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The programs range from meteorology to survival in the wilderness. In BOCES’ Falconry Academy, campers age 12 to 16 will learn how to train and handle birds of prey. They will also learn how weight management affects the behavior and performance of birds, how to make equipment used in falconry and how to free fly a bird of prey.
“Each apprentice falconer will have a chance to handle a hawk, owl or falcon and learn their different personalities,” said Dorna Schroeter, coordinator of the Center for Environmental Education.
In Weather Camp with Jim Witt, campers will be grouped by age, with one camp for eight to 11 year olds and one for 12 to 16 year olds. Participants will learn how to analyze surface weather maps, make a weather forecast each day, read and analyze weather charts, use forecast models to make predictions and create a weather broadcast.
In Nature’s Engineers, campers will be shown how some of our best industrial designs were inspired by nature. For example, the woodpecker was the inspiration for an ice ax. Japan’s speeding bullet train was inspired by a bird’s beak and a termite mound inspired the creation of an energy efficient building. They will look at geckos, boxfish and squid to see how they are able to adhere to surfaces or move through water.
The EcoDiver Program in Key Largo takes place from Jul. 29 through Aug. 5 and is open to high school students who already know how to scuba dive. Participants will advance their knowledge by learning how to collect valuable data from coral reefs and will be eligible for EcoDiver certification, provided they pass a final test.
For more information on the Center for Environmental Education’s summer camp offerings, residents can visit the Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES webpage or call Rachel Wade at 845-225-9256.
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