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.

How is The Nature Place different from other day camps near New York City?

Most day camps pack the day with scheduled activities, team sports, and structured programming. The Nature Place is built around a different idea: that kids thrive when they have real time in nature, freedom to explore, time to transition, and a community that isn’t built on competition. On 200 acres in Rockland County, campers hike Harriman State Park, tend a working farm, muck around in streams, canoe, do archery, garden, cook, and make things with their hands — all in a cooperative, non-competitive environment where no one is keeping score. There are no devices, no pressure to perform, and no rushing. We’ve been doing this since 1985, and families come from Manhattan, Bergen County, Westchester, and beyond because there aren’t many places left that offer this kind of summer.

Do you provide transportation from Manhattan, Astoria, Bergen County, Westchester, and other places from NYC or New Jersey?

Yes. We run buses from Manhattan, Astoria, Hoboken, Bergen County, Westchester County. Most campers spend the bus ride building friendships that last all summer; it’s genuinely part of the camp experience. More information and a sample bus map are available on our Transportation page. Rockland County campers typically come to us by car.

Thoughts from the Trail

Benefits of Summer Camp Through a Father’s Eyes

January 23, 2026

Campers on the summit of a hike with blue sky and hills in the distant background as part of The Nature Place mission to provide screen-free summer activities for kids in the NY Metro area

I’m the Camp Director AND a Camp Dad: Here’s Why I Trust The Nature Place with My Camper’s Growth

– By Jason Samuel

As a Camp Director, I know the power of The Nature Place experience—trying new activities, making new friends, and having the freedom to be yourself in a safe, supportive space. I’ve been part of the summer camp world in one way or another for most of my life, and it’s an experience I’ve so passionately committed my professional life to. I often talk about the values at the heart of camp: a connection to nature, to others, and the space to discover who you are. Not to mention the life skills—learning how to make a friend, push yourself safely outside your comfort zone, and even become a swimmer.

But my other title—the one I love more than being the Director of The Nature Place—is Dad.

Seeing Summer Through a Parent’s Lens

Being a father has been the most extraordinary experience of my life. Watching my son grow and seeing the world anew through his eyes is powerful. Nowhere is that more evident than in how he experiences his summers at The Nature Place. To say he loves camp is an understatement.

As winter turns to spring, you can feel his excitement begin to build. As the school year starts to feel stale, his mind drifts to being outside—to his safe, happy place. During bedtime, as we read together and wind down, he tells me what he’s most excited for. First, it’s reuniting with his camp friends and imagining all the new ways they’ll play together. Then comes the email introducing his counselors—and suddenly his excitement reaches a whole new level.

Watching Life Skills Like Swimming Bloom at Camp

As a parent, the joy goes far beyond that anticipation. I’ve watched his growth in the pond—from his earliest days in our youngest group to now preparing to take the deep-water test. His love for swimming, which he reminds me of every time we’re near a pool, was born at camp.

Bringing Summer Camp to Other Parts of Life

His love for nature was born here too. We now take part in neighborhood clean-up days because, as he reminds us, “we need to take care of nature.” And for his birthday, by his own request, he wanted a day-hike party—so his school friends could meet his camp friends and experience why he loves spending time among the trees.

Experiencing camp as a parent is powerful. You get to watch your child grow, become more independent, and discover passions that may last a lifetime. And just as meaningful is seeing the friendships they form—the ones they can’t wait to return to each summer.

I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to give my son such an important part of his life, both as a camp director and as a parent. It’s an honor—and a humbling experience—to share this same sense of wonder, growth, and connection with your family here at The Nature Place.

Summer Camp at The Nature Place

Here, campers spend 4, 5, or 6 weeks outdoors in a socially nourishing and non-competitive environment. Every experience—whether hiking a trail, wading through a stream, learning to swim, or enjoying a campout—builds confidence, connection, and joy. Our non-rushed schedule gives campers time to slow down, unwind from a busy school year, and have a real summer break.

Learn About a Typical Day at Camp

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