Sh avings [
Winter 2012
the newsletter for the members of Shaver’s Creek
Environmental Center
Director’s Message I hope you find this edition of Shavings something worth waiting for! We have had quite an amazing stretch of growth over the past couple of years, and we need to start filling you in on some of our success and our changes. You will also find in this edition the 2012 Summer Camp information and registration that so many of you value. Of utmost importance to all of us at the center is that we continue to help our great University achieve its goals. By extending the University classrooms, we believe that we are also striving to create a more sustainable tomorrow for all of us on this planet. Your support helps us to do just that, everyday. Please be sure to note the changes in our membership program that you have been so supportive of in the past. We think that our “Cast of Falcons” will continue to grow, and we hope you will appreciate the changes we have made. So read on—and know that we will continue to be more active with you via our blog, our website, our programs, and our classes in the near future. Enjoy this edition of Shavings. a
Camp Registration on Pages 5–6!
Mark McLaughlin, Director
Upcoming Events: Winter/Spring 2012 a Summer Camp Registration Opens
What’s Inside
a
Changes to Membership...............................2
a a a a a
Members: NOW!, Nonmembers: Tuesday, February 14 Shaver’s Creek Opens for the Year Wednesday, February 15, 10:00 a.m. Kids Corner Wednesdays, February 15, 22, 29 and March 7, 10:00 a.m. Maple Harvest Festival Saturday, March 24 and Sunday, March 25 Migration Morning Birdwalks Wednesdays, April 4, 11, 18, 25, and May 2, 9, and 16, 7:00 a.m. The Birding Cup Friday, May 4–Saturday, May 5 Evenings of Music Look for dates in June, July, and August
Stay Connected with the Creek....................2 Shaver’s Creek Goes Zero Waste..................3 New Faces......................................................3 SUMMER CAMP Info and Registration.....4–7
Important Changes to Our Membership
Welcome!
Shavings is a seasonal newsletter for the members and friends of Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center.
Our Mission
Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center has for more than 35 years extended the University’s outreach mission of teaching, service, and research. Through quality programs we teach, model, and provide the knowledge, values, skills, experiences, and dedication that enable individuals and communities to achieve and maintain harmony between human activities and the natural systems that support all living species.
Shaver’s Creek Staff
Austin Barrett....................Graduate Assistant Jennifer Bean......................... Program Director Paul Brigman...................... Graduate Assistant Dr. Eric Burkhart.................... Program Director Nikki Houck................................Office Manager Rod Lee................................... Program Director Lucy McClain......................Graduate Assistant Laurie McLaughlin..............................Instructor Mark McLaughlin...................................Director Joshua Potter.............. Marketing Coordinator Tammi Richard...........................Office Manager Brian Sedgwick.......... Facility Svs. Coordinator Doug Steigerwalt.................. Program Director Jen Steigerwalt................... Program Director Marie Taylor............................ Office Assistant Joan Turns................ School Prog. Coordinator Dr. George Vahoviak............. Program Director Joann Voigt............................... Office Assistant Doug Wentzel........................ Program Director Ellen Will................................. Program Director Will Wise................Assistant Program Director
For More Information Phone: 814-863-2000 or 814-667-3424 Fax: 814-865-2706 Visit Our Website and Blog: www.ShaversCreek.org E-mail: ShaversCreek@outreach.psu.edu Social Media: www.facebook.com/ShaversCreek www.twitter.com/ShaversCreek
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This publication is available in alternative media on request. The Pennsylvania State University is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. It is the policy of the University to maintain an academic and work environment free of discrimination, including harassment. The Pennsylvania State University prohibits discrimination and harassment against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. Discrimination or harassment against faculty, staff, or students will not be tolerated at The Pennsylvania State University. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative Action Director, The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802-5901; Tel 814-865-4700/V, 814-863-1150/TTY. U.Ed.OUT 12-0393/12-CE-0297jep
By Marie Taylor and Joshua Potter
