Adventure Discovery Program

These activity packs were designed to help families and groups explore the wonders of nature around them without a DEC staff person to lead the discovery session. Each pack comes with field guides to help the family or group identify things around them. Field guides usually included with the packs include Peterson First Guide to Birds, Peterson First Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians, Peterson First Guide to Wildflowers, Tree Finder, and Track Finder. Also included in the packs are supplies such as:

a map of the local area & compass (the compass's guide is included to assist in learning how to use the two tools together),
a bird call,
binoculars,
a species checklist (this is the group's to keep),
a hand lens to take a closer look at flower petals and other natural objects,
a dip net to find small aquatic life (an identification sheet is enclosed to recognize what is found),
a bug box to take a closer look at insects without squishing them,
a note pad & pencil so that the experience can be recorded with words and illustrations,
an activity packet containing interesting activities to do while exploring, and
a litter bag to help beautify the area being explored.

Activities Included in the Adventure Discovery Program Packs

Tube Search: With a child looking through a tube, have them locate something that you describe as big, small, furry, red, pretty, etc.
Shake-a-Shrub: Push a small box into a bush and shake around. Take a look at what fell out of the bush, using the bug box for insects. Count the legs, look for wings, and watch the insects move.
Color Match: Give each person a piece of colored paper and tell them to match it to a color within a predefined natural area.
Water Explore: Gently lift rocks from the water and examine them for insects. Carefully put the insects into the bug box with some water. Observe how they move and breath. Use the enclosed sheet for identification.
Calling Birds: In places where you can hear birds (but not see them), twist the bird call and see if any birds come into view. Good luck calling our feathered friends!
Story Time: While reading the two included Aesop's Fables, have the children take an active part by making a certain gesture or sound every time you name a character.

The Adventure Discovery Program packs are available to be taken out for the day when you visit selected DEC operated campgrounds.