With the uncertainty about COVID-19, Sarah Wolf, Park Naturalist from Hendricks County Parks and Rec started to explore alternate plans for summer day camps for June: "I started hearing that other parks were offering 'program in a box.' After discussing this with the naturalist team and department, we decided to offer "Camp in a Box" for those two weeks of camps." Sarah says they wanted to give their staff and camp families a lot of flexibility based on their comfort levels amid the pandemic.
Hendricks County Parks and Rec is offering three kits in June: "Nature Play Days in a Box", "Get Messy Camp in a Box" and "Amphibians Camp in a Box." Directions and a variety of supplies are included so that families can enjoy some of the activities originally planned for the programs and camps with the same names. The kits are $20 each and provide enough supplies for a family with 1-4 children. While recommended for ages 5 and over, younger children can complete the activities with assistance. The kits will be packed by staff wearing masks and gloves, and pickup will be low contact. If you're interested, advance registration is required.
Nature Play Days in a Box
Advance registration required by June 3 here.
Pickup on June 9 or June 11
This kit contains supplies and resources for our Nature Play Day programs: Wonderland Micro-Hike, Creek Splash, Birdie Bingo, and Summer "Snowball" Fight. You can use these items at the park or on your own. We've included directions for the activities intended for each program. Each activity sheet includes instructions and supply lists--you will need some items from home.
Get Messy Camp in a Box
Advance registration required by June 10 here.
Pickup on June 16 or June 18
Pick up "camp in a box" and enjoy MESSY activities at home! With enough supplies for the whole family to enjoy, you are sure to be messy!
Activities include:
• Diet Coke Mento geysers (geyser tube and Mentos); from home: 2-Liters of soda, swimming goggles
• Exploding art (tempera paint, film canisters, large paper); from home: Alka Seltzer or denture cleansing tablets, swimming goggles
• Magic mud (potting soil, powdered tempera paint); optional from home: baking soda, vinegar
• Tie-dye paper (tissue paper, coffee filters, Koolaid packets)
• Splat art (tempera paint, pompoms, large paper)
• DIY color fight (powdered tempera paint, cornstarch); from home: swimming goggles and bandanas
• Bubbles: good clean fun (homemade bubble solution)
Amphibians Camp in a Box
Advance registration required by June 17 here.
Pickup on June 23 or June 25
This box is all about those amphibians! It is packed with some cool activities to learn more about your cold-blooded buddies! You may choose to explore McCloud Nature Park with your family using the included supplies.
Activities include:
• 1 critter case for amphibian catch and release
• 4 clay pots and paint for Toad Abodes; from home: paintbrushes and glue
• 1 set of amphibian identification cards
• 1 frog lifecycle toy set
• 2 jump ropes for games
• Several amphibian crafts
• Soap slime dough (cornstarch); from home: dish soap
Hendricks County Parks and Rec wants to hear from YOU about July nature day camps!
Families who are interested in day camps at McCloud Nature Park are invited to take a few minutes to complete this survey. Even if you've filled out a survey for June, they still want to hear from you! Please complete this short survey by Friday, June 5. July camp plans will be announced by June 15.
For questions or concerns, please contact the naturalists by phone at 765-676-5437 or by email at mccloudnp@hcparks.net.
Interested in just visiting McCloud Nature Park?
McCloud Nature Park and the Vandalia Trail are open. The restrooms at McCloud and the Vandalia Trail are open. The McCloud Nature Center is open for regular summer hours (Wed-Sat, 10 am-4 pm; Sun, 1-5 pm).
Nature Center is limiting the number of people inside the Nature Center, and staff are increasing cleaning in the Nature Center and in the restrooms. It's always a good idea to bring hand sanitizer. Please stay home if you are sick.
More information about Hendricks County Parks and Rec nature day camps and additional programming can be found at their Facebook page: /HCPandR/ or website at: www.HendricksCountyParks.org.
See the Macaroni Kid Hendricks Calendar for all the McCloud Nature Park events.
Check out our Summer Camp Guide 2020 for lots of camp options this year.
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