Learn something new with Dragonfly Nature Programs this summer!
Our summer-themed nature studies celebrate the season, childhood, curiosity and encourage a love of nature.
Dragonfly Nature Programs provides on-site nature studies designed for young people, ages 2-12. We run programs indoors or out, supporting the summer care and summer learning your center, school or camp provides. With 3 different programs to choose from, we can come out once or more often. Each program is interactive, playful and educational, connecting children with NC’s natural summertime environment. Scroll down for more information on this summer’s nature studies.
We also host summer camps! Scroll to the bottom of this page to learn about this summer’s camp themes, how to sign your child up or how to host a Dragonfly Nature Camp at your center.
Nesting in NC: Sea Turtles
Five different species of sea turtles regularly visit NC and three of them nest on our sandy beaches. Thousands of sea turtle eggs will be laid here this summer! This nature study introduces students to the unique adaptations of these ocean wanderers and will encourage an investigation of a sea turtle’s unique life cycle with a special consideration of the importance of camouflage to their survival.
Wild & Wonderful Weeds
One person’s weed is another person’s wildflower. This botanical nature study is an overview of flower anatomy and function and will encourage children to see all the wonder, value and diversity of seasonal wildflowers.
Birds in the Field
Kids are naturally curious and are passionate about investigating their world. When children learn to watch, identify and consider the birds around them, they have an immediate connection to the natural environment. Birding during the summer in NC is as much about listening as it is about seeing the birds around us. Children will learn common bird calls, how to use binoculars and how to identify birds common to summer’s here in NC.
2024 Summer Camps
We are running 3 half-day, week-long camps available to the public this summer. See more information and register for these camps on the Montessori School of Durham’s website.
Contact Rachel Woods if you are interested in hosting Dragonfly Nature Programs at your center for week-long camp opportunities.
Nature Stories
A program designed for 3-5 year olds
July 15-19 & July 29-August 2
Participants will be immersed in the fascinating natural world, exploring plants, animals and their habitats. Each day, participants will delve into a nature-themed picture book that will inspire the activities of the day. Through interactive stories, crafts, activities, and outdoor exploration, participants will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the natural world around them. Nature Stories aims to foster a love for nature, inspire curiosity, and instill a sense of connection with our planet's incredible biodiversity. Held at the Montessori School of Durham
Citizen Naturalists: Bioblitz
A program designed for elementary age students.
August 5-9
The focus of the week will be to catalog as many plants, animals, and fungi as we can, reporting our findings to appropriate citizen science projects. Participants will learn naturalist practices like identification techniques, safe capture-and-release, and will learn how to use the tools of our trade: identification guides, binoculars, nets, hand lenses, and microscopes. Students will gain a sense of our human spaces as shared wildlife spaces. Our week together will be playful, active, and most of our time will be spent outdoors, exploring the school’s campus and natural areas. Held at the Montessori School of Durham.
