Citizen Science Academy 2020 Ages 12-15

Thank you for your interest in attending NRNC's Citizen Science Academy! NRNC is a non-profit 501(c)3 in Olympia, Washington offering year-round programming to help build students’ knowledge and connection to the nearshore environment though fun, inquiry-based science projects on the beach. Our program strives to connect campers to the valuable resources and beauty of the South Sound and Nisqually Watershed while having fun on beaches, mountains, and forests. Nestled in one of the healthiest estuaries in Puget Sound, students will get access to and gain knowledge about what makes this estuary so special.  

Campers will be participating in a series of science and adventure based activities throughout the week. They will explore issues surrounding fish conservation while learning how to fish with professional guide and fish biologist J. Michelle Swope. The next day students enjoy a kayak trip on the Nisqually Estuary in partnership with Olympia Parks, Arts, and Recreation. Three days will be spent immersed in the gorgeous wilderness of Mt. Rainier where campers learn about rivers, glaciers, and volcanoes. Campers adventure to both Paradise and Sunrise and hike some of Washington's best trails while experiencing two very different ecosystems. Students then travel to Pack Forest and stay overnight at Pack Forest Conference Center. In partnership with University of Washington's Mt. Rainier Institute, campers participate in a field experience regarding climate change and forests. 

This 6-day science-based adventure academy is part day camp and part overnight camp. Please read the schedule below for information about each day. Students are always picked up or dropped off at NRNC.

2020 CITIZEN SCIENCE ACADEMY SCHEDULE

Monday, July 6th: 9 AM – 4 PM @ NRNC  

Tuesday, July 7th: 9 AM – 4 PM @ NRNC

Wednesday, July 8th: 9 AM @ NRNC - Overnight at Mt. Rainier

Thursday, July 9th: Away at Mt. Rainier (Overnight)

Friday, July 10th: Leave Mt Rainier, Arrive at Pack Forest (Overnight)

Saturday, July 11^th: Leave Pack Forest, Students picked up at 6:30 PM

WHAT MATERIALS ARE PROVIDED?

During the Mt. Rainier/Pack Forest trip the following are provided for campers: Tents, Sleeping bags, Sleeping pads, Meals (menu provided beforehand) and Snacks.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Enrollment is first come, first served.

To apply, please submit this program registration (including financial aid request form if applicable) and at least a $250 non-refundable deposit if not the full tuition for Citizen Science Academy. 

We will notify each applicant regarding enrollment status as soon as possible, typically within three weeks of receiving your complete application. If you don’t hear from us within three weeks of submitting your application, it may be incomplete. Please contact us to find out what is missing!

TUITION AND FINANCIAL AID

                                Members - $600 (Must have household membership or above)

                                Non-Members - $650

The $250 non-refundable deposit due with your application is part of your child’s tuition. The remaining tuition is due by June 15, 2020.

Limited need based financial aid is available. We try very hard to make camp accessible to everyone. Please fill out the scholarship application form to apply for funds. Financial Aid requests may take longer than three weeks to process.

We work all year long to keep our costs low, to offer more programming, and to provide financial aid through grants, fundraising, benefits, etc. As a nonprofit, any amount paid over the standard fees is considered a tax-deductible donation and is greatly appreciated. This includes donations to help sponsor another camper. Let us know if you need a tax receipt, and we will send you one. Thank you!

Questions? Contact April Roe at 484-264-5441 or aprilroe@nisquallyestuary.org.