Summer Nature Camps 2010

Jump to the 2010 Summer Nature Camps list now!

A child pries a plaster disc from the soil. She turns it over and brushes away the dirt and clay still clinging to the underside. She can see in the plaster the hair, claws, four toes, and heel pad of a perfect fox track. As the other kids crowd in to get a view she asks “Where is the fox now?”

Whole Earth Nature School offers summer day camps and overnight camps for kids and teens. We try to re-imagine what summer nature camps can be. We still value games, activities and storytelling but those things are only used as vehicles for profound personal experience. We believe strongly that kids today are sorely lacking the wonder, freedom and sense of adventure that their parents or grandparents had, such as the freedom to wander to a favorite fishing hole on a summer’s day. For those kids in the past the journey to go fishing was just as important as the fishing itself. Our experienced instructors safely guide kids on the trail of wild animals, help them gather wild berries to make jam, use mud to camouflage their faces and move invisibly through the woods, and introduce kids to the nutritious weeds and wild plants that grow all around us and learn to use the herbs to heal.

Each camp will use creative play and exploration to teach the fundamentals of nature awareness through development of the five senses, and observation of plants, birds and mammals. Yet every week we will live a new story and create a unique experience. While we have in mind specific goals for each day, we custom tailor every session depending on what the children uncover in nature, as well as what individual interests the children bring to each group. Attend several weeks of Nature Camp: experience entirely new journeys and deepen skills learned in weeks prior. All camps are day camps unless otherwise noted.

All age groups receive locally hand-dyed Whole Earth Nature School t-shirts, a nature journal, and pencil!  6-12 year old’s also receive a pocket field guide (a different guide for each week).

To view detailed descriptions for each camp click the camp name.

Please read “Are you a good fit for our programs?”

For information about our scholarship program click here

2010 Summer Nature Camp Schedule

Week 1: June 21-25

Ages 9-12  Walkabout Adventure THIS CLASS IS FULL
Click here to be added to a waiting list.

Week 2: June 28-July 2

Ages 4-5  At Home in the Wilderness THIS CLASS IS FULL
Ages 6-8  At Home in the WildernessTHIS CLASS IS FULL
Ages 9-12  At Home in the WildernessSpaces still available!

Week 3: July 5-9:

Ages 9-12 Wild Girls Wilderness CampSpaces still available!
Ages 4-5 Way of the Earth NinjaTHREE SPACES LEFT
Ages 6-8  Way of the Earth Ninja THIS CLASS IS FULL

Ages 9-12  Way of the Earth Ninja THIS CLASS IS FULL

Week 4: July 12-16

Ages 6-8  Lost on Wild Iris Ridge
Ages 9-12 Lost on Wild Iris Ridge

Week 5: July 19-23

Ages 4-5  At Home in the Wilderness
Ages 6-8  At Home in the Wilderness
NEW! Ages 6-8 Way of the Earth Ninja

Week 6: July 26-30

Ages 4-5  Homesteading THIS CLASS IS FULL
Click here to be added to a waiting list.
Ages 6-8  Homesteading THIS CLASS IS FULL

Week 7: August 1-6

Ages 12-15 Big Bear Village: Teen Overnight

Week 8: August 9-13

Ages 4-5  Way of the Earth NinjaTHIS CLASS IS FULL
Ages 6-8  Way of the Earth Ninja THIS CLASS IS FULL
Click here to be added to a waiting list.
Ages 9-12  Way of the Earth Ninja

Week 9: August 16-20

Ages 6-8 Lost on Wild Iris Ridge
Ages 9-12 Lost on Wild Iris Ridge

Week 10: August 23-27

Ages 6-8  Stalking the Summer Harvest NEW SESSION ADDED, OPENINGS AVAILABLE
Ages 9-12  Stalking the Summer Harvest

Week 11: August 30-September 3

Ages 9-12  Walkabout Adventure NO LONGER AVAILABLE