Science center is offering trips during spring break 3/6/2009 12:35 AM
Submitted article With the Aiken County public schools out for spring break April 6 through 10, the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center will step in with three intriguing spring break camp diversions.
"Under the Sea," scheduled Monday, April 6 for grades fourth through sixth, will feature a day trip to Folly Beach and the South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston.
"A Night under the Stars," scheduled Monday, April 6 at 5 p.m. to Tuesday, April 7 at 10 a.m., will provide an overnight stay for grades seventh through ninth at the DuPont Planetarium within the Ruth Patrick Center.
On Wednesday, April 8, "Water Works," for grades sixth through eighth, will provide another day trip, this one to Thurmond Lake and the Canal and Interpretive Center in Augusta, followed by an excursion in the Petersburg Boat.
"The kids are out of school and might be looking for something to do," said John Hutchens, Ruth Patrick's special programs coordinator. "We have the time and this is a way for the kids to get outside the area (in two of the camps)."
The deadline to register for any of the camps is March 25.
For forms and additional information, visit rpsec.usca.edu and click on the spring break link.
The per child fees are $75 for "Under the Sea," $60 for "A Night Under the Stars" and $45 for "Water Works."
 During "Under the Sea," students will visit Folly Beach and pull nets through the surf to catch fish, crabs, jellies and other coastal creatures. They'll tour the aquarium and meeting staffers and volunteers at the Sea Turtle Hospital. The trip will extend from 7:45 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Snacks will be provided, and students should plan on bringing their own lunch.
 "A Night Under the Stars" will provide a celebration of the International Year of Astronomy at the planetarium. Students will camp out overnight in the Ruth Patrick Center's large classrooms. The activities will include planetarium shows, nighttime and solar observations and hands-on astronomy activities.
 The "Water Works" campers will travel to Thurmond Lake to visit the Visitor's Center and the Clark Hill Dam and Powerhouse.
Following the Canal and Interpretive Center tour, the students will board a Petersburg boat for a tour past 19th-century textile mills, an 18th-century trading post and Lake Olmstead Bulkhead. Egrets, gray and green herons and other fishing birds and wildlife may make an appearance. Again, lunch should be provided by each student.
For additional information, contact the Ruth Patrick Center at 641-3313.
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