About Us
About The Nature Place: A Unique Summer Day Camp Experience
The Nature Place is an ACA-accredited summer day camp in Chestnut Ridge, NY, specifically designed for children ages 4–16 to unplug and connect. Unlike traditional high-enrollment programs, we offer an intentionally small-scale community of just 250 campers, ensuring a socially nourishing and non-competitive environment.
Nature Immersion on a 200-Acre Campus
Our program is rooted in the belief that nature is the best classroom. With a campus featuring 200 acres of forests, streams, fields, and farmlands, we provide a screen-free summer where nature is woven into every activity. Campers engage in:
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Outdoor Skills & Wilderness Exploration: From campfire-building and knot-tying to hiking the trails of Harriman State Park.
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Hands-on Farm-to-Table: Organic gardening and outdoor cooking.
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Adventure & Creativity: High ropes courses, music, and nature-based art.
A Non-Rushed, Intentional Philosophy
At The Nature Place, we reject the high-pressure culture of modern youth sports and academics. Our non-rushed, intentional rhythm creates space for curiosity and joy to flourish. This non-competitive approach allows campers to build authentic confidence and lasting friendships without the stress of “winning” or “performing.”
Convenient Access for the NY Metro Area
An unforgettable, nature-based summer is accessible to families across the region. We provide professional bus transportation with convenient pickup locations in:
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New York City: Manhattan and Astoria.
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New Jersey: Hoboken, Montclair, Ridgewood, and much of Bergen County.
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New York Suburbs: Westchester County: including Irvington, Hastings, Rye, Mamaroneck, and more.
Q: What are the benefits of a screen-free summer camp?
A screen-free summer camp allows children to trade digital distractions for meaningful, real-world connections and nature immersion. At The Nature Place, our screen-free environment encourages campers to develop better sensory awareness, improved social-emotional skills, and a deeper focus on the physical world.
By removing phones and tablets, we create a space where children can be fully present. This philosophy is supported by our commitment to an intentionally small-scale community; by capping our enrollment at 250 campers—rather than the 1,000+ found at many traditional day camps—we can maintain a non-competitive approach and a non-rushed schedule. At our ACA-accredited campus in Chestnut Ridge, NY, this allows us to focus on the nuances of each child’s experience, fostering authentic friendships and resilience through intentional, outdoor play.