Young explorers can investigate the natural forces that shape the world during the third week of summer day camp at the John Bunker Sands Wetland Center in Combine.
The four-day “Earth Buddies” camp runs Tuesday, July 14, through Friday, July 17, at the Wetland Center, located at 655 Martin Lane. The program is designed for children entering kindergarten through sixth grade, with campers divided into kindergarten-through-third-grade and fourth-through-sixth-grade groups for age-appropriate activities. Children must be at least 5 years old to attend.
The official event registration page identifies the John Bunker Sands Wetland Center as the camp organizer and lists the program as an in-person event beginning at 9 a.m. July 14.
Exploring Water, Wind and Geology
Earth Buddies focuses on earth science and the natural systems operating within and around a wetland habitat. Campers will explore water, air, wind and geology through outdoor activities, crafts, games and hands-on experiments.
Each day will offer a different educational experience developed by the Wetland Center’s educators. The activities are intended to encourage curiosity, strengthen confidence and help children understand how natural forces are connected to wetlands and wildlife.
The educational approach reflects the Wetland Center’s broader mission of teaching the public about water reuse, water quality and supply, wildlife conservation and wetland systems. The center describes its education programs as hands-on, outdoor learning experiences that allow students to interact directly with nature.
Families may register children for individual days or for the complete four-day session.
Daily Camp Schedule
Before-care service will be available from 8 to 9 a.m. Campers participating in the main program should arrive by 8:45 a.m., with camp activities scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Water games will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. each day to help campers cool off. Children participating in the water activities must bring swimwear and a towel and must be able to change into their swim attire independently.
After-care service will be available from 4 to 6 p.m.
Registration Costs
Individual camp days cost $60 per child for nonmembers and $54 per child for Wetland Center members after the membership discount code is applied.
Registration for all four days costs $220 per child for nonmembers and $198 per child for members after the discount code is applied.
Before- and after-care tickets are sold separately.
Single-day care rates are:
- Before care only: $5 per child
- After care only: $10 per child
- Before- and after-care combination: $13 per child
Four-day care packages are:
- Before care only: $15 per child
- After care only: $30 per child
- Before- and after-care combination: $45 per child
Families may also purchase extended-care service at the Wetland Center’s front desk on the day of camp.
What Campers Should Bring
Campers should arrive wearing closed-toe shoes and clothing appropriate for the day’s weather. Each child should also bring a refillable water bottle, lunch, snacks, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent.
Swim attire and a towel will be needed for the afternoon water games.
The John Bunker Sands Wetland Center is located within the North Texas Municipal Water District’s East Fork Water Reuse Project. The facility provides educational programs and research opportunities centered on wetlands, wildlife and water conservation.
Registration is available through the official Earth Buddies Summer Day Camp event page. Because the program began Tuesday, July 14, families registering for later days should review the registration page for current availability.
