Nature camps

Nature camps offer kids and teens an opportunity to get close to and learn more about the natural environment around them. Nature summer camps are typically offered by nature centers, field centers, or local arboretums, etc. You'll find many of these in larger centers, encouraging urban kids to get outdoors, learn more about, and develop their appreciation of the natural world.

Curriculum at these camps will follow from the camp location, offering activities onsite. Typically, kids will explore plant life, learn how ecosystems work, and meet some local wildlife. Depending on the location, kids can learn more about local and regional wildlife, including deer, wild birds (hawks, eagles, herons, etc.) and/or pond animals such as turtles. Many nature camps offer educational explorations of wetlands, woods, ponds, streams, meadows, etc.

Kids learn new skills, develop their love of the natural world ad learn more about the urban natural environment. Urban kids and teens can expect to do some hiking here. They also meet other local kids who share their enthusiasm for the natural world. There will be fun learning here, certainly, but they will also have some typical summer camp fun like cookouts, campfires, arts and crafts activities, and other outdoor games. Camps may also run activities or themes such as introductory wilderness survival and offer outings to local wildlands, conservation areas or zoos, etc.

Kids’ nature camps are ideal for children and teens with a burgeoning interest in science, the natural world, environmental science, ecology, and care of the environment. Whether their interest is newfound or deep, nature camp gives kids a fresh exposure to the natural world and will deepen their appreciation for the earth, the outdoors, and the greenspace around them. All of this is presented in the fun, secure environment of a summer camp, of course, and presented at their level of understanding. Other types of camps in this vein include zoo camps and science camps.