HomeMy WebLinkAbout8.1 GlenTheGuideNatureDayCamp
G~~~ OF DU
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19 ~ ~ 82 AGENDA STATEMENT
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PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION
MEETING DATE: December 15, 2008
SUBJECT: Glen the Guide Nature Day Camp
Report Prepared by Henry Siu, Recreation Coordinator
ATTACHMENTS: None
RECOMMENDATION: Receive report and provide input on the proposed program plan
FINANCIAL STATEMENT: None
DESCRIPTION: The City Council has a high priority objective to plan for a new
Suimner Nature Day Camp program at the new Shannon Community Center. Funds have been allocated
in the Fiscal Year 2008-2009 budget to begin the camp during the upcoming summer. Staff has
developed a proposed program plan for the camp, which is suminarized below.
The Glen the Guide Nature Day Camp will focus on nature, biology and ecology through hands-on
experiential learning. The purpose of the camp is to promote environmental awareness, understanding,
and responsible natural resource stewardship among participants. Participants will accomplish this
through interactive programs to take place at Shannon Park and Martin Canyon Creek. The program will
also include visits to East Bay Regional Parks such as the Pleasanton Ridge, Lake Del Valle and Ganin
Park.
This all-day camp was designed for children in 1St through 5`h grades and will include but is not limited to
crafts, games, sports, excursions and special projects with a focus on biology, ecology and nature studies.
Glen the Guide Nature Day Camp will provide participants firsthand experience with nature through
hiking, storytelling, scientific observations, and interpretive nature walks. Participants will gain
perspectives about themselves, learn about interacting respectfully with nature and discover that they are
indeed an important part of nature. All activities will be conducted by Recreation Leaders that have
received leadership training, CPR/First Aid certification and training in outdoor education. Each day a
contracted Naturalist will provide two and one half hours of nature studies with participants to provoke
thought, curiosity and interest in nature. Every week, camp participants will attend an excursion at a
regional park for an interpretive hike and nature activities led by a Park Naturalist. Fridays will feature a
swim day in the afternoon at the Dublin Swim Center. While Glen the Guide Nature Day Camp is
modeled after the very successful Camp Emerald Glen, Glen the Guide Nature Day Camp will provide a
new and unique camp experience in Dublin.
COPIES TO:
ITEM NO.: 8.1
G:U'ARKS COMMISSION\AGNDSTMT\2008\12-15-08 Summer Nature Day Camp Plan.doc
Glen the Guide Nature Day Camp will operate from June 23 to August 15, 2009, Monday through Friday
from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and will cost $140 per week. An extended care option will be available for
participants to arrive at 8:00 a.m. and stay as late at 6:00 p.m. for an additional fee of $40 per week.
Staff anticipates the camp will be popular in the community. In the 2008 Parks and Community Services
Community Needs Assessment mail-in survey, with a sample size of 452 respondents, it was determined
that approximately half of those responding to the survey felt that adventure trips/outdoor recreation and
nature programs were "essential" ar"very important." Additionally a need was identified to offer more
full-day camp programs when school is not in session. The Glen the Guide Nature Camp will help meet
both of these needs.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Parks and Community Services
Commission receive the report and provide input on the proposed program plan.
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