Top 5 Reasons To Attend ECHO Camps
- Meet the animals
- Care for the earth
- Make friends
- Go behind-the-scenes
- Discover science
What Happens at ECHO Camps?
ECHO Camps occupy that powerful place where passion for science and compassion for the earth meet to create an explosively-rich environment of excitement and learning. We insist that science is fun and that kids who love science, nature, and making things are the most awesome kids around. To some outsiders, it might seem that ECHO camps are just an excuse for our staff to hang out with the most interesting children in the Northeast, but insiders know that ECHO camps are a transformative experience that combine inquiry, creativity, and guided discovery to produce one of the most engaging camp experiences in Vermont.
 Set against the backdrop of the bustling Burlington Waterfront, a day at ECHO camp can move from an impromptu, behind-the-scenes observation of ECHO's animal care activities to a lakeside game of Turtle Tag to an underwater robot-enabled search for Champ. We love kids who care, kids who imagine, kids who are different, kids who know more than us, and kids who are quietly brilliant. So what do these kids do at ECHO Camp? Take a look:
Video: 4th-5th Grade Camp’s Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicle Launch
Video: 3rd-5th Grade Camp’s Channel 5 News Piece
What Parents Are Saying
“We thought it was awesome that science camp was his favorite camp this year.”
“Quinn just told me ECHO camp, ‘is the most funnest camp in history.’ Thank you all!”
“Thank you SO much. Jamie had a great time and I felt that he was always in good hands with the talented staff. We plan to attend again next year. I have been telling others about your wonderful ECHO camp experience.”
"Sarah & I still talk about our trip to VT, it was a great experience. I'm going to use ECHO as a baseline to judge future summer camp experiences."
AfterCare
AfterCare is available for all camps until 5pm for an additional fee of $12/day.
Click here to register for AfterCare.
Vacation Camp Descriptions & Registration
ECHO offers one-day and week-long science, stewardship, and design themed camps for children 1st-5th grade during Vermont's October, February, March, and April breaks.
Check back this fall for a list of upcoming School Vacation Camps.
Summer Camp Descriptions & Registration
ECHO offers a selection of exciting week-long science, stewardship, and design themed day camps for children entering K-6th grade from late-June through late-August.
 June 24 – June 28, 2013
Baby Animals Camp
Grades: Entering K
June 24 – June 28, 2013
A.M. Session: 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
P.M. Session: 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
They're fuzzy, floppy and oh so fun, but baby animals require a lot of attention and care. In this ECHO Camp, we will explore the life cycle of different animals through hands-on activities and live animal encounters. Acting as scientists, we will investigate what monarchs, frogs, turtles, and other animals need to survive into adulthood. We will also adventure out into the field to seek out young specimens in the wild. This camp is guaranteed to make you go awwwww.
Member: $145 Non-member: $160
Click here to register for Baby Animals Camp A.M. Session
Click here to register for Baby Animals Camp P.M. Session
My Sustainable Kitchen Chemistry Camp with Sugarsnap Café
Grades: Entering 3rd - 6th
June 24 – June 28, 2013
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
What happens to cream when it's flash frozen using liquid nitrogen? How can maple syrup crystallize into rock candy? During this ECHO Camp, children will explore the local foodshed at the chemical level. They will visit farms, concoct delectable dishes in ECHO’s state-of-the-art kitchen, and investigate what makes food sustainable from a community and environmental perspective. Working with The Sugarsnap Café, they will also have the opportunity to share their crazy culinary creations with the public.
Member: $265 Non-member: $295
Click here to register for My Sustainable Kitchen Chemistry Camp
July 1 – July 3, 2013
Minecraft Camp (3 day camp) SOLD OUT
Grades: Entering 1st - 6th
July 1 – July 3, 2013
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Inspired by the popular computer game Minecraft, this camp will make the Minecraft world come alive using hands-on materials and real life biomes. Campers will create imaginative worlds from blocks, guard against monsters, and gather resources. Each day we will recreate a different game play mode: survival, creative, and adventure, while learning about the real life environments replicated in the game. Who know what discoveries await...
Member: $160 Non-member: $180
Click here to register for Minecraft Camp
July 8 – July 12, 2013
Frog Ambassador Camp
Grades: Entering 1st - 2nd
July 8 – July 12, 2013
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
A single poison dart frog has enough venom to kill 10 grown men. Red-eyed tree frogs use their shocking eyes to startle predators. Selecting from our colorful chorus of frogs, children will “adopt” a frog from ECHO’s collection. They will make live observations, assist our animal care staff behind-the-scenes, and conduct scientific research about their animals. As a group, we will also head out into the wild to seek out frogs in their native habitats. So, hop on down to ECHO this summer for some ribbit-roaring fun!
