
About our Eco-Adventure Programs
At Chelonia Eco-Adventures, we are committed to providing the finest in conservation education. We offer a rich assortment of "hands on" learning experiences with nature, all in a safe, carefully supervised, co-educational setting with some exceptional scientists/educators as instructors. We are confident that this experience will have a lasting, positive effect on the students. For some, it will prove to be a defining moment in planning their college majors, focusing on specific career possibilities, and providing them with a new appreciation of the wonders of nature, conservation, and scientific investigation. Our programs not only provide a scientific learning experience, but students have fun in the process. Parents have often reported that our past expeditions represent one of the highlights in their child's educational life. We are ready to "Experience the Extraordinary" with your child and make this a memorable adventure, which like many may last a lifetime.
General Program Information
These hands-on, interactive programs are designed to be fun and educational for age groups: mommy and me (ages 3-5), (ages 5-11) (ages 7-12). Depending on the theme, most classes include animal interactions, bio-facts, activities, games, or related arts and crafts.
Note: Activities and animals can be subject to change without notice.
Prices
Classes are normally $15 per participant, per one hour. Prices may increase with longer classes and different topics. There is a $5 off sibling discount. Sign up for 4 or more classes and receive $10 off total. Group and school rates are available. Please call to inquire since specific details are needed.
*Proceeds go to rainforest and crocodile conservation, education, and research in Costa Rica. Follow us on Facebook for news and updates.
Locations
Learn about what sea creatures initiated myths and stories about mermaids and sea monsters. Learn about what adaptations these creatures have to eat, defend themselves, and survive. Observe and touch some underwater creatures that will inspire you to make your own mermaid or underwater monster creation.
New Location: Kinder Farm Park- 1001 Kinder Farm Park Road Millersville, MD 21108-1706 Telephone: (410) 222-6115
Cancellation Policy
Once registered, the program or birthday deposit is non-refundable. If you need to cancel we will gladly reschedule it to another date or program theme.
Please note that a program can be cancelled in the event that there are less than 4 registered participants for a program or inclement weather. In the event that Anne Arundel County Public Schools are closed, close early or open late due to inclement weather or unplanned causes, all classes will be cancelled. Check www.aacps.org for these updates or call Mei Len: 410-279-5416.
School Program information
Option A (Pre-K– 8th) up to 40 participants Price: $165
• 1 hour presentation with animal interactions or can be split into two 30 mins presentations
Option B (Pre-K-8th) For an in-depth experience Price: $300
Presentation of choice for up to 100+ participants
* Two, 25 mins presentations with live animals (the group split into 2 presentations) *Then, 1 hour total of “Discovery Tables” for students broken up into age-appropriate, smaller groups. Students can touch bio-facts, animals, and experience hands-on activities pertaining to the theme.
Proceeds go to rainforest and crocodilian Conservation, Education, and Research
* $25 discount for 2nd presentation on the same day
Homeschool Programs
We offer customized homeschool programs to fit your curriculum. Please inquire on the possibilities.
Conservation update
Rainforest Reserve: As many of you know, we own 150 acres of Rainforest Reserve called Nama Laká (meaning land of the Jaguars in Meso-American Indian language) in Costa Rica. We are hoping to open it up to the public soon. This past year, we built a “tree house” main rustic lodge for guests, a security guard house, added trails, planted trees… with more to come. We have been fighting to keep poachers out as it is an on-going problem. We hired a security guard, have been meeting with officials and neighboring preserves to form an alliance, and purchased motion detection and video cameras to help prosecute trespassers. This Spring, we will be getting electricity and the roads are being fixed for easier access for eco-tourism in this area.
Education/Research: We’ve set motion detection cameras to monitor and collect data on wildlife as well as collect poacher photos. Some animals we have collected photos include: the endangered tapirs, cats: jaguarundis, Margays, pumas, ocelots, Oncillas, tamandua anteaters, agoutis, coatis, Red brocket deer, peccaries, tinamous, snakes, poison dart frogs,…among various others. We’ve also have a species ID list that include a birder’s paradise- Green Macaws, toucans, hummingbirds, parrots, parakeets, warblers, tanagers, you name it! We also contribute to the Crocodile Headstart Program, have done workshops for the National Science Teachers Association, and donated supplies, computers, and books to many school children who so desperately need it.
Africa: Thus far in the last couple of years, we have given scholarships to biology students studying crocodiles, funded training, and trained African rangers on how to capture and relocate problem, man-eating crocodiles. We also purchased snares and equipment to send to Africa for rangers to be able to safely relocate them. So, not only are you helping crocodiles, you are helping save lives too… We run these programs to continue our passion in conservation…to inspire kids to join us in the fight to help our planet- and have a little fun doing it. Thank you for your support! Please see out facebook page and like us to receive updates!
