Next Steps
Three campers hiking up a rocky trail in a forest, one wearing a pink cap and carrying a walking stick, and the other in a wide-brimmed hat, and the third in a white bucket hat. Campers on top of rocks at the top of a mountainYoung camper with backpack walking in the woodsPerson with curly hair sitting on the grass facing a campfire at night, holding a piece of wood, surrounded by others seated in a circle around the fire.Two campers holding white chickens
ENROLL NOW
Several campers in red canoes paddling across a calm lake surrounded by lush trees. The campers wear life jackets, and the sky is overcast.

The Nature Place Day Camp

Nature-Oriented Summer Day Camp in NY.
EST. 1985

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A Summer to Grow & Explore

We are an outdoor, non-competitive summer day camp for all campers ages 4-16 to connect in nature.

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A girl sifting through soil and pouring it out of her hand and onto a rock.

SUMMER CAMP IN NY

A Wonder-Filled Experience for NY & NJ Campers

Unplug & Explore
On 200 beautiful acres in Rockland County, New York, The Nature Place is a summer day camp like no other. Here, campers ages 4-16 unplug, explore, and connect with themselves and each other in a socially nourishing, non-competitive environment.

Build Confidence & Skills
From nature exploration and high ropes to organic gardening, cooking, hiking, camping skills, and the arts, every day is filled with adventure, creativity, and connection. It’s a place where curiosity leads the way, friendships flourish, and summer is a break — wild, free, and full of wonder.

Learn About Our Mission
Experience a Typical Day
Three campers resting on a large rock outdoors, looking into the distance. They appear happy, with one holding a hat and a water bottle, surrounded by green trees.
A young child playing in a pool, diving into the water. The water is clear, and a lane divider with red and blue buoys is visible in the background.

The Nature Place Summer Camp Experience

Why 4, 5, or 6 Weeks?

Flexible Scheduling
Campers join us for 4, 5, or 6 weeks, providing a powerful and cohesive experience while leaving room for other summer plans.
Socially Nourishing
It’s deeply socially nourishing and opens up a world of possibilities for skill-building and growth.
A True Camp Family
Spending this time together creates lasting connections and a real camp family where our mission can come to life for each camper.

Give your camper the gift of time—to grow, connect, and belong. Learn how a multi-week camp experience makes all the difference on our Power of Time page:

The Power of Time at Camp
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Reviews from Camp Families

The Nature Place Day Camp place picture
The Nature Place Day Camp
4.9
Based on 59 reviews
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Rufei Wang profile pictureRufei Wang

15:09 01 Oct 25
I would highly recommend the Nature Place camp! My 6-year daughter had such an amazing summer, she even asked if she could keep going to the camp when she’s an adult! What we love the most about the camp (and what sets it apart from other camps) is the way it allows the kids to unplug, slow down and connect with friends and nature. The activities are not rushed or crammed into the day, but there’s plenty of time for them to transition, enjoy themselves and fully engage in what they’re doing. And that’s exactly what we needed the most after a year of city life.
Response from the owner 14:25 02 Oct 25

Thank you for the kind words, Rufei. We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. Looking forward to more summers with your family!

Sarah Law profile pictureSarah Law

14:23 01 Oct 25
I can’t put into words how incredible and transformative this camp has been for my son. I wish the nature place was a place my kids could experience year round. From singing every morning, making art in nature, mucking, dancing, hiking… the list goes on. Thank you so much to the staff of the nature place and to those that keep this amazing place going. I don’t think my son would be who he is today if it weren’t for you and he was only there for 6 weeks. He truely just lit up this past summer. Can’t wait for next summer and all the summers to come!
Response from the owner 14:27 02 Oct 25

Sarah, this review touched us so much. Thank you for sharing! We look forward to many wonderful summers with your family.

Ava Heller profile pictureAva Heller

14:06 01 Oct 25
Nature Place is a beautiful day camp! The kids are in nature all day long and all the activities are unique. In woodworking, the kids learn to use a saw, a hammer and nails, and how to sand their sculptures. In African dance and drumming, every kid gets to use a drum. As a dance educator myself I was very impressed by the camps choice to include West African dance. This dance form is a fun, athletic, accessible, and community oriented introduction to dance the camp director is extremely personable and made himself available anytime I had a question or concern. I highly recommend sending your kid to the Nature Place if you want your kid to be outside, getting their hands dirty, getting to swim in a pool that looks like a pond, and challenging themselves in a safe and creative environment all summer long!
Response from the owner 14:30 02 Oct 25

Ava, thank you so much for these kind words. It was a joy to have your camper here, and we look forward to more great summers with your family!