Member: $265 Non-member: $295
Click here to register for Frog Ambassador Camp
Marine Biology Gets Fresh Camp (Formerly Fish Ambassador Camp)
Grades: Entering 3rd - 6th
July 8 – July 12, 2013
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Ever dream about becoming a marine biologist when you grow-up? Interacting with live animals from ECHO's collection, campers will learn what it takes to become marine or freshwater fish biologists. While caring for their own aquarium fish, campers will get to know what different fish eat, where they live, and what threatens their survival. Capping off the week, campers will head out on UVM’s Melosira Research Vessel to conduct their very own field study!
Member: $265 Non-member: $295
Click here to register for Marine Biology Gets Fresh Camp
 July 15 – July 19, 2013
Make It and Break It Camp
Grades: Entering 3rd - 6th
July 15 – July 19, 2013
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
What happens to sugar glass when it’s hit with a hammer? How much weight can a bridge hold before it falls down? In this ECHO Camp, participants will spend mornings building everything from toothpick towers to plaster sculptures and afternoons brutally destroying them. Both engineers and mayhem-makers are sure to love this camp. Just don’t forget to wear your safety goggles . . .
Member: $265 Non-member: $295
Click here to register for Make It and Break It Camp
Animal Theater Camp
Grades: Entering 1st - 3rd
July 15 – July 19, 2013
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Oh wood turtle, wood turtle, wherefore art thou wood turtle? In this ECHO Camp, children will produce animal-themed plays using the aquarium as their backdrop. They will explore puppetry, dress-up, and creative movement to role play different animals and learn about their physical characteristics, behaviors, and habitats. Some plays may even feature live animal drop-in guests! So, with which animal will you co-star this summer?
Member: $265 Non-member: $295
Click here to register for Animal Theater Camp
July 22 – July 26, 2013
Turtle Ambassador Camp
Grades: Entering 2nd - 4th
July 22 - July 26, 2013
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
An adult snapping turtle can weigh up to 70 lbs. Spiny softshell turtles can gallop like a horse. Selecting from our awesome array of turtles, children will “adopt” a turtle from ECHO’s collection. They will make live observations, assist our animal care staff behind-the-scenes, and conduct scientific research about their animals. As a group, we will also head out into the wild to seek out turtles in their native habitats. So, what fun facts will you discover at ECHO this summer?
Member: $265 Non-member: $295
Click here to register for Turtle Ambassador Camp
 Green TV Anchors Camp with WPTZ
Grades: Entering 3rd - 6th
July 22 - July 26, 2013
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Do you have a personality made for television and a passion for the planet? Join Conservation Correspondent Bridget Butler this summer to investigate topics ranging from toxic algae blooms to local black bear sightings. In this incredible ECHO Camp, campers will spend the week developing an environmental-themed news story. They will film their piece for broadcast on News Channel 5 WPTZ and appear in a live newscast with WPTZ Weatherman Tom Messner.
Member: $265 Non-member: $295
Click here to register for Green TV Anchors Camp
July 29 – August 2, 2013
We Dig Dinosaurs! Camp
Grades: Entering K
July 29 – August 2, 2013
A.M. Session: 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
P.M. Session: 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Like getting your hands dirty? Searching for buried treasure? Join us at ECHO as we dig for dinosaurs and other fossil finds. Using skeletons, robotics, and model dig pits from the traveling exhibit “Bigger Than T-Rex,” we will explore how T-Rex and other giant dinosaurs once lived. So, grab a shovel and stomp on down. The dinosaurs may be extinct but the fun is alive at ECHO.
Member: $145 Non-member: $160
Click here to register for We Dig Dinosaurs! Camp A.M. Session
Click here to register for We Dig Dinosaurs! Camp P.M. Session
Monsters vs. Dinosaurs Camp
Grades: Entering 1st - 3rd
July 29 – August 2, 2013
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
How many bites would it take for a lake monster to swallow a snapping turtle? For a T-Rex to devour Champ? Exploring the national traveling exhibit “Bigger Than T-Rex,” campers will encounter first-hand the largest, deadliest reptiles ever to roam the earth. They will compare their size, speed, and hunting behavior using life-size models and hands-on activities. They will also experience what it is like to be a paleontologist out on a dino dig. So who's the fastest, smartest meat-eater around? Join us at ECHO this summer to find out.
Member: $265 Non-member: $295
Click here to register for Monsters vs. Dinosaurs Camp
 August 5 – August 9, 2013
Wings Camp
Grades: Entering 3rd - 6th
August 5 – August 9, 2013
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
It's a bird! It's a plane. It's ECHO Camp! From falcons to fairies to F-15's, this camp will explore human and avian flight. Campers will delve into the history of human flight, discover different birds of prey, and design and build their own air crafts. They will also meet real live hawks and owls from Outreach for Earth Stewardship raptor rehabilitation program! So, what's your favorite pair of wings to wear?
