Sat, 12/15/2018 - 7:00am

Kids enjoy a snowshoe hike at Damariscotta River Association’s winter day camp. Courtesy of DRA

When there’s no school, what could be better than roaming the outdoors, learning about wildlife from a naturalist, playing games, building snow creatures and going dogsledding? Damariscotta River Association (DRA) is offering the chance to do all these things during three upcoming winter vacation and mini day camps.

Each day, campers ages 6 to 11 will explore, learn, and enjoy the outdoors with the guidance of a naturalist. The programs include a variety of art projects, games and other activities.

“Wildlife Safari” is a three-day camp Wednesday, Dec. 26 through Friday, Dec. 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. Campers will search for animal tracks, play games and make plaster casts of tracks. Weather permitting, the group will go sledding on the big hill.

The fee for this session is $135, or $120 for DRA members at the Mussel level or above. Pre-registration is required by Dec. 21, although earlier registration is recommended as this session tends to fill up quickly.

The February vacation camp is a four-day “Winter Wonderland” Tuesday, Feb. 19 through Friday, Feb. 22 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. The kids will take hikes and explore a variety of habitats to find signs of wildlife, go snowshoeing and dog sledding, create art projects, play nature-inspired games and more. Pre-registration is required by Feb. 13. The fee is $180, or $160 for DRA members.

DRA is also offering a two-day mini-camp on March 14 and 15, when there is no school for AOS 93 students. Campers will learn about maple sugaring, tapping trees and cooking syrup into maple sugar, and explore the woods. This program is $90, or $80 for members.

Participants should bring two snacks and a lunch each day and come prepared to be outside for most of the day. DRA can provide clothing for anyone in need of outdoor gear. All programs will be held at DRA’s Great Salt Bay Farm Heritage Center, 110 Belvedere Road, Damariscotta.

Registration is open now and is available at www.damariscottariver.org. Health form information is required. Scholarships are available for all programs. Gift certificates for these camps and DRA summer nature Camp Mummichog are also available to buy.