Winter-Spring Programs 2013
Severna Park Community Center
GROSSology (ages 5-11) Sat, April 13th 10:00-11:00am $20 includes lab supplies
Calling all scientists! Put on your lab coats and gloves. Get dirty with us as we learn all about smelly, slimy, slippery, and slithery animals. Find out all the icky, sticky ways that animals protect themselves. Enter our laboratory to mix up some gross concoctions of your own to take home.
Greetings from Down Under! Sat, Feb 23rd Session A: Mommy and me (ages 3-5)
9:30-10:15am $15 team & (ages 6-11) 10:30-11:30am $15 child
Come join us as we greet some wild natives of Australia. Help decipher the clues sent by a postcard to figure out which scaly creature has stopped by. Travel to "Australia" in a Green Screen Picture opportunity and create a one of a kind frame to hold the memory of you and your new Aussie friend.
Marine Animal Madness (ages 5-11) Sat, March 16th 10:30-11:30am $15 child
Leap, jump, and squeek-as we learn about mammals that make their home in the ocean. Roll up your sleeves up for some astonishing experiments as we answer some burning questions that we all have about these majestic creatures of the sea. Bring your sneakers and join in the energetic activities to find out what it is like to be a dolphin, seal, or whale.
Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Claws! Sat, March 16th 9:30-10:15am Mommy and Me (ages 3-5) $15
team Join us in songs and activities to explore animal body parts. Meet animals with 4,6,8, and even 200 legs! Can you guess who will be there? Only one way to find out! Calling all Eco-Explorers! Get your hands dirty and go out into nature with naturalists. Learn about what blooms in the Spring, go on a hike and look for animal tracks, and check out the newborn babies at the farm… all of this in addition to the usual reptile animal interactions, crafts, games, and fun!
Ponds, Puddles, and Wetlands (ages 6-11)
Sat, May 18th 10 –11:30 am $20
What is lurking in your own backyard? Join us as we slough through puddles and ponds in Kinderfarm Park. Catch and observe some of the amazing creatures that call it their home. Investigate our discovery stations to learn what you can do to protect the animals who live right outside your back door. 1.5 hrs
Sharks: The Whole “Tooth” Ages (7-12)
Sat, June 1st 10:00-11:30am $20 includes lab supplies
Learn about the myths and facts that make sharks so mysterious and misunderstood through bio-facts such as shark jaws, authentic seal decoy and more! Participate in a shark teeth lab and discover that not all sharks are dangerous and have sharp teeth! Remember this day by making your own shark tooth necklace. 1.5 hrs
Chinese Zodiac : The year of the SNAKES! (ages 5-11)
Thurs, March 28 9am-1pm $40
Come celebrate the Chinese New Year with some sensational snakes and discover the myths, tales, and fascinating facts of serpents throughout time. Design your own Chinese snake craft. Learn how to write symbols in Chinese. Then get cozy with a variety of snakes from all over the world including an Asian 10+ foot albino python and a unicorn snake! Finish the day with a fascinating snake video during lunch. Snack included. 4 hrs
Testimonials
“What a gem program to have in our small part of the world. How many children are touching and respecting creatures that would terrify many others, and learning how the creepiest creatures have a very important purpose. In erasing the fear, she sparks the interest.Mei Len's background and mission is truly inspiring, and she's given our Daisy troop a valuable and fun experience. She’ll inspire more than one child to be a scientist or a catalyst who can help make our world a better place for endangered species (and us).” Anne W. Scout Leader
"I love the programs that you do. Isabelle knows that once a month she attends one of your classes and she is always asking if it is this weekend. She comes home talking about the animals and what she has learned. Her grandparents are teachers and they are amazed at the knowledge that a young 5yr old informs them about the animals. This last class on Marine Animals has changed our house with Isabelle telling everyone who comes into our home to recycle and on how to dispose of certain materials"…. Nicole
"Hi! I just wanted to send you a quick note to let you know how much Grace and Andrew enjoyed the class. They talked for a solid 45 minutes, giving me a play by play of the entire hour. As soon as we got home, they got out our Playmobil vet set and played rescue for a really long time! Then, they rushed outside to rescue a stranded polar bear that Andrew saw in the backyard. What a hoot! Today, they were conducting a "class" about animal rescue for all the critters in our house. You made quite an impression on them." …Heather
"Thank you so much for the amazing class this morning for our playgroup. You did an outstanding job handling our rather large group and I know each parent and child had a blast meeting your crew.Many many thanks for helping me coordinate this event!"…Lara
"Thank you so much for a wonderful class. Lily had a blast she went home and talked about it for days. The programs were set up with great information and age appropriate, hands on activities. Lily and myself gained a great deal for the class. We will see you again."…Aimee






Follow us on Facebook