Day Camps:
Pick one program each from Group 1 and Group 2


Overnight Camps:
Pick one program each from Group 1, Group 2 and Group 3

Group 1
 
Creepy Crawly Critters (aka Arthopods)

This fascinating phylum, which includes spiders, scorpions, crustaceans and all different kinds of insects, is the largest on Earth, but one of the least understood. In this program, the truths behind some of the creepy crawly myths are explained, and students learn which of the many species are actually dangerous to humans. A live arthropod collection provides the class with an up-close view of some of our native examples, and fun gadgets, tools and visual aids give them a chance to see life through the eyes of an arthropod!

(Recommended for all ages) Main TEKS Applied: K.4, 1.5, 1.9, 2.5, 2.9, 3.8, 3.9, 4.8, 5.9 (A, B), 6.11, 6.12
   
 
Animal Exploration

Fossil Rim has many unusual animals from all over the world – animals which most people never get to see up close, and, therefore, never get to see how truly amazing they are. Truly understanding an animal comes from exploring the details, the little pieces and parts that make up the whole, so in this hands-on program we give students the rare opportunity to examine the skulls, bones, teeth, fur, horns and antlers of some of our most exotic creatures. Once the class has a chance to see these variations for themselves, we can discuss what unique traits each animal has, what those traits tell us about them, and why we think they may have developed in the first place.

(Recommended for all ages) Main TEKS Applied: 2.9, 3.9, 4.8, 5.9, 6.10
   
 
Capture Techniques

Being a wildlife veterinarian at Fossil Rim isn't easy, and in this exciting program students learn about some of the most dangerous tasks our vets undertake in the field. Classes discuss what it means to work with wild animals, learn what training and precautions must be taken and hear real stories of what goes on behind the scenes at Fossil Rim. Each student will also get to test their vet-ability as they participate in a hands-on chemical capture activity that is guaranteed to be a hit!

(Recommended for all ages) Main TEKS Applied: K.1, 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 4.1, 5.1
   
 
Dyeing from Nature

In this day and age, most of us take the convenience of technology for granted, but in this program students are taken back through time to an era when man turned to nature for his needs. Students are shown examples of natural dyes and the plants, animals or minerals they came from, and then compare them with the modern methods that are used today. Then, as we prepare a cochineal concoction, each student will get a chance to try natural tie-dying for themselves.

(Recommended for all ages) For groups of less than 30 students only.
  Note: Each student should bring a white pre-washed T-shirt to tie-dye, otherwise a bandana will be provided.

Group 2
  The Brink of Extinct
 

Fossil Rim is a facility dedicated to conservation, and in this program we strive to bring the real meaning of this concept home to the students by discussing crucial matters such as what it means to be endangered, how an ecosystem functions, the interconnectivity of all life on earth, the role humans have played in the past and their responsibility for the future. Once the class has a grasp on how important it is to maintain balance in nature, everyone will participate in an exciting – and often hilarious – game that shows how delicate that balance really is!

(Recommended for all ages) Main TEKS Applied: Science: K.9, 4.5, 5.9 | Social Studies: 5.9, 6.7
  Behave Yourself
 

Nearly everyone's heard that an opossum will play dead, or that a turtle will retreat into its shell when frightened, but there are many other examples of animal behavior that you may not have heard of before. In this program we will explore other examples of ways that animals communicate, play, interact, fight and defend themselves. We will get a chance to try reading animal behavior, and even practice using their language for ourselves.

(Recommended for all ages)

Group 3
  Night Hike
  This is an option if you’re interested in the darker side of hiking, or if the weather was not conducive to daytime hiking. Please ask your instructor beforehand.
   

Testimonials
  The guides were outstanding and had an excellent rapport with the kids. – Cub Scout Pack 46
   
  Compared to other museum overnights you get so much more! Great inside information… The staff was all very knowledgeable and they made each moment of value. They were very committed to the quality of our experience. The highlight of the visit was seeing the girls' faces as they found out new information [and] had up close interactions with the animals. We will recommend this activity to other Girl Scout leaders! – Girl Scout Troop 3504