- What is the daily schedule like?
- 7:30 AM Reveille, 8:00 AM Breakfast, 9:15 AM Morning Class (90 min), 10:45 AM Morning Recreation, 12:00 PM Lunch, 12:30 PM Rest Period, 1:30 PM Canteen Open, 2:15 PM Afternoon Class (90 min), 3:45 PM Afternoon Recreation, 6:00 PM Supper, 6:30 PM Evening Recreation, 8:00-8:30 PM Evening Program, 10:00-10:30 PM Taps and Lights Out
- Source: About Youth Sessions page
- What classes are offered?
- Core classes include Botany, Ecology, Entomology, Geology, Herpetology, Limnology, and Ornithology. Additional classes may include Appalachian studies, astronomy, conservation, dendrology, environmental ethics, larvotany, meteorology, mycology, nature journaling, spiders, wildlife art, environmental microbiology, and forensic entomology. Campers choose one major class (15 hours total) and rotate through minor classes in other subjects.
- Source: About Youth Sessions page
- What are the sleeping arrangements?
- Campers stay in rustic, wood-frame bunkhouses separated by gender. Each bunkhouse has two wings with metal double bunk beds (twin size) with foam rubber or cotton mattresses. Bunkhouses have screened windows, ceiling fans, limited electrical outlets, but no air conditioning or heating. Cubbyholes with drawers available for storage. Bathhouses (T-houses) nearby with hot water, four sinks, four showers, and four flush toilets.
- Source: About Youth Sessions page
- What meals are provided?
- Three balanced, nutritious meals daily prepared fresh by cooks. Menu includes many meatless meals with vegetarian and vegan options always available. Over 30% of food sourced locally within 100 miles. Fresh fruit available after meals and free in canteen. Sample two-week menu available. Special dietary restrictions accommodated (gluten-free, lactose intolerant, etc.).
- Source: About Youth Sessions page
- What recreational activities are available?
- Swimming in chlorinated pool (staffed by certified lifeguards) and Big Mary's Creek, volleyball, basketball, tetherball, Frisbee, kickball, hiking to Lookout Rock and South River, optional early morning birdwalks, nighttime salamander searches, owl calling, moth catching. Five to six hours of free time daily compared to three hours in classes.
- Source: About Youth Sessions page
- What special events occur during the session?
- Middle Sunday features all-day hiking with no classes, brief chapel services morning and evening. Fourth of July includes trash hikes, scavenger hunt, mile run, water balloon toss, Nature Camp marathon, and festive parade. Last Friday has Closing Ceremony with awards and moving candlelight ceremony processing to swimming pool.
- Source: About Youth Sessions page
- What are campers' responsibilities?
- Campers rotate through chores including setting tables before meals, cleaning bunkhouses and T-houses after breakfast, sweeping L.S. building after meals, and collecting garbage/recyclables after supper. Bunkhouses inspected each morning with scores announced at lunch. Highest cumulative score wins picnic on last Friday. Expected to maintain notebooks, complete written assignments, and participate cooperatively.
- Source: About Youth Sessions page
- What conservation practices does Nature Camp follow?
- Recycling of glass, plastic, aluminum, steel, cardboard, and paper. Uses recycled paper products (80-100% post-consumer waste, unbleached or hydrogen peroxide bleached). Composts food scraps combined with leaves/wood chips for garden fertilization. Energy-efficient compact fluorescent and LED bulbs with motion sensors. Low-flow shower heads and water-conserving toilets. Rain barrel for garden. Supports local and organic food producers.
- Source: About Youth Sessions page
- When does registration open?
- Registration for summer 2026 youth sessions begins Tuesday, January 20, 2026. Early submissions will not be accepted. Applications accepted on first-come, first-serve basis with no deadline. Capacity approximately 88 campers per session.
- Source: Registration page
- What is the deposit and payment schedule?
- $150 non-refundable deposit due with application. Balance of $960 due by June 1, 2026, after which all fees are non-refundable. Total tuition $1,110.
- Source: Registration page
- How are applicants notified of acceptance?
- Notification mailed within two weeks of application receipt as long as space allows. Deposit checks held until acceptance notification provided. If session fills, applicants placed on waiting list and notified. Waiting list prioritized: (1) returning campers, (2) new campers from 2025 waiting list, (3) other new campers with scholarships, (4) relatives of past campers, (5) random draw.
- Source: Registration page
- Is financial aid available?
- Yes, financial aid information available at naturecamp.net/financial-aid. Nature Camp committed to making program accessible regardless of financial circumstances.
- Source: Registration page
