Friends of Ridley Creek State Park - Spring/Summer Ed./Rec. Programs

Nature Club

Starting Tuesday, April 24, 2007 the weekly meeting of The Nature Club will resume. Nature Club will meet every Tuesday until June 12, 2007.*

Pre-school Nature Club will run from 10-11:15am or 1-2:15pm Ages 4-5.

Junior Nature Club will run from 4:30-5:45 pm. Grades 2-6. Older children are encouraged to become Nature Club counselors.

Nature Club is a weekly enrichment program for children who like hands-on activities and the outdoors. They should not mind getting their clothes or hands dirty occasionally.

Activities will include experiments, collecting, hiking, observation, projects, demonstrations, fishing and games. Activities will be indoors and out. We will meet in the Nature Room at the park office. (Occasionally children will need to be dropped off/picked up at other areas within the park for special activities). Nature Club is free. Please call to reserve a spot for your child. 610-892-3908 or ra-nrspridlenved@state.pa.us

Nature Club Guidelines: Children who are frequently disruptive, uncooperative, late being dropped off / picked up or absent will not be accepted. Children must come prepared to go outside (sturdy shoes for rugged trails and dressed for the weather). Nature Club kids are expected to go outside in summer showers. Events will be indoors in the event of the extreme weather. Programs will resume fall, 2007.

* Nature Club will not meet 5/1 or on 5/15 due to scheduling conflicts.;

Nature Kids Day Camp

Nature Kids is a half-day camp filled with hands-on activities and nature play.

Session I June 18-June 29
Session II July 2-July 13, open July 4
Session III July 16-July 27
Session IV August 13-August 24

The Environmental Education Department at Ridley Creek State Park is offering a co-ed day camp for children who love the outdoors and want to learn about creepy, crawly and slimy creatures. All sessions will include fishing, stream study, hikes & bird watching, map & compass, nature photography (entrance into 2 local photo contests), insect study and collection. Projects will include a seek and destroy mission to remove invasive species and children will have the opportunity to write their own scripts and will star in their own nature documentary.

Only 15 children per session. Camp runs Monday-Friday 9 am-1 pm. Each session is 2 weeks long. Children must bring a non-perishable sack lunch and drinks. No before or after care is available. Children may attend multiple sessions or half of a session. $100 per session. Appropriate for children ages 6-13. Older children are encouraged to volunteer as CITs. Nature Kids are expected to go outside in summer showers. Events will be moved indoors in the event of the extreme weather. Campers may leave rain gear, a change of clothing and shoes in the park office.

FREE optional campfire cookout dinners the last Friday* of each session for campers and their families. (Bring own food to grill; children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult).

* In session I campfire cookout will be the first Friday (June 22) not the last.

Optional Basic Wilderness Survival program June 30, $20 for campers (all others $35). Please read details on page 6.

We�re looking for people to assist with camp. Perfect for teens, parents whose children are enrolled or anyone else who loves nature and kids. Children whose parents volunteer are eligible to attend at a substantial discount. Camp will be based at the Ridley Creek State Park office. Please call or email for an application. 610-892-3908 or ra-nrspridlenved@state.pa.us

Tracks and Traces
Thursday April 25, 2007 6pm-8pm

We will make animal footprints in plaster and then go exploring in the woods to look for signs left by animals. Cost $2 per footprint. Meet at park office. Ages 5 and up. Participants should dress for the weather, wear comfortable sturdy shoes and bring a flashlight. We will be hiking on rugged, unpaved trails. The hike portion will cancel for heavy rain, lightening or high winds.

Sunday in the Park- History,
Fountain Dedication & Picnic!
Sunday, May 6 10am-3pm

Did you know that Ridley Creek State Park had its own cemetery? Dating back to the 1820�s, this cemetery has many myths surrounding it. All will be explored on Sunday May 6th, when The Friends of Ridley Creek State Park host a hike and tour to this little known but beautiful hillside location.

