Sustainability
Through our sustainable summer camp initiatives, we empower hundreds of campers and staff members to bring what they learn about caring for the earth back to their families, schools, and communities. By sharing these lessons beyond camp, our community has the potential to create a positive environmental impact far beyond the summer.
We do not take this opportunity lightly. Each year, we challenge ourselves to reduce our environmental footprint, strengthen our eco-friendly camp practices, and make The Nature Place the greenest it has ever been.
How We Create a More Sustainable Summer Camp
- Making sustainable supply choices: We purchase snacks and camping supplies in bulk whenever possible and print only on paper made from 100% post-consumer waste that is processed without chlorine.
- Reducing, composting, and recycling waste: Campers and staff learn how to compost, recycle correctly, and become more mindful of the waste they create as part of everyday camp life.
- Encouraging green camp lunches: We ask families to pack lunches in reusable containers whenever possible. Learn more about lunch at camp. We also partner with the Threefold Café to provide purchased lunches in reusable stainless steel containers.
- Training staff in sustainability: During Staff Orientation, our team participates in a sustainability workshop that reinforces environmentally responsible camp practices and serves as an incubator for new ideas staff members can share with their campers.
- Sharing environmental education resources: Our blog series, The Sustainability Scoop, explores different areas of sustainability and provides practical resources for camp families and the wider community.
- Teaching Leave No Trace principles: We integrate Leave No Trace ethics into our nature-based camp programming so campers and staff understand how to explore, enjoy, and protect the outdoors responsibly.
- Leading camper-driven sustainability projects: Campers participate in group and camp-wide initiatives that encourage environmental awareness, collaboration, and meaningful action for the earth.
By incorporating sustainability into our daily routines, outdoor activities, meals, and environmental education, The Nature Place gives children practical ways to care for the natural world. Our goal is for every camper to leave with stronger environmental awareness and habits they can continue at home, at school, and in their community.
Why Choose a Sustainable Summer Camp?
A sustainable summer camp gives children more than an opportunity to spend time outdoors. It helps them understand their relationship with the natural world and shows them that caring for the environment can be practical, collaborative and fun.
At The Nature Place, sustainability is incorporated into daily routines, outdoor adventures, meals, staff training and nature-based activities. Campers leave with new skills, stronger environmental awareness and ideas they can continue using at home and in their communities.
Families looking for a nature camp for kids in New York can explore our summer camp programs, learn more about our camp setting or review upcoming dates and rates.