Lloyd Center Summer Programs Come to a Close

Another snake catching, marsh mucking, elephant toothpaste exploding, summer at the Lloyd Center! This time, in mask-free style. The Lloyd Center for the Environment completed another fantastic summer of programs. “A whirlwind of fun!” noted by the instructors. Students immersed themselves in nature, socialized, and shared their excitement with their peers. A perfect way to spend the summer!

The Lloyd Center’s Young Naturalist Program and Coastal Studies Programs teach valuable lessons in protecting our environment in an engaging and hands-on way. This was recognized among families, with programs booking early and students wanting to do multiple weeks. Over 65 Young Naturalist students joined us, and nearly 35 Coastal Studies students participated in one of our four programs this summer!

Young Naturalist is an eight-week program geared to children ages six to nine. Every day is different. Students engage in rotating themes of In the Sky, Under the Sea, Forest Frenzy, Ponds and Streams, and STEAM Friday! Students participate in mini nature/science lessons. They hike the grounds discovering the types of habitats for reptiles, amphibians, birds, and plants. Dip netting in the estuary is always a splash for the students! And, STEAM Friday! can get a little messy with slimy science experiments. Students were also able to tap into their creative side with a craft that wrapped up the full-filled day.

Coastal Studies is a program designed for older children ages nine to twelve. There are four options for students with varying interests. For those who love the water and wanted to learn more about this precious habitat, Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology had students diving deep into the oceanic world. For land lovers, Nature Explorers students explored the terrestrial habitat, while Animal Mysteries Solved, explained animals’ unique adaptations. Students in these programs engaged in data collection, experiments, and field trips; allowing students to apply their knowledge with hands-on learning.

The summer may have whirled by, but the memories and impacts last a life-time. We wish you a happy and safe school year and we hope to see you next summer!

by Ashley Gesner, Lloyd Center Education / Outreach Specialist