Summer Day Camp at The Nature Place

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.

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.

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.