John Huber profile pictureJohn Huber

20:59 12 Sep 25
We sent both of our kids (age 9 and 11) to The Nature Place for the first time this past summer. They absolutely loved it! They both made friends that they are staying in touch with, and learned many interesting things about the outdoors, plants, etc. There were many interesting activities that they looked forward to each week as well. Communication with us from the camp was frequent and clear, and there was a real sense of being part of an extended family. We absolutely will send the kids back again next year.
Response from the owner 14:35 24 Sep 25

John – thank you for these kind words. It was wonderful having your kiddos here and we look forward to more summers with your family!

Cynthia Langin profile pictureCynthia Langin

19:53 11 Sep 25
Our 7 year old daughter participated in The Nature Place this summer, and it’s among the best decisions we’ve made. She had the most amazing summer the entire time, regardless of the weather. From swimming in the Pond, to “mucking” in the stream (her favorite activity). She gained confidence, learned about the natural world and looked forward to each day. We even participated in an overnight family camping experience – her first! I can’t say enough positive things about Jason, her counselors and all of the staff. We can’t wait for her to return next year. We just wish we could go with her!
Response from the owner 14:38 24 Sep 25

We are incredibly moved by your words – you captured the heart of camp. Thank you! We are so looking forward to more summers with your family!

Julia Jeong profile pictureJulia Jeong

17:15 11 Sep 25
We love The Nature Place! My son had a great time this past summer and I have already signed up to send my son and my daughter for next summer!
Response from the owner 14:39 24 Sep 25

Thank you Julia! Your son was a joy to have here and we can’t wait to have both campers with us next year!

caitlin caporale profile picturecaitlin caporale

13:22 11 Sep 25
The Nature Place is a very special camp. My son enjoyed the non-rushed, non-competitive wilderness focused environment. From mucking in a stream to an overnight camping in a tent, my son had a very successful camp experience. I highly recommend especially for those who may have not thrived at other day camps- this one’s different!
Response from the owner 14:23 11 Sep 25

Thank you, Caitlin. We’re so happy he had a great summer!

Rachel Delicate profile pictureRachel Delicate

18:05 09 Sep 25
Hands down, the BEST summer camp experience for kids. NPDC is so thoughtful with all that they do and really provide a space for kids to do what they should be doing in the summer—exploring, making friends and having fun! The non-competitive environment allows kids to thrive and work together to grow and be curious. All staff— TOP NOTCH! Funny, welcoming, patient and kind. The director and staff seem to know every child by name, which is some wizard level magic. Looking forward to seeing you all again next year!! Thanks for all you do!!
Response from the owner 13:36 11 Sep 25

Rachel — your kind words mean the world to us. Thank you for taking the time to share. You’ve captured the very heart of the experience we hope to create. Looking forward to many more wonderful summers with your family!

Carolyn Ismach profile pictureCarolyn Ismach

17:51 15 Jan 25
We have been a Nature Place family since the summer of 2021, when my daughter was 4 years old. We are going into our 5th summer now and we cannot say enough positive things about this magical camp. The staff is outstanding. I have seen them direct traffic like a well oiled machine in the pouring rain, while keeping all the campers and staff inside safe. They know each of my children by name and greet them as such each morning when they take them from my car. The variety of activities they engage in is diverse and fun. My kids have done things at camp that I’d NEVER think they would do, like rope climbing trees all the way to the top and jumping off the board into the deep end of the pond. The daily swim instruction is fantastic and we always see improvement by the end of the summer. The 6 weeks my kids spend at The Nature Place is one of the brightest spots of their year. They can’t wait to go back!
Response from the owner 20:02 15 Jan 25

Carolyn — Thank you for this wonderful review and for being such an integral part of our camp family over the years! Looking forward to another wonderful summer with your kiddos.

