W. Alton Jones Camps

05/23/2024

https://eastgreenwichnews.com/opinion-rhode-islands-unicorn/

The now-closed treasure that is URI’s W. Alton Jones Campus On March 1, 1962, W. Alton Jones, president of Cities Service Company, one of the country’s highest paid CEOs, and a “hero of war production” during World War II, died in a plane crash while on his way to visit former President Dwig...

06/28/2022

https://eastgreenwichnews.com/opinion-lets-reopen-w-alton-jones/

Hello East Greenwich neighbors. My name is Anthony Burnett-Testa and I am an East Greenwich resident and I have taught at Cole Middle School since 1999. My first job out of college was at the University of Rhode Island’s W. Alton Jones campus as a field teacher naturalist. Many of you may have bee...

06/03/2020

After months of planning, evaluation, endless zoom meetings, creative thinking, and sleepless nights, it saddens me to let you know that Alton Jones will not be able to offer overnight camp this summer. We learned from the University that we will not be able to go forward with our plans to offer overnight camp due to a number of unresolvable issues. While the University is still considering whether to allow day camps to run, all overnight summer programs have been cancelled University-wide.

Our business office will process full refunds for all overnight camps by June 30, 2020. Refunds will be applied to the credit card that was used to pay for camp. Registration fees cannot be applied to 2021 camp programs. There is no need to call or email to request a refund unless the credit card you used to pay for camp is no longer active or if you have not received a refund by July 1.

We truly appreciate your willingness to stick with us on this long and hopeful journey. We are steadfast in our belief that we could have carried out overnight camp safely, adhering to all of the guidelines and social distancing protocols released by the state, CDC, and the American Camp Association. We know how important it is to provide a safe opportunity for kids to get back outside and away from screens at a place like Alton Jones where they can get fresh air and exercise while connecting with other children.

We are anxious to once again hear the sounds of children and to see the Environmental Education Center being used for what it was built for: to connect kids with nature. It will be difficult to know that this summer the main lodge and cabins of the Environmental Education Center will remain empty and quiet for the first time since being built in 1965.

Thank you for all your positive support and optimism during such an uncertain time. We hope that next summer the Environmental Education Center will once again be filled with children, laughter, and outdoor learning and that you will consider being part of our anticipated 2021 reopening.

On behalf of Alton Jones Camp, we wish you all a safe and happy summer.

John Jacques
Assistant Director
W. Alton Jones Campus
Environmental Education Center

05/27/2020

At Alton Jones we are working diligently to try to open camp this summer. While we are inching closer, we still have a number of hurdles to overcome in order to adhere to the newly released camp requirements and to make sure we are able to offer the safest programs possible. If we do open we will need to adjust or cancel some of our camp offerings to comply with the new guidelines. Thank you for all of your support and patience as we attempt to move forward to offer outstanding, safe outdoor experiences for children this summer.

04/22/2020

04/17/2020

UPDATE: To answer the question on everyone's mind - YES! The spring peepers are quite active right now.

Outside of the ponds, it is unusually quiet though, so we are staying optimistic! 🙂

In the meantime, we hope you enjoy this average day from early spring (these are our Field Teachers during training in late February, pre-social distancing).

03/20/2020

Currently, all of our 2020 summer camp programs are still on!

- We are extending our 15% early bird discount to April 30, 2020 and if camp is mandated to close, we will provide a full refund.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to an amazing and healthy summer!

02/10/2020

Dreaming of Summer... It'll be here before you know it! Spaces still available for campers and counselors! 😀🌲☀️

10/29/2019

Happy Halloween from all the Field Teachers at Alton Jones!

08/16/2019

Some photos of Eco-Zone last night...

08/15/2019

The evening included space-themed camp clue followed by songs and story-time before turning in

08/15/2019

Eco-Zone group photos! Week 8 here we go!