The day will start at 10am at the fishpond/fountain (next to the park office lot) on the hill just above the park office with a dedication of the Link Memorial Fountain. The fountain, after 30 years of dormancy, was recently restored thanks to generous donations and hours of work by many local volunteers. People will then carpool to the trailhead for a short hike to hear a bit of cemetery history. At 12pm we will meet at pavilion 8 where the picnic will be held. Opportunities will be available to learn more about The Friends of Ridley Creek State Park and how they can become a member or participate in events.

This event is free to members of the Ridley Creek State Park Friends group and $5 per person for nonmembers but RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED so the proper amount of food can be ordered. You may purchase a membership on or before the day of the event. For more information, call 610-565-3877 or visit the Friend�s website at www.friendsofrcsp.org. This event is sponsored by Friends of Ridley Creek State Park

Campfire Club
Friday May 11, 2007 7pm-10pm
Friday June 15, 2007 7pm-10pm

Campfire Club will meet one Friday a month to sing songs around a campfire, hear stories and roast marshmallows. $3 per person. S�mores, popcorn and hot chocolate will be provided. Please bring your own folding chair, marshmallow roasting stick, flashlight and mug. Dress for the weather, hiking boots are suggested. Meet at the playground in Area 17. Must pre-register for this event at 610-892-3908 or ra-nrspridlenved@state.pa.us

This event will cancel in the event of rain, lightening or high winds. Call 610-892-3908 and listen to message regarding cancellation if bad weather is predicted

Mother�s Day Marshmallow Roast
Sunday, May 13 7pm-9pm

After you�ve taken Mom out to dinner, bring her to the park where she�ll have some real fun! We�ll all sit around the campfire eating s�mores and sharing our favorite Mom stories.

$3 per person. S�mores, popcorn and hot chocolate will be provided. Please bring your own folding chair, marshmallow roasting stick, flashlight and mug.

Dress for the weather, hiking boots are suggested. Meet at the playground in Area 17. Must pre-register for this event at 610-892-3908 or ra-nrspridlenved@state.pa.us

This event will cancel in the event of rain, lightening or high winds. Call 610-892-3908 and listen to message regarding cancellation if bad weather is predicted.

Bluebird Walk and Talk
Saturday, May 19, 2007 9am to 11am

We will be checking out the bluebirds as their young fledge the nest. Thinking about putting up a feeder or birdhouse? Join us as we walk and talk about the proper placement to attract desirable birds and keep varmints out. Learn about the Bluebird Trails Program and buy a nesting box.

Wear sturdy shoes suitable for trails and dress for the weather. Hike portion will cancel for bad weather. Meet in the park office. Free.

Fish For Free Days
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Sunday, June 3, 2007

You can fish all day without a license. Delco Anglers will be instructing 10am-12pm on Saturday, May 26, 2007 and 1pm-3pm on Sunday, June 3, 2007 in the area above the dam on Ridley Creek in Ridley Creek State Park (below the dam is limited to fly fishing only). If you need equipment or want a lesson call and make a reservation. Poles, hooks, bait, bobbers and sinkers will be provided and available at no charge for loan with ID. Call 610-892-3908 or email ra-nrspridlenved@state.pa.us for reservations or for more info. Free, $1 donation per person graciously accepted. Don�t need a lesson and have your own gear�fish anywhere (except where restricted). Lessons and equipment loan will cancel in the event of heavy rain, lightening or high winds. Please call 610-892-3908 and listen to message regarding cancellation if bad weather is predicted.

Cars are being permitted to drive on the multi-use trail for people participating in this program on these days only. Cars will be allowed to enter the park at the Barron Road gate entrance to the multi-use trail. The speed limit of 10MPH will be strictly enforced. Vehicles MUST yield to all pedestrians and bicyclists. Park on the streamside as far off the road as possible. When leaving, do NOT turn around. Driving will be one way-follow signs to exit the park on to Gradyville Road.

Ridley Creek State Park is located between Routes 1 and 3 and between Routes 252 and 352 in Media, Delaware County, PA.

