Summer Day Camp actively engages children with the outdoors, captivating their interest and inspiring them to connect with the natural world. ACNC achieves this by providing campers with time for free play, outdoor adventures, interactive nature-based lessons, and discovery-based activities.
Members may register starting January 1. Others may register starting February 1.
Click here to view the 2022 Day Camp brochure for camp descriptions.
2022 Full Camps: The following camps are full and taking waitlists. If a waitlist is large enough, ACNC may be able to open a second session, so register your child(ren) for the waitlist if you're interested.
Forest Adventures A: June 28 - July 1
Hidden Forest A: June 28 - July 1
Mini Naturalists (A): July 5 - 8
Hidden Forest (B): July 5 - 8
Sensing Nature a.m. session: July 12 - 15
Down in the Dirt: July 19 - 22
Time for Adventure: July 26 - 29
Explore and Discover: July 26 - 29
Who's Been Here? Tracks and Signs: August 2 - 5
Tween Treks: August 2 - 5
Adventure Seekers: August 9 - 12
Wild and Free, a.m. and p.m.: August 9 - 12
Build With Nature: August 9 - 12
Creature Power Suits: August 9 - 12
Forts and Fun: August 16 - 19
Into the Backwoods: August 16 - 19
There are four types of camps offered this summer:
Free Exploration Camps - Free Exploration Camps are nature-play based and driven by the campers’ interests. Adults are present to supervise and teach when questions arise. Research shows that unstructured play, especially outdoors, is a key developmental component missing from the lives of many children. Time is divided between 80% nature play and 20% structured time.
Deep and Sticky Learning Camps - Children have a deep curiosity about the world, and providing opportunities for them to wonder, deduce, and conclude through personal experience is the ideal learning environment. These camps are more structured, using themed topics and lessons to engage campers. Time is divided between 70% learning and 30% nature play.
Offsite/Specialty Camps - Campers venture offsite to visit natural destinations in the region. Exact itinerary is weather-dependent and finalized on camp week.
Music Camp - Featured this year are two camps that take the soundtrack of the natural world and translate it into human-created music. The sessions can stand alone or be taken in series to give a bit more continuity.
Requirements at Time of Registration:
There is a $25 deposit per child, per session. The balance is due a week before camp. Non-refundable. Camp t-shirts are optional with registrations before June 1. Non-refundable. Register by midnight, the Monday prior to the camp you would like your child(ren) to attend.
Discounts:
Family Members and higher receive 25% off each session and may register starting January 1. You may purchase or renew a Family Membership at registration.
Refund Policy:
If you cancel more than two weeks before camp, ACNC will refund everything except the membership, deposit, and t-shirt fees. There are no refunds for cancellations made less than two weeks before camp starts.
Camperships and Scholarships:
Camperships are available for families in financial need. A deposit is required. They may not be used toward a membership. Scholarships are available for campers who meet merit-based criteria. Deadlines apply. Apply online at auduboncnc.org/scholarships/ or contact ACNC.
Pre and post camps:
ACNC offers extended hours to assist with drop-off and pick up.
Pre-Camp drop-off is 8:00 a.m. and costs $15 for the week or $5 per diem.
Post-Camp runs until 4:30 p.m. and costs $30 for the week or $8 per diem.
You may add weekly Pre- and Post-Camps at checkout when you register online.
Per diem fees are paid at the reception desk the day of camp.
Members receive 25% off weekly fees. No discount per diem.
No Post-Camp on morning half-day camps. No Pre-Camp on afternoon half-day camps.
Special Notes:
Campers must be able to take care of their own toilet needs.
ACNC accommodates some special needs. Call the Camp Director to discuss.
Before you register, please have the child(ren)'s emergency contacts and medical information on hand.