Christa Lynch profile pictureChrista Lynch

11:30 27 Oct 24
My daughter LOVES her summers at The Nature Place! And I love to have such a wonderful place for her to be when school is out. My 5 year old can take a 3 mile hike! And gained tons of confidence with the skills she learned swimming and climbing. I’m so impressed with what she can do and so incredibly grateful to all of the encouraging, warm and engaging counselors and staff! Everyone is so wonderful that even my shy, quiet girl comes out of her shell and just has the best time. 10/10 recommend for meaningful, fun, engaging summers!

Natasha Khrolenko profile pictureNatasha Khrolenko

18:02 13 Oct 24
My son absolutely loves The Nature Place and so do we! The programming is so well thought out and put together, and the counselors are kind and patient with the kids. Our son has made some lifelong friends here, and we look forward to sending him back each year.

Fern Franco profile pictureFern Franco

15:08 01 Oct 24
We trust our daughter only to the best and NDC has come through each year. If you are looking for a family oriented, caring, fun and held on a beautiful natural setting, this is your place – NDC has the best resilience activities for kids, they foster positive mindset and friendships bloom as well as the children smiles do too… I could not recommend it more! : )))

Susanne Morgana Brennan profile pictureSusanne Morgana Brennan

17:14 25 Sep 24
The Nature Place Day Camp is a wonderful experience for kids! My son attended last year and the year before and every day was a blast for him! The staff are the most upbeat friendly people, the facilitators are total pros, and the activities are fun, energetic, and leave the kids wanting more. An all-round terrific program on a beautiful campus with tons to do including overnight sleep-away camping adventures for the older kids. Highly recommend! Worth every penny.

Emi Makino profile pictureEmi Makino

00:31 25 Sep 24
The Nature Place Day Camp is special. Campers spend time outside all day even lunch time unless it’s raining. My 6 year old son has enjoyed art, woodworking, cooking, climbing trees, mucking, hiking, learning outdoor skills, music, every day swimming, gardening, drama, and more.

Staff and counselors are warm and well trained. They are like part of families. Many counselors used to be campers, so it shows how the NPDC is loved.

Florencia Bernthal profile pictureFlorencia Bernthal

14:43 22 Sep 24
The Nature Place Day Camp holds an exceptional space in our family’s hearts! This camp is warm and friendly and makes you feel that you belong. My daughters have been attending for four summers now, and they look forward to returning next year.
The nature place philosophy offers a deep connection to nature and a wide variety of creative activities prioritizing children’s needs and involvement in active participation in their creations. As a parent raising children in NYC, knowing that your kids can benefit from this experience, swimming at a pond, going on hikes, and staying for campfires and overnights in nature with staff that cares for them is priceless.

Jacqueline Lee profile pictureJacqueline Lee

16:25 21 Sep 24
My two kids went here and it was truly life changing. They absolutely LOVED every single minute there. The staff was sincerely caring and treated all the children as if they were their own. I knew my kids were safe, happy, and having an enriching experience. Recently my daughter was awoken by a bad dream and as I was laying with her I told her to imagine herself in a place that makes her happy. I asked her where she imagined herself and she said “At camp. I’m happy at The Nature Place.” I mean that right there says it all! We will be part of the Nature Place family for a very long time!

Stacey Pittman profile pictureStacey Pittman

19:24 20 Sep 24
Our son has attended The Nature Place camp for the past 3 years and loves it. We have had a wonderful experience each year and will be returning next year. The camp director, staff and counselors are all very attentive and kind. I would highly recommend! Our son has made friends that he stays in touch with throughout the year. It is a very nurturing and most of all – FUN atmosphere. My son especially enjoys the day hikes. Our family now goes hiking at his request!

Bus Transportation from NYC & NJ

The Nature Place provides bus transportation from Manhattan, Astoria, Jersey City, Hoboken, Montclair, Bergen County and Westchester County
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Meet Our Camp Directors

Full Team

Ed Bieber

Founder

Jason Samuel

Director

Scott Dunn

Director of Programming

Ricky MacGregor

Assistant Director

Emily Angell

Communications Manager

Tim Pellegrin

Social and Behavioral Team Advisor

Marlie Gelu

Social and Behavioral Team

Jersey Gerson

Social and Behavioral Team Advisor
Scenic lake and trees

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Learn more with these helpful articles on how to choose the best summer camp for your family.
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Send Us A Message

(845)-356-1234
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Location

285 Hungry Hollow Road Chestnut Ridge, NY 10977