National Aviary virtual summer camps go behind the scenes

In response to the covid-19 pandemic, the National Aviary is moving its upcoming summer camps online.

Campers will view exclusive live and pre-recorded content, participate in hands-on crafts and activities, and meet some of the National Aviary’s birds.

The format will allow the aviary team to immerse campers in new, behind-the-scenes content never offered in previous summer camps. The virtual summer camps also will allow campers and their families to join in from around the world, the aviary says.

Camp counselors will lead participants, ages 6-18, in activities such as exploring a tropical rain forest through a habitat tour, watching a parrot paint during a live meet-and-greet, learning how to make a hummingbird feeder and getting physical activity during bird-inspired yoga.

Camps will include:

• “Beaks, Wings, & Things,” an exploration of animal adaptations, for ages 6-8: 9 a.m.-noon July 13-17

Campers will experience both live and recorded activities, habitat tours and behind-the-scenes content while learning about unique features that allow different birds to survive in their worlds. They will meet some avian ambassadors build their own unique bird using the adaptations they learn about.

• “Aviary Behind-the-Scenes,” highlighting how to run a zoo, for ages 9-12: 9 a.m.-noon July 20-24

Campers will learn how staff cares for the aviary’s more than 550 birds and mammals while meeting some of the avian residents. They also will learn about zoo careers and habitats, and create their own zoo at home.

• “Conservation Heroes,” delving into bird and habitat conservation efforts, for ages 13-18: 1-4 p.m. July 27-31.

Teens will explore ways to contribute to conservation efforts in their backyards and around the world, meet National Aviary experts in conservation and animal care, observe and survey birds in their neighborhoods and learn about the critical role bird species play in the environment.

Camp fee is $80, or $75 for aviary members. A materials list for each camp is available on the aviary website.

To register, email education.programs@aviary.org or visit aviary.org/summer-camps.