Girls� Day Out�Far Out
Sunday, May 27 11 AM to 7PM

This program is for girls of all ages who wish to learn about hiking, camping, orienteering, bird watching, outdoor cooking and campfires.

We will build a fire to roast hot dogs, hamburgers and marshmallows for lunch. Then we�ll learn map and compass skills and go on an orienteering hike using a topo map to find our way through the park. Then we�ll learn about outdoor gear, front country etiquette, setting up a campsite and fire building. After we�ve set up our campsite we�ll go on a bird watching hike to the creek. After hiking back we�ll begin preparing dinner. We will use mountain man recipes to prepare family-style meals. After dinner we will enjoy s�mores and campfire songs around the fire.

Cookware, plates, cooking utensils, food, recipes and binoculars will be provided. Bring your own drinks, water bottles, flatware and a lawn chair. If you have special dietary restrictions please bring your own food. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and dress for the weather. This program does not include overnight camping. Participants should be able to hike on rugged trails at a comfortable pace and stand for extended periods. Pre registration is required and will be limited to 15 participants. Call 610-892-3908 or email ra-nrspridlenved@state.pa.us for more info or to register. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. $30 per person, children under 12 years $20. Meet at the playground in area 17.

This event will cancel in the event of heavy rain, lightening or high winds. Please call 610-892-3908 and listen to message regarding cancellation if bad weather is predicted.

Hike With Fido, or Without
Wednesday June 6, 2007 7pm-8pm

The bridal trail, traditionally only used by those on horseback, winds through some of the most beautiful, but least known parts of the park. Friendly, well-behaved dogs that will not frighten horses are welcome. Dogs must remain leashed, dog waste must be removed and bringing water for your dog is suggested. Dress for the weather, sturdy hiking boots are suggested. This event will cancel in the event of heavy rain, lightening or high winds. Please call 610-892-3908 and listen to message regarding cancellation if bad weather is predicted. Meet in Area 8. Free.

The Basics of Camping
Saturday June 9, 2007 11am �7pm

This program is for people of all ages who wish to learn about hiking, camping, orienteering, bird watching, outdoor cooking and campfires.

This event will cancel in the event of heavy rain, lightening or high winds. Please call 610-892-3908 and listen to message regarding cancellation if bad weather is predicted.

Basic Wilderness Survival
Saturday, June 30, 2007 9am-5:30pm

Russell Juelg from the Pinelands Preservation Alliance will educate us on how it is possible to survive and even thrive should we find ourselves in a survival situation. Topics include obtaining water, shelter and food, map reading, fire building and what we should keep in our survival kit.

This is a rugged program, which will simulate some of the aspects of a wilderness situation. No bathroom will be available. Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and sturdy comfortable hiking boots. Remote park areas are inherently full of briars. We may encounter thorny vegetation, poison ivy, and ticks. Bring notepad, pen, snacks, lunch, drinks and water.

We will meet at the park office and then carpool to a remote location. No latecomers! We leave the park office at 9:05 am. This program is limited to 12 people. Dress for the weather-this is a rain or shine event.

This program is $35 per person. You can register for this event directly by calling to confirm if space is available and sending a check for the total amount to Pinelands Preservation Alliance, ATTN: RUSSELL, 17 Pemberton Road, Southampton, NJ 08088. Indicate on check that this is for the Ridley Creek State Park survival program. Include a note with your contact info and the number of people attending. Questions can be directed to Pinelands Preservation Alliance at (609) 859-8860 ext. 23 or russell@pinelandsalliance.org or the Education Department at Ridley Creek State Park at 610-892-3908 or ra-nrspridlenved@state.pa.us Checks should be made payable to Pinelands Preservation Alliance.

All events are free unless otherwise indicated. You can contact the education department at 610-892-3908 or email ra-nrspridlenved@state.pa.us. Web page www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/ridleycreek.aspx. The Park is located between Routes 1 and 3 and between Routes 252 and 352 in Media, Delaware County, PA. The park is accessible off of Gradyville Road, and then follow signs to the area of your event.

Would you like to make a donation? Click here to join or make a one-time donation!