Summer Adventure Programs

Learning in Nature's Classroom

The Nature Odyssey Summer Science Camp (grades 4-6) and Living Earth Adventure Program (grades 7-9) are unique opportunities for young people to become immersed in nature and learn with talented and enthusiastic environmental educators. With classrooms ranging from the riverbeds and canyons of the Rio Grande Valley to the headwaters of the Jemez River on the Valles Caldera National Preserve, these program are a wonderful way to explore the diverse ecosystems and cultures of Northern New Mexico. It is our goal that all students who participate in these programs will take an enthusiastic interest in the natural world.

• Nature Odyssey: Rio Grande Valley | June 7-11, 2010 | $275
• Nature Odyssey: Super Sleuths - VCNP | June 14-18, 2010 | $275
• L.E.A.P. | June 28 - July 2, 2010 | $325

Meeting time: Students meet at 8:30 a.m. at PEEC (3540 Orange Street in Los Alamos). Pick-up is at 4:30 p.m each afternoon. For children participating in the Rio Grande Valley program who live in or around Española, there will be a meeting location at the McCurdy School.

View Summer 2010 brochure

Nature Odyssey: Rio Grande Valley
Exploring the Ancient to the Modern

Grades 4-6

June 7-11, 2010

The Rio Grande Valley forms the nexus for nature and culture to come together in extraordinary ways. We'll explore the valley in space and time, visiting the ancient walkways of Plaza Blanca, a dinosaur dig at Ghost Ranch, and mysterious images of pre-Puebloan petroglyphs. Throughout the week we'll check out modern ventures, too; you'll have a chance to challenge yourself on a Ropes Course, see wild animals up close at the Wildlife Center, and learn about organic gardening and medicinal herbs at the Tesuque Pueblo Farm. We'll also visit some of the valley's waterways, since no Nature Odyssey would be complete without getting wet!

Nature Odyssey: Super Sleuths -
the Valles Caldera and Beyond

Grades 4-6

June 14-18, 2010

Does a tree make sounds? How does the shape of a crayfish claw help it catch prey? Why does a cave stay cool on a hot summer day? Become a nature detective this summer, and hone all your senses as you delve into these mysteries and many more. You'll be on the case in the beautiful Valles Caldera, investigating its diverse habitats from rivers to meadows to forests. Throughout the week, you'll be on the lookout for clues to how the natural world works. On the final day, you'll use your super-sleuthing skills to explore Alabaster Cave near San Ysidro before taking a refreshing dip in the Jemez River.

Living Earth Adventure Program (LEAP):
From the Rio Grande to the Valles Caldera

Grades 7-9

June 28 - July 2, 2010

The Living Earth Adventure Program (LEAP) is a unique opportunity for middle-school students to explore the diverse ecosystems between the Rio Grande and the Valles Caldera National Preserve with local scientists and environmental educators from the Volunteer Task Force and Pajarito Environmental Education Center. During this exciting week-long camp, students explore the history, archeology, geology, ecology, and wildlife of the Jemez Mountains.

Students will gain an intimate and informed understanding of our local ecology and acquire the tools they'll need to explore their own interests in the natural world.

This year we'll spend one evening camping and one day floating the Rio Grande with Explorer Post 20. Campers will be responsible for basic camping gear and expected to attend a pre-float orientation at the aquatic center.

Enrollment available until June 21.

Registration Information

Payment: bring or mail checks to PEEC. (Tues-Fri 12-4 and Saturday 10-1.) Sorry, we are unable to accept credit cards at the Center. To pay by credit card use the buttons below.

Scholarships: There are a limited number of scholarships available to families who would not otherwise be able to afford the program. Please call PEEC for more information.

Discounts: described in detail in the 2010 brochure . If in doubt, please contact the Center at 662-0460 or Center@PajaritoEEC.org.

LEAP   Discounts None $325.00 One $300.00 Two $275.00

Forms: Forms can be mailed to you or downloaded below. Please return the Registration Form to PEEC as soon as possible (e-mail is good)! Forms requiring signatures may be turned in any time prior to camp.

• 2010 Registration Form
• 2010 Emergency Form
• 2010 Waiver and Medical Authorization
• 2010 Participant Contract

Refund Policy: Cancellations made before May 1 will receive a full refund minus a $50 deposit. No refunds will be made after May 1.

THANK YOU to PEEC's Summer Camp Donors! PEEC thanks an anonymous donor who provided funding for need-based scholarships. And for a second year in a row, Moms in Motion made a generous donation that helped reduce tuition for all students.

Images and Testimonials

Slide shows of previous students in action:

• Nature Odyssey 2009, Rio Grande Week
• Nature Odyssey 2009, Valles Caldera Week
• LEAP 2008

"My son REALLY enjoyed this week. I was extremely impressed with the program, as well. I feel that the instructors were very knowledgeable, responsible and FUN. The week was VERY well planned and executed. The instructors made it fun for the kids. They were knowledgeable about both content and keeping the kids 'in line'." -Parent of 4th grader

"For my daughter [Nature Odyssey] was 'the best camp ever'. She loved to learn so many things and it just fitted all her interests." -Parent of 5th grader

"My son certainly benefited from the hands-on nature/science activities in a unique and beautiful place as well as the impressive camper/advisor ratio." -Parent of 4th grader

"Both my children loved the variety of activities that are interesting to them, such as history of Valle, archeology, geology, biology, etc. I believe the ability and the professional knowledge of the experts play a critical role here." -Parent of 4th grade Nature Odyssey and 8th grade LEAP participants.

"Our son is more interested in his surroundings now and has become interested in learning more about our environment here. Thank you for offering this wonderful program, it's definitely something I would suggest to friends!" -Parent of 8th grader

"The LEAP Program was great! The speakers were interesting, and the site was awesome!" -7th grader

"Thanks for providing our son with the opportunity to experience daily adventures in the Valles Caldera. Capping off the week by inviting the families to picnic at the caldera on Friday evening was truly a 'grand' finale, and a rare treat for all of us." -Parents of 8th grader