Shaver’s Creek is your nature center. We were founded in 1976 as a resource for the community, and as a place for Penn State students to get hands-on experience teaching about the natural world. Our membership is one way that you help us to sustain our efforts to bring high-quality programs, camps, courses, and festivals to central Pennsylvania. This year we’ve made some changes to the membership program that we hope will better support you. Prior to 2012, the Shaver’s Creek membership year ran from Earth Day to Earth Day. Starting in 2012, our membership year is changing to a calendar-year cycle. While Earth Day was a wonderfully symbolic start and end date for our membership year, it caused some confusion with the camp registration process, which affects many of our members. This now means that memberships will expire on December 31 of each year, and renewals must be made by early December for you to receive the Summer Camp brochure in early January. In addition to the immense benefit your support provides Shaver’s Creek, all members will still receive discounts and early registration for our Summer Camps, discounts every day in our bookstore and on select workshops and programs, our periodic Shavings newsletter, reduced rental fees for our facilities, and more! We are also adding some character to our membership contribution level names. We think you will enjoy these bird-brained ideas as we apply them this year. We have grouped our suggested giving levels into “Raptor Flights,” including the Cast of Falcons at $35/year, Kettle of Hawks at $120/ year, Parliament of Owls at $366/year, and Aerie of Eagles at $1000+/year. More info about these levels and their benefits can be found at www. ShaversCreek.org. Looking to the long-term support of our programs in the community, we always welcome members to “round up” by giving above and beyond any of these suggested levels and add that amount to our Endowment. Your extra gift will become a part of our annual income—forever! Thank you for your support of Shaver’s Creek through your membership giving. We couldn’t do what we do without you! a
Keep in Touch! by Justin Raymond In addition to Shavings, there are lots of ways to keep a finger on the pulse at Shaver’s Creek. Our newly redesigned website at www.ShaversCreek.org will be launching in early January, which we hope will serve as an easily accessible repository for all of our programs, events, student opportunities, and much more. While you haven’t seen a Shavings in a while, we know many of you have been keeping up to date with our blog. The blog is frequently updated with natural history notes, photos, and video links. While the blog will find a new home on our redesigned website, you can always look back at past entries at www.ShaversCreek.Posterous. com. You can also join our mailing list and follow us on Twitter and Facebook! Visit our website for more information. a
Copyright © 2011 The Pennsylvania State University
Printed with 30% post-consumer fiber content
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Shavings ~ Summer Camp Winter 2012
Inspiring Discovery Since 1976
Road to Zero Waste by Justin Raymond
Shaver’s Creek has embarked on the road to becoming a Zero Waste Facility. We look to nature, where nothing is wasted, as our guide as we strive to eliminate material sent to the landfill. In fact, Shaver’s Creek no longer has a dumpster for garbage. We recycle glass and plastic bottles, aluminum cans, plastic film, yogurt containers, paper, and more. We compost food waste, meat and bones, dairy, chewing gum, soiled paper products, and even cloth bandages! Our goal is to educate, inspire, and empower families like yours to make strides toward reducing, reusing, and recycling at home. a
Dr. Rob Andrejewski holds the total trash generated from the 500+ visitors here during the Saturday of Fall Harvest Festival.
New Faces at the Creek Joshua Potter came on as the new marketing information coordinator in February 2010. He works to promote and support the programs, courses, and operations of Shaver’s Creek through various online and print media, festivals, and events. Joshua received his B.A. from Penn State in integrative arts, focusing on multimedia and environmental education. Before coming to Shaver’s Creek, he spent seven years in New England with his wife, Sarah, where he worked as a naturalist and outreach coordinator for Tin Mountain Conservation Center in Conway, New Hampshire. Joshua grew up just over the mountain in Pine Grove Mills and has a long association with and passion for Shaver’s Creek—as a summer camper from ages 5 to 16, as a volunteer in high school, and as a student and teaching assistant in college. He is excited to be back at Shaver’s Creek full-time. He also enjoys birding, hiking, and spending time outdoors with his family, including his kids Ellory and Lucy. Jennifer Bean started her role as program director in July 2010. She administers Shaver’s Creek’s incoming Penn State student orientation programs: ORION—a six-day wilderness program, and Urban Service Experience—a six-day community service program. She is also an instructor for Adventure-Based Program Leadership (RPTM 330) and Adventure-Based Programming and Administration (RPTM 440). Jennifer earned her bachelor’s degree in recreation and park management from Penn State and a master’s degree in environmental studies from Antioch University New England in 2007. She enjoys spending time in the outdoors with her husband, Jeremy, and dog, Mocha. She also likes to ski, rock climb, and find new places to hike.
