Audubon Summer 2024 Camp Dates Announced

ONEONTA — Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society (DOAS) announces the 2024 Summer Youth Program Season – providing fun, hands-on experiences in natural science and environmental education through field investigations, crafts and games. The day camp program is named in honor and remembrance of long-time DOAS member Dr. John G. New, and is part of the Audubon Chapter’s effort to increase the use of the DOAS Sanctuary at Franklin Mountain for education activities for children and families. Session 1 (for children entering grades 3 & 4 in the fall) and Session 2 (for children entering grades 5 & 6) will take place at the DOAS Sanctuary and Session 3 (for children entering grades 1 & 2) will be held in collaboration with the Oneonta World of Learning at Fortin Park in Oneonta.

“We are very happy to be partnering once again with OWL for our session for younger children as the grounds there are very conducive for little legs to traverse (in comparison with the hilly terrain at the DOAS Sanctuary)”, states DOAS Board Director and Education Chair, Susan O’Handley. “It’s a good introduction to our program and allows children to look forward to moving up to the Sanctuary program in future years.”

Campers in each 4-day program explore a variety of habitats and learn about creatures that live there through fun explorations, games, hands-on activities and crafts. There is limited space in these sessions and registrations are accepted on a first come, first served basis. DOAS will keep a waiting list in case any students get closed out of the opportunity due to space limitations.

Full and partial scholarships to offset the per-child registration fee are distributed each year on an as-needed basis. Donations towards this dedicated fund are accepted throughout the year and are greatly appreciated. To donate towards our Camp Scholarship Fund, visit http://doas.us/donate (indicate CAMP SCHOLARSHIP in the Donation Designation section), or contact Susan O’Handley, DOAS Education Chair at s.ohandley@doas.us or by phone at 607-397-3815 for more information.

This summer, DOAS has hired two college interns, Kaylee Haig and Camille Robinson-Parisi, to conduct the programming for the camp program along with other family/public programs in July and August during the camp off-weeks. They will work under the supervision of Board Directors, Susan O’Handley and Chris DeCesare. The schedule and details for these special programs will be set up in June and promoted as soon as available. We look forward to a great season in 2024!

Kaylee Haig is a graduating senior from SUNY Oneonta who is studying Human Development and Family Studies This is her first year with DOAS. She has had experience with children of all ages through many different educational programs.

Camille Robinson-Parisi is a rising junior at Mount Holyoke college pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies and Spanish. This is their first year with DOAS, though they have been a part of many outdoor education summer programs in the past. Cami enjoys spending time outdoors and sharing their knowledge on all things birds!

Susan O’Handley is a 25 year Environmental Education/Admin former professional (now working in digital marketing) and has overseen the DOAS camp program since it was re-established in 2014.

Chris DeCesare is a former DOAS camp director with years of experience working in Environmental Education through the NYS DEC at the Rogers Environmental Center. She currently works as coordinator of the Otsego and Delaware County CROP Program.

The 2024 DOAS Day Camp Programs are scheduled as follows and are now available for enrollment:

Session 1: July 8, 9, 10, 11 – 9:30am-3pm at DOAS Sanctuary on Franklin Mountain, Oneonta (for children entering grades 3 and 4) $185

Session 2: July 22, 23, 24, 25 – 9:30-3pm at DOAS Sanctuary on Franklin Mountain, Oneonta (for children entering grades 5 and 6) $185

Session 3: August 5, 6, 7, 8 – 9:30am – 1:30pm at Oneonta World of Learning, Fortin Park (for children entering grades 1 and 2) $165

Registration is available at https://doas.us/camp2024.

Space is limited in each session and spots will be filled in the order of receipt of registration. If all spots are filled, we will maintain a waiting list in case there are cancellations. Payment is due at the time of registration; refunds for cancellation will not be issued after 6/14/24. Please contact Susan O’Handley, Education Chair at s.ohandley@doas.us or by phone at 607-397-3815 for additional information.

DOAS 2023-24 Programs are made possible by the generous support of our members, friends, donors and sponsors including The Fernery at Whitehouse, a native plant nursery in Hartwick , NY. Please support those who support DOAS.

The Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society (DOAS) offers programs year-round that are free and open to the public including member meeting programs, bird-watching field trips and special events. DOAS operates the Franklin Mountain Hawkwatch, hiking trails and a summer day camp program at the Audubon Sanctuary just south of Oneonta, NY.

For more information, please visit https://doas.us.