Wilderness Explorers

Welcome to the beautiful property at Amberations!  We are excited you have elected to enroll your explorer in a nature immersion program designed to connect humans small and tall to nature, art and community!  Our program will run July 21st - 25th, August 4th - 8th and August 18th - 22nd from 9:15 - noon for children ages 5 -10(ish).  The following is important information regarding our beautiful, organic program.  Please take a moment to read through the details and feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Camp days:

Daily experiences will stem mainly from self guided choices sprinkled with facilitation of survival skills, nature art, reading books, yoga, hiking, exploration of our pond and stream, barn animals, local plants, bugs, animals and community fun.  The mission is centered on the learner!   Our program allows your child the opportunity to commune with nature in a way that meets them where they are.  Luckily, Amberations is positioned next to the Community Center making our nature experience a little more modern, when needed!  Use of the Community Center for restroom needs, inclement weather and activities requiring electricity are available daily. 

What to wear:

Plan on watching the weather every morning before sending your child to camp so you may make informed decisions about daily attire.  Count on your child coming home dirty!  Please keep the nice clothing in the dresser at home and send your child to camp with weather appropriate attire.  Do not underestimate rain boots!  Sneakers or shoes built for creek walking are also suggested.  Sweatshirts are recommended as mornings can be chilly in August.

In the backpack:

Proper gear is an absolute essential aspect of this outdoor program! The following is a list of items to send with your learner daily to ensure a great experience!

Please include the following in your child’s backpack:

1. Dry set of clothing: socks, undergarments, t-shirt, pants / shorts.

2. Raincoat and or rain pants 

3. Sunblock (to be applied by the child or their guardian)

4. Bug spray (to be applied by the child or their guardian)

5. Full water bottle

6. Hat (optional)

7. Empty garbage bag for soiled clothing (trust us on this one!)

8. Snacks in a separate bag please.  Backpacks get full fast!

Drop off and pick up details:

9:15- Check in on the bridge to the barn. 

10:30(ish)- snack 

12:00- Pick up on the bridge to the barn or the community center grounds.

12:01- Beautiful conversation in the car or nap time ensues!  Enjoy that moment!

Facilitators:

Carrie Empie, MS Education

Welcome!  I am excited to facilitate your loved ones' experience in the woods at Amberations!  The property at Amberations is very dear to me as it enabled my business, Outdoor Life Learners, to run a nature immersion program for four beautiful years.  Owning part of the business and learning with humans in the woods taught me what true living and learning should look like!  My background as a New York State certified educator with over 25 years experience, has provided me with the experience to do this job with knowledge and integrity.  In addition to education, I am certified as a Yoga Instructor, Reiki Master and now working towards becoming a Blomberg Rhythmic Movement Consultant.  I am thrilled to be back in the woods with young explorers.  Thank you for the opportunity and see you outside! 

Mary Zainchowski, A.A.S. Natural Resources Conservation 

I have always enjoyed working with children in an outdoor setting! My first job was as a lifeguard where I taught swim lessons and loved it so much I did it for the next 8 years. During my time at Finger Lakes Community College, I had an internship at Cumming Nature Center as a Forest School Teacher, where I was offered a job and loved exploring the woods, learning knife and fire skills, and exploring nature art and cooking with the children. Then I had my son, Rune, and continued enjoying my love of nature with him. We attended O.L.L. when Rune was barely walking and became volunteers at Amberations, which we continue to this day! I now homeschool and work part time at the Elbridge Free Library, where I bring nature into the library for crafts, story hour and homeschool hangouts. We are so excited to have a fun (and safe!) time sharing in the magic of Amberations. 

Paperwork:

You must complete and return Wilderness Explorer Forms (emergency contact, waiver, etc.) to programforms@amberations.org at least 2 days prior to the start of camp or bring paper copies to the first day of camp. Forms must be completed in order for your child to stay at camp. Forms are linked below.

Cancellation or Program Delay Details:

In the event of inclement weather before or during camp, a camp facilitator will contact listed guardian and convey plans for the day.  Use of the Community Center during storms will be employed when needed.  Please be sure to check your phones before leaving your homes for information on cancellations or delays.

Illness:

In the event your child has symptoms of fatigue, fever, or respiratory changes, please plan on an alternative plan than camp until your child's health improves.  Campers becoming ill during nature camp hours will be assisted and cared for and expected to be picked up from camp if the facilitators deem as such.  A facilitator will reach out to the child’s guardian provided on the emergency forms.

Again, thank you for trusting us with your child.  Safety is our number one goal as always.  We are very excited to meet your kiddo and join them on their path to grow in nature!

This project is made possible with funds from the County of Onondaga with the support of the County Executive and administered by CNY Arts.