Marie Taylor came on as an office assistant in August 2010. Among many things, she supports the bookstore/gift shop operation, manages our membership, and helps to promote the Creek’s many events and programs throughout the year. A State College native, Marie recently returned to the area after living in Pittsburgh, and is delightfully reconnecting with nature in the Shaver’s Creek woods. She enjoys hiking, swimming, and spending time with her family.
Celebrating 36 Years of Discovery! Inspiring Discovery Since 1976
Shavings ~ Summer Camp Winter 2012
3
Discovery Camp
Ages 6–8,
entering 1st–3rd grades
and Explorer Camp
Ages 9–11,
entering 4th–6th grades
Campers will set off on the trails surrounding Shaver’s Creek to discover and explore the woods, streams, and meadows, providing a backdrop for investigating habitats and nature’s cycles. This summer, Discovery campers will use hands-on methods to learn about plants and their special adaptations. The Explorers will spend their week learning about reptiles through observation and exploration.
4-Day Camp Sessions
5-Day Camp Sessions
Tuesday–Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Monday–Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Choose one: June 19–22 (Tuesday–Friday) June 26–29 (Tuesday–Friday) July 3–6 (Tuesday–Friday) July 24–27 (Tuesday–Friday)
Choose one: July 16–20 (Monday–Friday) August 6–10 (Monday–Friday)
$135/$105 members
$175/$135 members
Transportation option for these 5-day sessions only: For an additional fee, bus transportation will be provided from Penn State student lot 82, accessible from Park Avenue. Drop-off will be from 8:00 to 8:30 a.m., and pickup will be from 4:30 to 5:00 p.m.
The Discovery and Explorer campers and their families are invited to participate in the Friday evening picnic and campout. Enjoy ice cream, campfire performances, a night walk, and a Saturday morning pancake breakfast.
Camp listings continue on pg. 7
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Shavings ~ Summer Camp Winter 2012
Discovery and Explorer campers will spend each day in a group of about twelve children, focusing on nature awareness, natural cycles, and interrelationships of living things. On Thursday the campers should bring old shoes for stream exploration. An experienced Shaver’s Creek staff member and a leader-intraining will guide each group. Inspiring Discovery Since 1976
Detach and Return completed form to: Summer Camps, Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center, The Pennsylvania State University, Box 438, State College PA 16804 or Fax: 814-865-3290
S h a v er ’ s
C ree k
S u m m er
C a m ps
2012 Registration Form
Please print clearly and use a separate form for each child. Please complete both sides of this form. Detach along the dotted line and return registration form and payment to the address indicated on the back of this page. You can also fax registration forms to 814-865-3290. You may photocopy this form for additional registrations.
Camper’s last name
First name
Camper’s Penn State ID no.*
Grade next fall
❑ Male ❑ Female
OR
Nickname
Date of birth *The Social Security number (SSN) you provide for enrollment purposes, or when requesting specific services, will be used by the University to verify your identity for official record keeping and reporting. If you choose not to supply your SSN, certain services—such as transcripts, enrollment verification, tax reporting, and financial aid—may not be available to you, and Penn State cannot guarantee a complete academic record for you. Your SSN will be stored in a central system and used only as a primary source to identify you within the Penn State system; the Penn State ID will be used as the primary identifier.
Social Security no.*
Age
Returning camper? ❑ Yes ❑ No
You may list one same-aged child with whom you would like your child to be grouped: We compile a list of families who are interested in carpooling. Would you like to be included on and receive this list? ❑ Yes ❑ No
Parent/guardian
❑ By checking this box I agree to allow Penn State to use this e-mail address to communicate with me about this program (required for e-mail confirmation).
