During the summertime, the typically quaint Randall Davey Audubon Center and Sanctuary is suddenly energized. Amongst the sounds of birds chirping, there are children running around the center - playing games around the playground, doing arts and crafts, or wandering the center learning about birds and conservation efforts. 

“Every time I come here, I get to learn something new about nature. I love the bird watching and just spending time [at the center],” said four-time camper, Cora Bienvenu, 10. 

“I really like making new friends and getting to see the wildlife and experience what nature can be like,” four-time camper Anais Bosey, 10, said. “When I get older and can become a volunteer, I would really like to.” 

The Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary Summer Camp program began nearly 30 years ago. Since then, thousands of campers have had a chance to spend a week at the center, learning about the local ecosystems out on the trail, doing hands-on activities and crafts, and playing games.  

“Our camps foster connections to science learning and conservation and also cultivate deep attachment and appreciation to Northern New Mexico and the center itself,” said Meghan Baker, Summer Camp Director. “Because our camp programs are so longstanding, we have had multiple generations attend. Not just parents who were former campers, but even grandparents who then brought their children through Randall Davey Audubon Center and Sanctuary Summer Camp who are now bringing their own children. This year we have two hired educators who were former campers and then teen volunteers. It really comes full circle.” 

Former camper, now educator Annie Shulz said the summer camp created a deep sense of place and appreciation for her home of Northern New Mexico. 

“From identifying animal tracks to learning to use binoculars, Audubon planted the seeds of my love and curiosity for the outdoors,” said Schulz. “Nearly fifteen years later, I returned as an educator and had the most rewarding experience!”  

Starlight Lain-Straus is also a former camper turned educator and recalls a favorite moment as a camper that was brought back to light this year.  

“I would have to say my favorite activity at camp this summer would be the river days because I enjoyed spending time at the river with the campers,” said Lain-Straus. “It was also awesome to see the raptor [demonstration] because I remember when I was a volunteer or even a camper [seeing the demonstration].” 

The team of educators help cultivate experiences for campers to spend their summer outdoors and learn more about their ecological surroundings. 

“The best part was hearing each group or kid talk about their creation - sometimes with great detail on the purpose of the structure, ‘It’s a hotel for fairies, and this is the pool and this is the rear entrance,’ they would say. They each got to ask questions and give each other compliments and the sincerity of the compliments and quality of the questions were lovely and amazing,” said Summer Camp Educator Megan Jones. 

For more information about education programs at the Randall Davey Center, visit https://randalldavey.audubon.org.