06/18/2026
π¦π Zookeeper Camp
Week 3, Day 4: Brazos Bend Adventure! πΏπ’πΈ
Today was a first for Zookeeper Camp! Instead of spending the day at the facility, I decided to take our campers to Brazos Bend State Park for a day of exploration, and it could not have gone better.
The campers became junior naturalists for the day, learning how to observe nature like real field biologists. Along the trails we discovered turtles, insects, wetland plants, and beautiful blooming lotus flowers. Every stop turned into a teachable moment as we discussed habitats, ecosystems, food webs, adaptations, and the importance of protecting our natural spaces.
One of the highlights of the trip was completing activities that earned the campers their Junior Naturalist badge! They worked hard, asked great questions, and showed a genuine curiosity about the world around them.
As an educator, days like today remind me that some of the best learning happens outside the classroom. Nature provides endless opportunities to spark curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and help young people build a connection with the environment around them.
I was a little nervous about taking camp off-site for the first time, but the campers represented Zookeeper Camp exceptionally well, and I couldnβt be prouder of them.
πΈ Here are a few highlights from our day exploring the wetlands, discovering wildlife, and becoming Junior Naturalists!
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