E-mail address (required for e-mail confirmation)
Address
Phone (home)
Phone (work)
Phone (cell)
Emergency contact other than parent:
Name and relationship
Phone
Family physician
Phone
Date of most recent tetanus booster
May your camper have Benadryl administered for bee stings? ❑ Yes ❑ No
What is your camper’s swimming ability? ❑ Beginner ❑ Intermediate ❑ Advanced Does your camper have any physical or emotional conditions of which our staff should be aware, such as asthma, allergies, ADD/ADHD? (Please call the Shaver’s Creek camp director at 814-863-2000 if your camper will need special accommodations or if you have questions regarding physical access.)
1. Health care authorization (required for participation): If I am unavailable for purposes of providing parental consent, I hereby authorize the physician(s) and staff of University Health Services or the Emergency/Outpatient Department of Mount Nittany Medical Center to provide care that includes routine diagnostic procedures (e.g., x-rays, blood and urine tests) and medical treatment as necessary to my minor son/daughter, _______________________________. I understand that the consent and authorization herein granted do not include major surgical procedures and are valid only during the program. I agree to the release of any records necessary for treatment, referral, billing, or insurance purposes to the appropriate medical care provider. 2. Release (required for participation): I, the undersigned, as parent or guardian of_ _______________________________, a minor, ask that he/she be admitted to participate in the Summer Camps program sponsored by The Pennsylvania State University. In consideration of such admission, I do hereby agree to release, discharge, and hold harmless The Pennsylvania State University, its officers, agents, and employees of and from all causes, liabilities, damages, claims, or demands whatsoever on account of any injury or accident involving the said minor arising out of the minor’s attendance at one of the Summer Camps or in the course of activities held in connection with the Summer Camps. 3. Permission to photograph (optional): I, the undersigned, as parent or guardian of _______________________________, give my permission for him/her to be photographed or taped while participating in Shaver’s Creek programs. I understand that the images may be used by Shaver’s Creek to promote programs.
Signature of parent/guardian
Date
Yearly Membership Levels
Membership Renewal Are you currently a member at Shaver’s Creek? ❑ Yes ❑ No
❑ Cast of Falcons
$35 ❑ Kettle of Hawks $120 m ❑ Parliament of Owls $366 ❑ Aerie of Eagles $1,000+
Expiration _____________
If no, would you like to receive membership information? ❑ Yes ❑ No
If you are renewing to receive the discounted member camp fee, please check your preferred membership level at left, and choose a payment method:
❑ Check to “Penn State – Shaver’s Creek” for membership amount of $________ enclosed. ❑ Charge my membership amount of $________ to the credit card below. (separate from camp fees)
Please choose one session in which to enroll your child. Use additional forms for additional sessions. Enrollment per session is limited. Payment in full is required with each registration. Camp fees are nonrefundable. Discovery/Explorer 4-Day Camps Discovery • Ages 6–8 Explorer • Ages 9–11 $135 nonmembers/$105 members* ❑ June 19–22 ❑ June 26–29 ❑ July 3–6 ❑ July 24–27
Wee Wonderers Camp • Ages 4–5 (preschool and kindergarten) $60 nonmembers/$45 members* ❑ July 31–August 2
Discovery/Explorer 5-Day Camps Discovery • Ages 6–8 Explorer • Ages 9–11 $175 nonmembers/$135 members* ❑ July 16–20 ❑ August 6–10
Rock’n River Adventures • Ages 12–15 $365 nonmembers/$315 members* (includes transportation) ❑ June 25–29 ❑ July 9–13 ❑ July 16–20 ❑ July 23–27
Raptor Camp • Ages 12–14 $135 nonmembers/$105 members* ❑ July 31–August 3
Optional transportation—only for these 5-day camps ❑ $35 per camper
* To receive discounted member camp fees, membership must be current through the date(s) of your child’s camp. See renewal information above.
Aquatic Adventures • Ages 12–14 $135 nonmembers/$105 members* ❑ July 24–27
Camp fees are nonrefundable.
