“Expect the unexpected.” This well-worn saying may be more banal than aphoristic, but it could aptly describe what’s in store at this year’s Adult Session. Please join us for the 27th version of this annual event from June 9 to 13, during which we will explore “The Unexpected in Nature.” Discover the unexpected magic of soapmaking; the unexpected intricacies of the sounds of nature; the unexpected delight of crafting Appalachian toys; the unexpected variety of amphibian life cycles; the unexpected efficacy of macro photography with a smartphone; the unexpected story of one of Virginia’s most interesting rocks; the unexpected connections among mice, oaks, and Lyme disease; and the unexpected joy of learning a new instrument and making music together in the always popular string band workshop. Plus, there will be the usual slate of plant, bird, and herp walks, as well as some hikes of longer duration. The dawn chorus of birdsong will greet us in the morning, and Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars will all be visible in the night sky. An all-day field trip will explore some recently (and not quite so recently) burned forests near Nature Camp (and the unexpected effects of wildfire) and will include a picnic lunch along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
In order to give the summer staff a full week of training and preparation before First Session begins, we are shifting the schedule for this year’s session from Friday-Tuesday to Thursday-Monday. Participants will begin gathering on Thursday afternoon and will enjoy three full days of fellowship, food, and fun over the long weekend. The $300 registration fee includes all classes, other activities, and meals for the weekend and helps to subsidize Nature Camp’s youth sessions. More information and a registration form are available at https://naturecamp.net/programs/adult-session-programs/.