July/August #2

Ambassadors for Nature

Here we are! Camp Sunnyside Up. The Eggs will be helping with their new Nature Center and can't wait to get started!

Ranger Hatch

The Eggs and their families all arrived at Camp Sunnyside Up and began to unpack their things in their respective cabins. They would be staying at the camp for two months, so they brought a lot of provisions. There was also a town nearby if they happened to forget something or needed additional supplies.

A knock came at Greggory's family's cabin door. It was loud and persistent. Greggory's dad opened the door to find a camp ranger dressed in uniform and standing straight as redwood tree. "My name is Ranger Hatch. Welcome to Camp Sunnyside Up. We will have a camp meeting for all of the families at the campfire clearing in one hour." He clicked his heels and promptly left.

"Well, ok then." Greggory's dad softly closed the cabin door. "He seems to be all business. We better not be late for that meeting!" He chuckled as he continued to put away the provisions.

Campfire Clearing

Exactly one hour passed and the Eggs and their families gathered at the campfire clearing. Ranger Hatch was already there waiting. He saluted each one as they took their seats upon the long log bench. "This guy is a little uptight," whispered Benedict. Megg shushed him.

Ranger Hatch began to explain how the service project at the camp will work. The Eggs would spend approximately four days on each of these areas: Birds, Reptiles, Ponds, Forestry, Butterflies and Nature Trails. Seggourney asked if she could take pictures and Benedict asked if there would be time for swimming. Ranger Hatch said yes to both requests and dismissed the "troops."

The Eggs knew Ranger Hatch ran a tight ship and left in silence to return to their cabins. Later that evening, they enjoyed a cookout of hot dogs and beans and made s'mores by the campfire. In the morning, they would begin their first module: the Bird Sanctuary.

A Falcon!

The Eggs met Ranger Hatch at the Bird Sanctuary bright and early. They learned about spotted owls, eagles and woodpeckers. He explained that they have over 100 species of birds that live there. He also explained how important it is to take care of the environment so these beautiful birds do not go extinct.

At the end of their time exploring the Bird Sanctuary, Ranger Hatch sat everyone down in a circle. He stood straight and let out a shrill whistle. Just then an amazing falcon came flying in and landed right on Ranger Hatch's extended arm. The Eggs were amazed as they listed to him teach all about falcons. They thought although he was a bit uptight, Ranger Hatch could be a cool guy!

Family Activity

As we enjoy and appreciate natural beauty; we need to play an active role in conserving it so it can be enjoyed by every generation. Since our own childhood, we have been urged to “Save the Planet,” “Conserve Water,” “Conserve Energy,” “Preserve Our World,” and “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.” As parents or teachers, we always want the best for our children. Collectively, we can help to live out all of these slogans to create a brighter environmental future for our kids!

• Research some of the wildlife that the Eggs learned about; spotted owls, eagles and woodpeckers. Do any of these birds live in your area?

• And what about those falcons? How are they trained to listen to a whistle and land on an arm?
  

Next time, the Eggs explore the remainder of the Nature Center! See you then!

Wishing you all GOOD things,

Sandy