Where did you hear about our camps?______________________________________________________________________________
Payment in full is required with each registration. Camp fee (from chosen session above)
$
Optional transportation fee $35 (5-day camps only)
$
Discovery/Explorer Summer Camp T-shirt $15 (New design! Please indicate size below.)
T-shirt size:
Youth ❑ S ❑ M ❑ L
Adult ❑ S ❑ M ❑ L
Camp total (Camp fees are nonrefundable) Please note: membership and camp fees are processed separately
$ $
Shaver’s Creek
2012
Summer Camps
❑ Separate check to “Penn State” for camp total is enclosed. ❑ Charge the camp total written above to my credit card. (separate from membership) Registration will be open to members as soon as they receive this brochure and will be accepted by fax, _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ /_ _ mail (see address below), or walk-ins to the center in Card no. Expiration date the order they are received. Nonmember registration (by the means noted above) will begin on Tuesday, Cardholder’s e-mail address (to receive payment confirmation) February 14. Phone registrations cannot be accepted. Full payment is required at the time of registration. Signature
Scholarships available. E-mail ShaversCreek@outreach.psu.edu for more info.
Office Use Only ❑ Payment received: $___________ Check #__________________________________ Date______________________________ Staff_____________________________
Return to: Summer Camps, Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center, The Pennsylvania State University, Box 438, State College PA 16804 or Fax: 814-865-3290
U.Ed.OUT 12-0393/12-CE-0297jep
Name on card (print)
2012
r e m Sum ps Cam Raptor Camp
Wee Wonderers Camp
Ages 4–5
$60/$45 members
July 31–August 2 (Tuesday–Thursday) 9:00 a.m.–noon This program is for preschoolers and kindergartners. We’ll wander the trails in search of special places and animal friends. As we share stories and art, parents have the option of enjoying the center or a nearby trail. The camp concludes with a parade and ice cream celebration.
$135/$105 members
July 31–August 3 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Aquatic Adventures
Ages 12–14
Ages 12–14
$135/$105 members
More than forty animals, including many birds of prey, are cared for by the Shaver’s Creek staff. Discover more about these interesting creatures and their unique characteristics as you help our staff care for and handle them. You’ll also get to explore various trails around the area. The week will end on Friday with the campers giving a presentation about the animals.
July 24–27 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. What is a watershed, and why should we care? Join us as we explore the Juniata River watershed, investigate streams and lakes, go canoeing, and study various ecosystems. Be prepared to get wet and have fun in the process!
[ Rock’n River Adventures $365/$315 members
Monday–Friday • 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Ages 12–15
Choose one: June 25–29 July 9–13 July 16–20 July 23–27 Tell your friends about this great chance to participate in adventure activities this summer! Each day we will be in a different spot in the Centre Region—catching the currents as we canoe on rivers, caving through our stellar limestone formations, rock climbing on sandstone crags, or exploring our cool, shaded forests on mountain bikes or on foot. Come ready for action, rain or shine. We will meet each morning at the picnic area on the corner of Park Avenue and University Drive. There is no additional fee for transportation for Rock’n River Adventures.
Inspiring Discovery Since 1976
Ages 14 and up
Leaders-in-Training (LIT)
Assist with camps for ages 4–11; no cost for accepted applicants Improve your leadership skills by assisting staff members in leading day camp activities and contributing to the magic of discovery. If you are interested in participating in our LIT program, e-mail Paul Brigman at pgb120@psu.edu to request a volunteer application form. One training session for all LITs: Friday, June 15, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. LIT schedule for the 4-day sessions: Tuesday–Thursday, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., and Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. LIT schedule for the 5-day sessions: Monday–Thursday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., and Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
For more information, call 814-863-2000 or visit: www.ShaversCreek.org Shavings ~ Summer Camp Winter 2012
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Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center The Pennsylvania State University 3400 Discovery Road Petersburg PA 16669
www.ShaversCreek.org
Registration on Pages 5–6!
e m m Su mps Ca 2012 r e
Shaver’s Creek environmental Center