Frequently Asked Questions – Summer Nature Camps

Have a question? See if you can find your answer here. If your question is not here please feel free to contact us.

Where do your camps take place?
All of our summer nature camps take place in and around Eugene, OR. We have several locations that we use depending on what is most appropriate for that camp. See each camp page for the location of the program. Here is a list of our current sites. Click the site name for more details.
Hendricks Park
Alton Baker Eastgate Woodlands
Many Hands Community
Big Bear Camp
Dorris Ranch

Do you provide lunch?
We ask kids to bring their own lunch to day camps. With all of the variety of dietary needs and allergies that exist it is impractical to provide lunch for all of the kids at camp in a safe and appropriate way. Also, we often eat lunch while out on a hike and it is best for each kid to carry their own food. Of course, food is provided at overnight camps. Please let us know about any dietary restrictions that your child may have in advance of camp so that we may plan ahead.

Do you offer aftercare at summer camps?
Due to very little interest we do not currently offer aftercare for our summer camp programs. In the future if we see an increased interest in this service then we will reconsider offering it.

Do you have scholarships for summer camps?
Yes, we have a limited amount of scholarship funds available. Our scholarships are need based. See our scholarships page for more details.

How long have you been running summer camps?
Whole Earth Nature School’s Summer Nature Camps have their origin in nature camps that were offered by Dancing Sol beginning in 2007. In 2009 Whole Earth Nature School was founded to expand the opportunities for kids in nature in Eugene. In 2010 Whole Earth Nature School served nearly 200 kids in the Eugene area and we expect to continue to grow and connect even more kids with the outdoors.

The camp I want is full. Do you have a waiting list?
Yes, please visit the Summer Nature Camp page to sign up for the waiting list for your favorite summer camp

Are your instructors first-aid trained?
Yes, all of our instructors are required to have current first-aid and CPR Training. Some staff additionally maintain a Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certification. We also train our staff on the seriousness and proper procedure for dealing with anaphylaxis and severe allergic reactions.

Do you background check your staff?
Yes, unfortunately we feel this is a necessary precaution to keep kids in our programs safe. The safety of campers is our number one priority.

What does my child need to bring?
Upon registration you will receive a detailed confirmation email that has a complete list of things to bring. Basically we ask kids to come prepared to be outside all day and stay comfortable. Typically that means a healthy lunch, water in a refillable container, appropriate clothing, and a backpack to carry it all. More details are available on our preparing for camp page

Will my child get dirty?
Yes. We know that getting dirty is often a sign of how much fun was had that day. Also, getting dirty is an expected side effect of getting close to nature and exploring outside. Occasionally we even intentionally help kids get dirty to camouflage themselves into the forest. Please send your kids dressed appropriately. While many activities are optional, if you are not comfortable getting at least a little bit dirty this is probably not an appropriate program for you.

How do you deal with food allergies?
We work closely with families that have concerns about food allergies to come up with the most appropriate plan for their child’s safety. As a general precaution, kids do not share food at camp. If other precautions are necessary we will take those based on conversations with your family.

What is your discipline policy?
We try to work with kids to help them get along at cam in the safest and most healthy way possible. For a detailed description please read our full guidance and discipline policy.

Can I pay online?
Of course. In addition to our standard paper registration form we have created a streamlined online registration process. Simply click the “Register Now” button anywhere on our site.

Do your camps end at the same time everyday?
Summer day camps end at 1pm each day for 4-5 year olds and at 4pm each day for 6-12 year olds. Please note that we will finish camp at 1pm for all campers on Friday. From 1pm to 3pm we will be hosting a potluck for all families. You are not required to attend but we strongly encourage joining us as campers will be sharing stories from the week.

What if I am late picking up my child?
We understand that sometimes there are unforeseen circumstances which could cause you to be late. We allow 15 minutes after the end of the camp for you to pick up your child without penalty. From 16-25 minutes late, we charge a flat fee of $5.00. For every additional minute after this, we charge $1 per minute. We do this in order to make every effort to support and compensate our instructors for the time they invest. We need our team leaders to be able to go home and be with their own families, rest and return refreshed to care for children the next day.

Will my kids get to eat wild plants?
In many of our summer camps kids are given the opportunity to taste wild edible plants or use wild medicinal plants. We make sure that kids are aware that there are certain plants that can be harmful. Our agreement with all campers is that they have to “ask twice” before picking any plant for food or medicine. First they must ask a knowledgeable adult (usually an instructor) to confirm the identity and use of the plant in question. Second, they must “ask the plant”. When the ask the plant they are looking for important details that can tell them whether the plant is good to use or not. Does The plant look healthy? Is it growing near a source of pollution? If I pick this plant will there be more left over to reproduce? In this way kids also learn about safe and sustainable harvesting techniques.

What is your student/instructor ratio?
We have a maximum student/instructor ratio of 6/1. This is the industry standard. Many programs however, reach this number by padding their staff with volunteers. We are committed to having one professional staff member for every six kids at camp. Not only does this provide a high quality camp experience but it also provides more jobs for local qualified nature educators.

What are your instructor qualifications?
We hire only the most qualified and competent staff. One of the things that sets our camps apart from other programs is that we hire one professional instructor for every six kids at a program. We know that this results in a higher quality camp experience for our families. Feel free to check out our staff bios page for details about our current staff.

Do your camps have a religious message?
Whole Earth Nature School believes that people of all faiths can appreciate the natural world equally. Our camps have no religious message, we just ask that campers approach nature in a thankful and reverent manor that they feel is appropriate.

I don’t see my question here. How can I learn more?
We would be happy to answer any of your questions. Please fill out our contact form or just give us a call at 541-937-KIDS(5437).