A Non-Traditional Approach to Summer Day Camp

Before we delve into our non-traditional approach to summer day camp, here’s a question: what actually makes for a “traditional” summer day camp?

When we think day camp, we think of a non-sleepaway summer camp that follows a structured schedule designed to engage and entertain campers in a variety of activities. These may include sports, arts and crafts, swimming, outdoor adventures, and team games. The day often begins with the pledge and a flag-raising, followed by camp counselors leading a variety of organized programs. Lunch and snack times are incorporated, and transportation is commonly provided. Traditional camps may have a variety of competitive games and activities.

In a fast-paced world, where competition and achievement often overshadow the simple joys of childhood, The Nature Place’s summer day camp offers an alternative.

Firstly, we follow a traditional summer day camp model in these ways: We bus campers from all over the greater New York Metro area to our magical 200 acre campus in Rockland County, NY. We gather in the morning for what’s called “Morning Share,” to enjoy skits and music, and to cheer for campers going out on trips and hikes. The Nature Place has lots of amazing programs, including swim lessons, throughout the day. From here, we begin to diverge.

At The Nature Place, there are three principles we lean into heavily that we believe make the experience that our campers have here so incredibly impactful.

Here is our non-traditional approach to summer day camp: 

1. We are a non-competitive camp.

As an organization, we believe that taking away the pressure to constantly outperform others also means a break from social pressure, giving campers a better foundation to form and nurture relationships; and we’ve seen this in action. We encourage campers to focus on the journey, slowing down, and connecting with themselves, each other, and nature. But we’re also experts on having fun! From building confidence on the high ropes course, to walking in the Barefoot Zone, we’ve seen firsthand how this approach creates an environment where campers can try new activities, make mistakes, and learn from them without the fear of judgment. We believe the reward is in the effort and learning process, rather than solely the end result. The outcome: our campers leave with more confidence and a love for learning that extends beyond the borders of camp.

2. The schedule is unhurried.

We believe in being intentional with our campers’ time, and that busier does not automatically mean better. Our carefully-curated schedules are progressive and based on peer group. They leave ample room for spending meaningful time together, exploring personal interests, and simply enjoying the moment. It gives counselors time to form bonds with campers, instead of just shepherding them to and from activities.

We have one long swim period every day. The long period mitigates extra time spent changing, and allows ample time for instruction and free-play (and sometimes campers are having so much fun, they don’t realize they’re learning!). We allow for transition time in between periods. Whether campers are out on a day-hike enjoying their lunch in the sunshine, crafting an Earth Art project that they’re invested in, venturing to the farm, or taking quiet moments to “still-hunt” and observe nature’s beauty, campers at The Nature Place have the opportunity to truly stop and smell the roses. This emphasis on unscripted moments not only allows campers to develop strong bonds with their fellow campers and counselors, but also teaches them the value of mindfulness.

3. We are committed to celebrating individuality.

As an amazing counselor of ours once said: “Take a deep breath and come as you are. The Nature Place will welcome you with open arms.” At The Nature Place, we celebrate diversity and take special care to be inclusive, creating an environment that values individuals, encouraging them to be their true selves. We continually strive to build a representative community, and where there is no room for bullying, judgment, or exclusion. We emphasize the importance of empathy. Groups are created with age and grade in mind (instead of gender). We encourage each camper to embrace their unique qualities, talents, and interests, and we believe that it’s these differences that make camp rich and vibrant. We are serious about facilitating a culture of kindness, encouraging campers to respect and support one another, and as a result, they leave camp with incredible memories.

Take a deep breath and come as you are. The Nature Place will welcome you with open arms.

While everyday life often pushes campers to compete and hurry through the day, our non-traditional approach to summer day camp stands as an oasis where the values of self-discovery, genuine relationships, and inclusivity can truly flourish. 

The Nature Place is a nature-focused and non-competitive summer experience. Founded in 1985, we have a magnificent 200-acre campus that supports a holistic approach to outdoor, adventure, and artistic programming in an environment that helps each individual find their best self. We bus from NYC, JC/Hoboken, Bergen, and Westchester Counties. Click here to learn more about our unique, multi-week Summer Day Camp Experience. (Or click here to see a sample bus map.)