Emerging Ecologists 2020 Ages 14-17

Thank you for your interest in attending NRNC's Emerging Ecologists program! 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.  

Emerging Ecologists is a science backpacking program designed for youth (ages 14-17) who are interested in environmental science and wilderness adventures. Campers start by spending two days at Nisqually Reach Nature Center doing hands-on marine science activities while preparing for our 4-day backpacking trip on the wild Olympic coastline. The 21 mile stretch of coastline we are backpacking is pure beauty: seastacks, tidepools, islands, sea lions, whales, crashing ocean waves, and so much more. However, experiencing this incredible place isn't easy. Participants must be willing to backpack 4-7 miles per day over slippery rocks and fallen trees. At some spots we adventure up steep slopes and over headlands using ropes. It is truly the adventure of a lifetime mixed with hands-on in-depth science exploration. This program is part day-camp and part overnight-camp. Please see the schedule below for details. 

2020 Emerging Ecologists SCHEDULE

Saturday, August 8^th: 9 AM – 4 PM @ NRNC

Sunday, August 9^th: 9 AM – 4 PM @ NRNC

Monday, August 10^th: 7 AM @ NRNC – Drive to Rialto Beach to start backpacking  

Tuesday, August 11^th: Away Backpacking

Wednesday, August 12^th: Away Backpacking

Thursday, August 13^th: Return to NRNC @ 8 PM

WHAT MATERIALS ARE PROVIDED?

During the backpacking trip the following are provided for campers: Tents, Sleeping bags, Sleeping pads, Backpacks, Water Purification, First Aid Supplies, 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 $450 non-refundable deposit if not the full tuition for Emerging Ecologists. 

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 - $750 (Must have household membership or above)

                                Non-Members - $800

We are waiving the $450 non-refundable deposit due with your registration is part of your camper’s tuition due to unforseen circumstances with COVID 19..

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.