EcoRangers Art and Nature Camps

Each summer, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center sponsors summer camps, called Eco-Rangers, for students entering grades 3 through 9.  Half of these camps are science camps taught solely at Shangri La, and half of our camps are planned in partnership with the Stark Museum of Art.  Camps planned with Stark Museum of Art introduce students to different concepts of science and art. 

We are proud to announce that Shangri La and the Stark Museum of Art were presented with the 2011 Excellence in Programming Award from the Mountain-Plains Museum Association (MPMA), a region of the American Association of Museums (AAM).  This award recognizes exemplary creativity and innovation in museum educational programming.

All camps have a low student-to-teacher ratio, which enhances hands-on learning in all environments.  Depending on the camp, students may explore different ecosystems, study different critters, complete art projects, and engage in many hands-on activities and active games. 

EcoRangers Art and Nature Camps Application

Applications – applications are due no later than June 1, 2012.  All enrollment is first-come, first-serve to applicants who complete all paperwork.  All four pages of the application must be initialed by one parent.  Both parents are required to sign in three places.  If there are extenuating circumstances and both parents cannot sign the form, there is space on the application for an explanation. Complete immunization records must accompany the application.  Applications are not considered complete and will not be processed without all medical documentation. Only signed original copies are accepted; faxed copies are not accepted.


Fun Science at Shangri La
June 25–29, 8:30 a.m.- 2:30p.m., for students entering grades 5 & 6
During this active session, we will explore the nooks and crannies of Shangri La while searching for opportunities to do fun, hands-on science.  We’ll forage from the garden, dig in the dirt, scoop up pond mud to look for little critters, and much more.  Be prepared to touch a few live animals, examine their scat, and dissect their puke.  It’s all good, fun science! 


The Art of Animals, in partnership with Stark Museum of Art   
 July 2-6, 8:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m., for students entering grades 3 & 4
Come on an animal adventure!  Learn about the critters that live at Shangri La and create animal art.  Stalk the animals to explore their habitats and food webs, and discover whether they are diurnal or nocturnal.  At the Stark Museum of Art, you will examine how animals are represented in art.  Become an animal expert as you study, sculpt, and paint the creatures of Shangri La!


The Animal Kingdom
July 9-13, 8:30 a.m.– 2:30 p.m., for students entering grades 7 & 8
Invertebrates, reptiles, and mammals – oh my!  This week, we will take a tour of the animal kingdom and explore many unique adaptations of our animal friends.  We’ll study skulls, examine skins, and meet a few live critters.  This session is not for the squeamish - we will also dissect several animals to see what “makes them tick.”  


Let’s Go Fishing!
July 16-20, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., for students entering grades 3 & 4
Come fishing with me!  This week, we’ll learn about fish and try to catch some, too!  Do they sleep with their eyes open?  What is the fastest fish in the world?  Can a fish fly?  What do they need to survive?  All these questions, and more, will be answered.  At the end of the week, you will be a certified Junior Angler from Texas Parks and Wildlife.  So come on, let’s go fishing!


Plants in Perspective, in partnership with Stark Museum of Art
July 23-27, 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., for students entering grades 5 & 6
This week, we’ll combine science and art as we explore botany by observing, drawing, painting, and sculpting flowers.  Experiments and activities will reveal the fascinating science of plants.  Our artistic creations will bring the beauty of plants to life. Join us as we investigate and illustrate plants in perspective!


Baskets, Bowls, & Botany, in partnership with Stark Museum of Art
July 30 - Aug 3, 8:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m., for students entering grades 7, 8 & 9
Join us as we explore the Stark Museum of Art and study American Indian bowls and baskets for design and material inspiration. We will hike and take boat rides through Shangri La to learn about the plants and soil makeup.  We will discuss how these materials have been used in the past and are still used for weaving and creating pottery today.  With the materials we collect and information you learn, you will create your own basket weavings and clay pots.