Wallabies, Hedgehogs and Tree Frogs Join the Fun at Children’s Center
July 22, 2008
A hedgehog grabs the attention of two boys during the "touch and learn" show
It was an animal “touch and learn” show last week, during the second-annual summer camp at the Harris Family Children’s Center. Wildlife Encounters Zoo visited the center with close to 10 furry, scaly and crawling creatures for kindergarten thru third-grade participants to watch, touch, and learn about. The show is just one of the camp’s many activities.
"It was cool seeing animals that I’ve never seen before, especially the cute little wallaby and the tree frog," says 7-year-old Jaimie.
See a video of the "touch and learn" show...
Hear campers talk about their favorite animals...
HFCC Director Mary Driscoll is keen on providing a camp that’s full of fun and learning. "Our goal here is to provide a safe and stimulating environment that fosters the children's curiosity and challenges their imaginations," she says. This year’s 30 participants will observe and assist scientists from the SEE Science Center, perform experiments, make their own thrown clay pots, participate in weekly gymnastic exercises, enjoy picnics at nearby Swasey Parkway, hike Exeter’s trails, and experience tons of outdoor water play.
For the animal show, lead camp counselor Christine Peluso says she wanted to select a good mix of animals that were touchable, with interesting characteristics. The show's visitors included a young, female African Pygmy hedgehog; a flying squirrel; an Eastern Indigo snake; a 4-and-a-half-feet-long snake with shiny, black, slippery scales; a 6-month-old female Wallaby, referred to as a "Joey"; an Arctic fox; a Fennec desert fox; a red-eyed tree frog; Madagascan hissing cockroaches; and a fat-tailed gecko.
The kids were happy and excited after seeing the animals. For camp goers, the center is the place of fun. “I like playing outside in the water, picking flowers and making new friends,” says 6-year-old Charlotte. Limited space in the camp is still available from now until August 8.
The center is an 8,000-square foot facility that opened in 2006. It has the capacity to offer full-time care for 54 children of Phillips Exeter Academy families and the surrounding community. It features two blended-age classrooms for infants and toddlers, a preschool program, a 3/4-day kindergarten and an after-school program for children through 8 years old. Contact the center via e-mail or phone (603) 777-3150.
Interested in learning more?
Check out the center's programs…
Climbing a Friendly Serpent, Chiming a Jolly Tune...
Go, Worms. Go!...
Got a story idea? Tell the Lion!
