Cape Henlopen State Park 7-24-09
Some of the coolest science lessons can be learned in the summer at the state park. Cape Henlopen State Park is a local treasure and a place where many locals hang out not just to go to the beach, but to take advantage of the many trails, activities and views available.
One of the coolest things to do is to track the osprey in the park on the osprey-cam at http://www.destateparks.com/park/cape-henlopen/osprey.asp. The nest is monitored by volunteers and the live feed can be accessed on the net.
The Seaside Nature Center is the right place to bring guests to learn about the coastal environment and get a little wet at the Touch Tank which is stocked with local marine life that is safe to handle. There are fish tanks with native fish and a friendly park guide to help answer your questions.
This park offers camps for children. Just call 645-6852 for availability.
Seastars Camp for 4 to 5 year-olds
August 17 – 21 9 a.m. – Noon $90 per camper
About the Program: Fins and Feathers: Learn about Cape Henlopen’s animals that
live by the shore. Participants will gain an appreciation for Cape’s natural treasures
through hands-on activities including seining, hiking, beachcombing, nature crafts and games. Limited to 12 campers.
Minnows Camp for 5 to 6 year-olds
August 10 – 14 1 – 4 p.m. $90 per camper
About the Program: Feeding Frenzy: Find out what animals eat and are eaten in cape
Henlopen and learn how they do it. Participants will gain an appreciation for Cape’s
natural treasures through hands-on activities including seining, hiking, beachcombing, nature crafts and games.
Minnows Camp for 5 to 6 year-olds
August 10 – 14 9 a.m. – Noon $90 per camper
About the Program: Feeding Frenzy: Find out what animals eat and are eaten in cape
Henlopen and learn how they do it. Participants will gain an appreciation for Cape’s
natural treasures through hands-on activities including seining, hiking, beachcombing,
nature crafts and games. Limited to 12 campers.
Dolphins Camp for 6 to 7 year-olds
August 3 – 7 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. $165 per camper
About the Program: The Animal Experience: Experience Cape Henlopen through the eyes of an animal and learn the delicate balance of animals and nature. Participants will gain an appreciation for Cape’s natural treasures through hands-on activities including seining and shell identification.
Families will enjoy the programs that the Cape Henlopen State Park nature center’s personnel offer. Here are a few suggestions. Call for more dates and classes.
Mud Flat Exploration on August 1 at 1 pm. Explore the Delaware Bay at low tide, looking for funky worms, cool clams, crusty crabs, bully snails and other marine creatures exposed by the tide. Wear old shoes that can get wet and muddy. Participation is limited to 20. Pre-registration required. $2 per person.
Geocache the Cape on August 1 at 11 am. Learn how to explore the park in this new-age treasure hunt. Join in a guided scavenger hunt using GPS units to seek out natural and historical aspects of Cape Henlopen. See the bulletin boards or call the nature center for this week’s theme. Participation limited to 15. Pre-registration required. $2 per person
Fire Power on August 1 from 2 to 3:30 pm. Tour Fort Miles and see the artillery pieces that protected our coast during World War II. Discover where and why different guns were placed, participate in a gun drill, and discover why Cape Henlopen was so heavily fortified. Participation limited to 20. Pre-registration required. $5 per adult and $2.50 per child
