What ages is The Nature Place Day Camp for?
The Nature Place welcomes campers ages 4 through 16. Our youngest campers (rising Pre-K and Kindergarteners) thrive in our gentle, nature-rich environment, while our oldest campers take on leadership roles and more challenging adventures like high ropes and multi-day hiking trips. Groups are organized by age and grade, so every camper is with peers at a similar stage.
Where is the camp located, and which areas do you serve?
We’re located at 285 Hungry Hollow Road in Chestnut Ridge, New York, on 200 acres in Rockland County. Camp families come from across Rockland and Westchester, New York City, and northern New Jersey. Bus transportation is available from Manhattan, Astoria, Jersey City, Hoboken, Montclair, Bergen County and Westchester County.
When does summer camp run in 2027, and how many weeks can we choose?
Our 2027 season runs from July 6 to August 13. Campers join us for four, five or six weeks. We’ve built camp this way on purpose: a multi-week experience gives campers the time to settle in, build real skills, and form the kind of friendships that a one-week program can’t. You can read more about why on our
Power of Time at Camp page.
What if my child is nervous about trying something new, like putting their head underwater or climbing the climbing tree?
Camp is about trying new things at a pace that feels right for each camper. We encourage what we call “safe risks” (things that might feel daunting but are completely safe, with counselors modeling and encouraging every step of the way). That said, we never force a camper into something they’re genuinely not comfortable with. Our staff are trained to meet each camper where they are, and more often than not, the thing a camper was most nervous about becomes the one they’re most proud of by the end of the summer.
How many activities does my child do in a day, and is it rushed?
There are six 45-minute program periods in every camp day, built around an unhurried pace with ten minutes of transition time between each one. That in-between time is intentional — it’s where some of the best unscripted moments of connection happen, or stopping to quite literally smell the flowers. Younger campers have dedicated time for lunch, swim, and an extra snack/change period to recharge. Older campers have more group choice and adventure programming built into their schedules. Activities build progressively week over week, so campers are genuinely developing skills (not just sampling or getting a quick dopamine hit) over the course of the summer.
Does my child swim every day?
Yes. Every camper swims every single day for a full 45 minutes. Swim time takes place at The Pond, our beautiful swimming hole — a zero-entry sandy beach surrounded by trees that feels like a natural pond but functions and is regulated as a pool. It’s one of those places kids fall in love with immediately. Swim time is a combination of water safety instruction and free swim, so campers are building real skills while also having the kind of pure water fun that defines a great summer. By the end of the season, the progress campers make is genuinely remarkable.
How is The Nature Place different from other day camps near New York City?
We’re non-competitive, we’ve been doing this since 1985, and campers are outdoors nearly all day on 200 acres rather than moving between indoor facilities. There are no scoreboards and no winners. Activities like mucking in the stream, woodworking with real tools, organic gardening, overnight camping and climbing trees are the ordinary shape of a day here, not special events. Groups are small and counselors know every camper by name.
Can we visit before we enroll?
Yes, and we’d encourage it. You can
schedule a tour to walk the grounds and meet our directors, or chat with our director directly if you have questions first. You’re also welcome to call us on (845) 356-1234.
