The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) is getting an early jump on summer by rolling out brand new nature camp offerings for 2010. In early January, VINS went live with online camp registration, providing more than 400 campers with the chance to spend a week immersed in hands-on nature adventures. Camps are available for children in pre-kindergarten through grade 6 throughout the Upper Valley and Manchester, Vt.

In partnership with Purple Crayon Productions in Woodstock, Vt., VINS will offer 4-6 year olds, also known as "Peeps," three-hour morning or afternoon camp sessions. Two, weeklong camps, entitled "Anybody Home and Circles of Life," will provide pre-kindergarteners with the opportunity to explore nature through crafts, games, and outdoor investigations.

"Fledgling" campers in grades 1 through 3 can choose from a variety of camp themes at locations in Quechee, Vt., Hanover, N.H., and Manchester, Vt. From science sleuthing in "Natural History Mysteries," to explorations of the world of animal adaptations in "Animal Transformers," fledglings will experience an amazing week of nature discovery. "Earth Explorers" and "Nature Rocks" will offer an exclusive 100 percent recycled musical performance from "The Junk Man!"

Children entering grades 4 through 6, dubbed "Falcons," will continue to enjoy favorite camp offerings such as "Wild Child" in Manchester, Vt., where campers will learn the art of survival by studying the skills of native animals. In Quechee, "Falcons" will experience a week of behind-the-scenes raptor investigation during "Radical Raptors" camp. VINS has also created two brand new offerings for "Falcons," a week of aquatic exploration "Aqua Adventures," and "Enviro-Tech," a camp filled with the science and gadgetry used to study and protect plants and animals.

VINS is also offering a new "Owls" mixed ages camp for children entering grades 1 through 6. Perfect for siblings and friends who would otherwise find themselves separated by grade, campers can register for a single day or an entire week of "Daily Discoveries" or spend a week as a member of the "Natural History Mystery Squad" and earn certification as a VINS Nature Investigator! Visit http://www.vinsweb.org/ to register for week-long adventures. Call (802) 359-5000 or email camps@vinsweb.org for single day registration information.

VINS believes all children should have the opportunity to experience VINS Nature Camp. We therefore work with local businesses, foundations, and individuals to provide camp scholarships, "camperships," to families in need of support. If you wish to apply for a campership, or would like to donate to this important program, please call (802) 359-5000 x221 or email camps@vinsweb.org.

For more information and to register for VINS Nature Camps, or to download a campership application, please visit www.vinsweb.org. Please visit the Web site often, as special camp discounts will be posted throughout the camp season.

The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) is a non-profit, member-supported environmental education, research and avian rehabilitation organization headquartered on Route 4 in Quechee, Vt. VINS' mission is to motivate individuals and communities to care for the environment with a priority placed on making high-quality, compelling, and fun environmental education programs and learning opportunities accessible to more people and communities.