July 20 – July 25, 2014
Grades 1 – 8

Long-time volunteer, Ted Peck, has volunteered to host a summer science camp for one week at OLT that will span our properties from the Everson Ranch to the Hot Springs and Orient Mine. It's a great opportunity for up to 20 kids (and their parents) to learn a little science and renew or create relationships that may last a long time. We're lining up presentations in geology, hydrology, biology, plants, ranch animals, astronomy, and of course our beloved bats.

Monday – Friday half the day will be spent learning from scientists. The other half will be day-camp type experiences for discovery, fun, and relationship building led by Ted Peck. Camp hours will be from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., except for a bat tour one evening and stargazing with the astronomer with the telescope one evening.

We anticipate a camper to adult ratio of 5 to 1 or less. With each group of campers (no more than 10) there will be at least one docent / host and one parent. So 4 or more parents will be asked to spend one day with the campers. Parents who don't get to do that will be invited to put together the finale lunch / celebration (Friday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m). Camp will begin Sunday 3 – 6 p.m. with introductions and some get-acquainted activities. If we have enough kids, they will be grouped by age.

OLT will hold a registration deposit of $50 which can be returned or donated following completion of the camp (see below). OLT requests that everyone register, even though there is no cost, and that everyone plan to be there for the whole week. Families will need to make normal arrangements for camping or lodging. You can use the registration form below or phone us at 719-256-4315 with your information. If you have specific questions you may phone Ted Peck at 210-240-4410 or email him.

Fee for campers who attend one day: $10
Fee for campers who attend two days: $5
Fee for campers who attend more than two days: free

Ted Peck, Day Camp Coordinator

I am looking forward very much to being a part of this summer’s science camp at Valley View. If my summer camp experiences were put end to end they would add up to about 3 years. I started Y-camp the summer after 3rd grade in Colorado, church camps at Ghost Ranch, New Mexico after 7th grade. During college and theological seminary I was a camp counselor in New Mexico and Indiana. Since then I directed or counseled in camps and conferences in California, Indiana, New Mexico, and Texas, while still attending camp myself at weeklong conferences on topics ranging from the history of the Christian Church in the 2nd Century to Geology, Paleontology, creativity, and counseling. More recently I’ve taken groups of high schoolers I’ve tutored in math on backpacking trips in New Mexico’s Gila Wilderness. In short, I’m hooked on camp experiences, partly because of what I’ve learned, but more importantly because of the relationships gained, some which lasted decades. So I’m looking forward to OLT’s providing an opportunity this summer for kids, and their parents, to learn a little science and renew or create relationships that may last a long time.