Life with Dylan

Category: summer camp

  • Summertime means Nature Camp at the ENC

    For the past three summers, Dylan has been attending Nature Camp at the Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach and this summer will be no different. This is not your typical summer camp.

    The ENC offers a hands-on experience with nature that takes place in a traditional camp setting – without having to drive into the mountains. For anyone who has been to the ENC, you know that once you enter the main gate you are instantly transported from the busy city streets to the great outdoors.

    Campers will walk the trails, learn about the ENC grounds and how to respect the plants and animals who live there, make crafts at good old-fashioned picnic tables, and learn all about science and nature.

    During the ENC Spring Faire, Dylan had the chance to meet some of the special guests who will be joining the campers this summer.

    Each week is a different theme and includes a special guest or local field trip. There are eight sessions to choose from and surely one that your child will love!

    Session 1: July 2 – 5   Do It Yourself Camp
    Campers learn about everyday things and how to make many of them. Special guest – a real beekeeper!

    Session 2: July 9 – 12   Planet Protectors
    Campers learn how the benefits of recycling, reusing, reducing and more. Beach clean-up and visit to a landfill for older campers.

    Session 3: July 16 – 19   Wilderness Survival
    Campers learn how to prepare for the unexpected. Special guest – Coast Live Oak School, ancestral survival skills.

    Session 4: July 23 – 26   Under the Sea
    Campers learn about marine mammals, sharks, fish, and everything living under the sea. Field Trip to Crystal Cove State park tide pools.

    Session 5: July 30 – Aug 2   Outdoor Adventure
    Campers learn about a variety of habitats and the plants and animals that live in them. Special guest – Live birds of prey!

    Session 6: Aug 6 – 9   Incredible Inventions
    Campers learn about famous inventors and make inventions of their own. Field trip to Tessman Planetarium.

    Session 7: Aug 13 – 16   Outdoor Creativity
    Campers explore creativity in nature with drawing, painting, dance, sculpting and more. Special guest – Southland Opera Company performance of “Adventures in Song and Story”

    Session 8: Aug 20 – 23   Mad Science
    Campers enjoy safe, age-appropriate, hands-on experiments. Field trip to Discovery Science Center.

    Summer Nature Camp at ENC



    Who: Elementary students entering Kindergarten through 6th grade. The campers are split into small groups based on age.

    When: Nature Camp is Monday – Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with an after camp option that runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

    Where: Environmental Nature Center, 1601 16th Street, Newport Beach, CA 92663

    How much: Nature Camp is $175 per session ($157.50 for members) and After Camp is $80 per session ($72 for members)

    For more information about ENC Summer Nature Camp or to register your camper visit the ENC website.

  • ENC Summer Nature Camp

    Dylan recently finished a 2 week summer camp at the Environmental Nature Center (ENC) and he had a blast! This was his second year attending the ENC’s Summer Nature Camp and I know he will do it again next year. The ENC offers four different 2-week sessions and if Dylan had his way he would be attending all of them. Lori Whalen is the Director of Education and she is the best!

    Photo courtesy of ENC

    The camp is from 9 am – 1 pm and the ENC also offers an after camp program that goes until 3 pm. Crafts, nature, and all things environmental … basically, all things Dylan!

    This year he went to Session 2: Under the Sea and learned all about marine mammals, sharks, fish, and everything that lives in and around the sea.

    Photo courtesy of ENC
    Dylan even got to go on a  field trip to the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium.
    Photo courtesy of ENC

    Photo courtesy of ENC

    Photo courtesy of ENC

    One of his favorite activities was making his very own ocean in a jar

    And of course buying rocks from the ENC store.

    My favorite thing he did was carve is own Orca with a chisel after learning about the Legend of the Orca.

    If you live in the Newport Beach area, I highly recommend going to the ENC. The Summer Nature Camps are amazing and they offer all kinds of family events throughout the year. ENC also offers School Programs, Scouting Programs, Birthday Parties, and Monthly Events.

    Be sure to check out the ENC website for a listing of this months activities … There really is something for everyone!

    ENC is located at 1601 16th Street, Newport Beach, CA 92663