Week of June 21, 2026 – June 27, 2026
by Anna Stunkel, Environmental Educator
Summer solstice happened early this morning, marking the longest day of the year and bringing a time of many changes. In the natural world, a bustling community of insects are becoming more active. Fireflies light up the night while moths are drawn to our porchlights. You may notice crickets and katydids serenading you more often, and as hot days increase cicadas will join the chorus. Many baby fledgling birds are learning to fly, like the Pileated Woodpeckers that have been swooping around near our Interpretive Center! We are reminded of how powerful nature is when a thunderstorm rolls through, sometimes bringing downpours and wind with it. The long days and warm weather encourage us to spend more time outside, and here at Baltimore Woods that means the start of summer camp.
Summer is often a very busy time for us humans as we plan outdoor gatherings, vacations, and other adventures. While fun, sometimes this can be a little stressful as an adult to plan so many things! But as they often do, children remind us to take a breather and be kids at heart in summer, too. Many of our school year programs have structured activities and are based on a curriculum. We always add a creative spin to these learning objectives and build programs around what children are excited about, and many students share that field trips and Nature in the City lessons are some of the most fun they’ve had! I always look forward to camp time though, because the plan has a special magic of being mostly led by children. Many of these kids return year after year, and I feel lucky to have gotten to know them over time.
I always like to begin a camp week by asking the group what kinds of games, camp spots, and activities they enjoy. What kinds of living things would they like to learn about, or what would they like to do in art camp? I plan around their answers, bringing out nature field guides that interest them and making time for their favorite games. By truly listening to them and connecting with their individual interests, camp becomes a memorable experience and sparks kids’ love of nature. Free play also gives them a chance to build friendships and challenge themselves by trying new things like crossing a log, holding a spider, or even jumping into a muddy swamp!
With our busy lives, jobs, and all the planning it takes to exist in today’s society, sometimes we forget what it’s like to be a kid. Can you remember a time when you went outside just to explore, focusing on present moments in nature? Try going outside and looking up at the branches swaying in the breeze, hold a shiny beetle and marvel at the colors, or pause to listen to frogs at the edge of a pond. Take time to set aside your tasks and worries and try to remember how you experienced nature as a child. If we go into summer with this kind of energy, we can be kinder to ourselves and those around us, connect with nature, and remember to have fun!