Member: $265 Non-member: $295
Click here to register for Wings Camp
Champ Defenders Camp
Grades: Entering 1st - 2nd
August 5 – August 9, 2013
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Is Champ friendly or fearsome? Have you seen him? Or maybe he's seen you . . . During this adventure-fueled camp, children will investigate the ecology, culture, and history of Lake Champlain while in hot-pursuit of its resident lake monster. We’ll geocache along the Burlington Waterfront, take a sailing trip on Lake Champlain, and investigate Champ sighting stories, while discovering how people can help protect lake monsters and other aquatic animals.
Member: $265 Non-member: $295
Click here to register for Champ Defenders Camp
August 12 – August 16, 2013
Underwater Archaeology Camp
Grades: Entering 4th - 6th
August 12 – August 16, 2013
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
From historic shipwrecks to underwater robotics, this ECHO camp will introduce children into a world of underwater archaeology. Campers will gain exclusive access to the murky depths of Lake Champlain pulling zebra mussels aboard UVM’s Melosira Research Vessel and peering into the past at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. As a capstone to this incredible journey, the group will build and launch its own ROV (remotely operated underwater vehicle)! Who knows what adventures lies just below the surface?
Member: $265 Non-member: $295
Click here to register for Underwater Archaeology Camp
Pirates, Mermaids, & Sea Monsters Camp SOLD OUT
Grades: Entering 1st - 3rd
August 12 – August 16, 2013
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Did pirates once terrorize our waterways? Are there such things as freshwater mermaids? How many lake monsters live in Lake Champlain anyway? In this imaginative offering, children will experience high-sea style fun while exploring the history and culture of Lake Champlain. We will search for treasure in the depths of ECHO’s model shipwreck, take a cruise on the Spirit of the Ethan Allen III in search of mythical creatures, and make merry at the Lake Champlain Maritime Festival at week's end. So, arrrrrrr you in?
Member: $265 Non-member: $295
Click here to register for Pirates, Mermaids, & Sea Monsters Camp
 August 19 – August 23, 2013
Mythbusters: Animal Edition
Grades: Entering 1st - 6th
August 19 – August 23, 2013
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Can owls really rotate their heads all the way around? Do fish's memories really only last 3 seconds? Are poison dart frogs really poisonous? During this ECHO Camp, we will test commonly held beliefs about animals using a series of hands-on experiments. And, in classic MythBusters style, make a few thing go boom! along the way.
Member: $265 Non-member: $295
Click here to register for Mythbusters: Animal Edition Camp
Summer Camp Deposit
A $140 deposit for full-day camps or $80 deposit for half-day camps is due upon registration. The remaining balance will be due by May 17, 2013 and be billed two weeks in advance.
Refund Policy
Summer Camp families who cancel prior to May 17, 2013 and Vacation Camp families who cancel two weeks prior to the camp's start date will receive their deposit less a $50 processing fee. No refunds will be issued after these dates.
Camp Staff
Our stellar camp team is composed of year-round ECHO educators, seasonal staff with backgrounds in science and education, and members of ECHO's environmental teen leadership program. We believe the intimate, responsive atmosphere of our camps is what makes ECHO Camps a truly engaging experience. Therefore, we ensure a low instructor-to-child ratio of approximately 1:6. Past guest instructors have included scientists from UVM's Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Lab, members of ECHO's animal care team, WPTZ meteorologist Tom Messner, and robotic engineers from Greensea Systems Inc.
 Meet Nina Ridhibhinyo, ECHO Camp Director
Nina Ridhibhinyo is in charge of ECHO's summer camps, overnights program and student summits. Prior to ECHO, Nina was a site leader for the Burlington Kids After School Program at Champlain Elementary, where she developed managed enrichment programming. She also overhauled out-of-school programming for the City of Winooski's Recreation Department, including their summer camp and after school programs. She has a ScB in Environmental Science from Brown University and experience launching a community garden, running a green jobs training program for high-risk teenagers, and teaching environmental stewardship to middle school students.
Speaking about camps Nina says: "It is my goal that every camper has a transformative experience at ECHO."
ECHO Camp Scholarship
ECHO has limited scholarship funds available for those requiring financial assistance to participate in our camps.
ECHO Camp Scholarship Application available here.
Contact Information
Questions about camp: Nina at 1.802.864.1848 ext. 142, camps@echovermont.org
ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center
Camps
One College Street
Burlington, VT 05401
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1.802.864.1848
