace is slow and children-friendly.
Our campers study nature while walking trails, wading in creeks,
creating crafts, and singing songs. Their adventures and experiences
at Camp Elachee increase their knowledge and appreciation of nature while they strengthen life-long connections
to the natural world. A sample day at Camp Elachee provides insight into the daily timeline and types of activities campers may experience.
Our
Staff
We pride ourselves in attracting and selecting experienced, enthusiastic,
friendly, and knowledgeable camp staff who enjoy and respect children.
Our counselors have degrees or are pursuing degrees in science, education,
or related fields. For pre-K campers, ratios are 1:5. For elementary
and middle school, ratios are 1:12.
Camp Preview Day - Saturday, May 22rd, 11am - 2pm.
This open house provides you and your children an opportunity
to learn more about Camp Elachee. Meet our staff, sample some camp
activities, tour the facilities, and see why Camp Elachee is north
Georgia’s best summer day camp. FREE.
Registration
You can register your camper in person, by phone, fax, or online (for summer camp).
Payment by cash, check, or credit card is required with registration
to reserve your child’s place in camp. After registration,
you will receive a confirmation letter, additional camp details,
and a health/waiver form to sign and return. All campers receive a free Camp Elachee T-shirt.
Online
Phone: 770.535.1976
Fax: 770.535.2302
Scholarships
Thanks to the generosity of many individuals and the Frank P.
and Martha Hatcher Camp Scholarship Fund, needs-based scholarships
are available. Scholarships are awarded for one week of camp per child. Deadline for application is May 1st. The financial aid committee reviews each application and makes decisions by mid-May. Late applications may be considered on a case-by-case basis, as funding allows. Please call us at 770.535.1976 for
a copy of our guidelines and application.
Before & After Camp Care
Our morning and afternoon care for campers is a low-key extension
of the camp day.
Supervised play, games, crafts, and individual activities before
and after camp are entertaining for campers and a convenient child
care solution for working moms and dads.
Morning Care: 8-9 am, After Care Elementary: 2-5:30
pm, Aftercare Pre-K: 12-2 pm
Before Camp Care
8-9 am - $20/week
After Camp Care for PreK, 12-2pm - $50/week
After Camp Care for elementary and middle school, 2-5:30 pm - $50/week
Before and After Camp Care Package - $60/week
Membership Benefits
Camp Elachee member discount -
your membership must be current for the camp week(s) attended in order to receive the member's discount.
Free regular admission to the Center's museum and animal exhibit
Free admission to Snake Day, Earth Day, 1st Saturday Hikes, Members Only Events, and Stars Over Elachee.
Reciprocal admission privileges at over 100 other nature
centers in the U.S. and Canada
Discounts for camp, birthday parties, NightFall, and in the nature shop
All campers must have completed registration, health, and covenant forms on file at Elachee in order to attend camp. Campers requiring any medications to be administered by camp staff are required to complete an additional medication permission form available from camp staff personnel. A checklist of appropriate clothing, food, and personal gear may be found on the Camp Elachee Information Sheet.
Forms and Information Sheet.
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- For 3, 4, and 5 year
olds not entering kindergarten this fall.
- All campers must be completely toilet trained.
- Camp is from 9 am
- 12 pm daily with a choice of 6 weekly sessions.
- The price of camp is $105/week
for members and $125/week for non-members.
- Activities: an age-appropriate condensed version
of each week’s description will also include mini-hikes,
songs, creative play and movement, story time, crafts and
special visits from Elachee staff and guest educators when
developmentally appropriate. Campers have water play time
in sprinklers rather than wading in creeks.
- 1:5 or less counselor
to camper ratio.
- Parents who volunteer as camp assistants receive
a $60 refund at the end of the week. To volunteer, parents must
fill out an application that must be returned 2 weeks prior to
the week of volunteering. Ask for an application when registering
your child for camp.
- Free Parent Program on Fridays at 11:45am.
- Activities include creek wading and walks,
woodland hikes, nature study, songs, crafts and games, and
special visits from Elachee staff and special guest presenters.
All camp activities may vary due to group age, group interest,
and weather conditions.
- 1:12 or less counselor to camper ratio.
- Free Parent Program on Fridays at 1:45.
- Young people entering grades 6-8 this fall
- Camp is from 9 am
- 2 pm. 5 weekly
sessions available.
- Price for camp is $130/week for
members and $150/week for non-members.
- Limited enrollment - register early to reserve your
child's place!
- Activities vary by camp week. Some camps are physically challenging or require specific equipment or gear. Camps may include special visits from Elachee staff and/or special guest presenters and a special evening program.
Counselor-In-Training (CIT) Program for High School Students
Youth entering grades 9-12 can apply for Counselor-In-Training (CIT) positions and assist counselors for a minimum of two weeks (only one of which can be bike camp). This is a great opportunity for students to learn about their natural world while developing interpersonal and leadership skills through assisting counselors with teaching and supervising campers. Call for an application. |
A Typical Day at Camp Elachee - Reptile Week
8:45 am
Arrival, join your group and enjoy some pre-camp activities with your Counselor and your camp friends.
9:00 am
Begin the Camp Day: Join your group, sing the week’s camp songs, announcements, and learn about the day’s activities – swimming, guest presenters, the craft, and learning games. “Elachee, Camp Elachee . . . the place we love to be”...
9:30 am
Join your counselor and your friends in the Education Hall for the week’s guest presentation. “I didn’t know Georgia has so many reptiles!”
10:00 am
Change into your swim suit, grab a net and don’t forget to pack your lunch and your water shoes. It’s time to head for Walnut Creek for some stream sampling. Cool crawfish, salamanders, and dragon fly nymphs!
11:30 am
Lunch and hike back to the Nature Center. "Wow! Look at the size of that Black Rat Snake crossing the trail!”
12:15 pm
Change out of your suit and then join your group as an Elachee Naturalist answers your questions about Rat Snakes. Visit the Live Animal Room to meet “Gopher Boy”, our resident Gopher Tortoise, and learn more about these important animals from an Elachee naturalist.
1:00 pm
Craft time. Let’s make an alligator out of pieces of mountain bike tire.
1:45 pm
Collect your craft, backpack, and all your personal things and hike with your counselor to front pavilion for pick-up.
2:05 pm “Hi Mom and Dad! I had the best time and you won’t believe what I saw!“ |
