Youth Summer Programs

Educational, interactive, and most importantly fun!

We introduce our campers to the wonders of the bird world and to inspire a passion for both nature and conservation

Each session includes age-appropriate outdoor adventures, hands-on activities, experiments, games, crafts, and interaction with our amazing flock of 500 rare & endangered birds from all around the world

Duckling Camp

Rising 1st - 2nd graders

Cost: $275 / week

1-week long program, though many children choose to do multiple sessions

Duckling Campers will raise and care for their very own duckings, learning bird basics along the way through games and projects

Duck Camp

Rising 3rd - 6th graders

Cost: $350 / week

Designed to be a 4-week long, progressive curriculum, though children are welcome to join for any one week

Duck Campers will gain a basic understanding of bird biology, behaviors, habitats, and natural & environmental threats

Each week of Duck Camp focuses on a specific module, building off the previous week’s curriculum

Module 1: All Things Bird; Module 2: Avian Genetics & Evolution; Module 3: Bird Conservationist; Module 4: Amazing (Avian) Adaptations

Waterfowl & Wetland Conservation Academy

Rising 6th - 8th graders

Cost: $750 / week

By application only; July 28 - August 1

A week-long conservation program for middle-school students looking to deepen their understanding of the challenges facing birds and other wildlife, as well as  our individual role in this drama. 

Through both a waterfowl & human lens, this program will explore crucial conservation topics such biodiversity, water and wetland health, and the challenges they each face. Budding conservationists will investigate various areas of environmental concern and learn how scientists and ecologists are counteracting those challenges. Students will gain field experience by learning to observe, gather and analyze data, and reach conclusions based on their findings. The program will culminate in a student-led project that synthesizes they skills they’ve acquired and the concepts covered during the course of the week-long session.

Prerequisites: Completion of all four modules of Duck Camp preferred (or ability to demonstrate knowledge of material)

Program is designed and led by Nora Hulton, CT DEEP Master Wildlife Conservationist & Middle School Science Teacher at Washington Montessori School

Junior Aviculturist

Rising 9th - 12th graders

Cost: Variable

By application only

Students interested in studying conservation at the collegiate level or pursuing a career in the zoology or with wildlife will gain hands-on experience in all aspects of aviculture, working alongside the Conservancy’s staff

Activities may include assisting with nest searches, egg management, artificial incubation, nest box design, duckling/gosling husbandry, and aviary management

Programs are scheduled during the summer and are two weeks in length

Frequently Asked Questions

For more detailed information, please read our Duck Camp Terms and Requirements.

  • Ripley staff will greet campers beginning at 8:15 am. To ensure proper supervision, please make sure a staff member has greeted you. Late arrivals must check in at Ripley’s Main Office, and please be sure to let us know if you plan on being late.

    Pick up for all sessions will be 12:30 pm. Children will only be released to the person(s) listed on the Pick Up Authorization Form. If you are running late for pick up, please contact the office at 860-567-2062. You may be subject to a fee for chronically late departures.

  • Plan for outdoor activities! Please dress your child in clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. We recommend long pants and comfortable, closed toe shoes.

    Please be aware that outdoor conditions have the potential to involve bees, ticks, biting insects, snakes, poison ivy, and other hazards.

  • Each day, please have your child bring a backpack containing the following items:

    • A water bottle filled with water

    • 1-2 ready-to-eat snacks (these will be stored in a fridge until designated times)

    • A hat (to protect from sun and insects)

    • Sweatshirt, lightweight jacket, and/or rain gear (outerwear appropriate for the weather)

    • Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) – best if applied before the program

    • Non-aerosol bug repellent – best if applied before the program

  • Please do not allow your child to bring electronic devices (e.g. electronic games, cell phones, cameras, iPods, radios, tablet, laptops etc.)

    This program has a NO CELL PHONE POLICY. We realize some parents provide their children with a phone for emergencies. If you are concerned that your child will not have their cell phone with them, please be assured Ripley staff are in cell phone contact with the Main Office should any emergency situation arise.

    Please do not allow your child to bring any electronic or other items that can distract or be broken, lost, or stolen. Such items will be collected by staff and returned at the end of the day.