Day Programs
The earth is in a constant state of change and evidence can be found everywhere at JOY! Stand on the edge of Fossil Creek or the Todd’s Fork River which were cut by glacial melt water over 10,000 years ago. Overturn rocks to discover the variety of marine fossils from the Ordovician era. Investigate how everything people do on earth and in space has an environmental impact.
During this class the students will be equipped with nets and identification sheets to explore the inhabitants of our pond, river, or creek. Concepts include water cycle, food chains, watersheds, communities and adaptations.
Did you know that is takes an aluminum can 200-500 years to decompose? Through hands-on activities and discussion this class will emphasize the wise use of our natural resources; problems that face Earth’s inhabitants and choices we make every day that affect the natural world.
Camp Joy is the perfect outdoor laboratory to study those magnificent feathered creature – BIRDS! Take a flight of fancy with us to study their fascinating adaptations, behaviors, habitats, and other wings and things. During this class students may visit our nature center, and will use binoculars to observe birds visiting our bird blind in the forest.
Insects are everywhere! They comprise about 75% of animal life and they are not all bugs! With nets and magnifiers we find our six-legged friends. Using some of the methods and techniques that scientist use to study insects, we examine their anatomy, life cycles, adaptations, classification, and the role of insects in the larger ecological picture.
This class gives an exploration of the various plants, animals, and their interdependencies in a southwestern Ohio forest. Several different focuses can be emphasized, including the role of wildlife, sensory awareness, and expressions through nature, the human factor, and conservation.
What makes a herp a herp? Join us in a search for elusive reptiles and amphibians. By looking in the goo, under logs, and in the cracks and crevices, we learn about the incredible world of some of Earth’s most misunderstood creatures.
What makes a mammal a mammal? Investigate what types of two and four legged animals have been visiting here at camp. Measure the stride and straddle of the tracks we find on our hike through Joy’s 317 acre property. Games and activities will fill the day, and allow students to leave Joy with a plaster print of their favorite Ohio native mammal.
Students are given a hypothesis, then investigate, test, record and interpret two different ecosystems. The final presentation draws a conclusion and proves or disproves the hypothesis. This is a two period, 6-hour class.
No Gold Rush here but did you know the Lithosphere consists of numerous rocks and minerals. Identify minerals by their characteristic properties. Experientially flow through the rock cycle and explore renewable and nonrenewable recourses, and discover their uses.
Working together as a group is an acquired “life skill.” Whether the group is investigating an environmental issue, creating a diversity day activity, or playing a game on the playground – our daily lives are full of opportunities to work cooperatively with others. These team building activities challenge participants physically and cognitively to solve problems and think creatively. After all, life is a group initiative.
Other options available for 4th and below) We create a safe setting in which individuals can explore at their own pace issues surrounding risk taking, goal setting, maintaining a positive attitude, asking for and giving positive peer support, and accepting others’ decisions and goals for themselves.
We all get lost, but what happens if you start out on a day hike and end up stranded in the woods? Students will learn the answer to this question as they build shelters, start fires, learn about finding food and water, and what you should bring with you on your hikes so that you will be prepared in the case of an emergency.
Whether you are just trying to get from point A to point B, or navigating through our modern network of cities and highways – knowing how to read a map is an essential skill for living. Our map and compass class is a basic introduction to orienteering, the skill of map reading using landmarks and a compass.
The romance of the west is undeniable. The message that has survived time is “Go West!” But don’t believe everything you have heard, making a living in the west is hard work. This is a chance to get your hands dirty and live as a pioneer. Groom the goats, use 19th century tools, and learn what it took to “Go west.” Participants evaluate the needs of and practice the skills of the early settlers at Joy’s authentic early 19th century log cabin.
The excitement of learning and growing at Camp Joy all begins with our first connection with you.
We are excited to get the opportunity to meet you and show you camp! If it is easier, just give Tia a call at 513-478-9282.