2024 Information – coming soon!
SUMMER NATURE CAMP
Summer Nature Camp at Irvine offers children an immersive experience in the outdoors.
Each day we learn about the critters, habitats, and conservation issues right here, in the Maryland Piedmont. The vast forests, meadows, and wetlands of our stunning 211-acre campus are our classroom, and our unique collection of Animal Ambassadors serve as teaching assistants. If your child loves exploring, is naturally curious, lights up with each small discovery, and doesn’t mind a bit of mud now and then, summer adventures abound at Irvine.
Led by professional educators and naturalists, we offer weekly, creatively themed programs for five age groups. Day camp for ages 5-12 runs from 9:00AM – 4:00PM, while our Saplings (ages 3-4) attend half day. Returning this year is Buds Camp, a caregiver & toddler camp for children age 2-3.
Young teens (ages 13-16) can apply for our Counselor-in-Training program and continue enjoying the summer fun of camp while developing early leadership skills. CITs must be available Mon-Fri, for 2 consecutive weeks. Applications will available soon.
Located in Owings Mills, Irvine’s Summer Nature Camp 2023 will run from June 19-August 25, 2023. We hope you’ll join us!
CAMP HIGHLIGHTS
• Weeklong day camps from June 19 – August 25, running:
- 9AM – 4PM for Discovery, Explorers & Adventure (5-12 year olds)
- 9AM – 12PM for Saplings (3-4 year olds)
- 9:30AM-11AM for Buds (2-3 year olds & caregiver)
• Camps are designed by professional educators and experienced naturalists, with your child’s enjoyment and safety in mind.
• Every camp features daily animal encounters and plenty of outdoor exploration.
• Each camper receives a Summer Nature Camp T-shirt (except for Buds).
• Small group sizes (camper to staff ratio of 8:1) allow for individualized attention, hands-on learning and a great bonding experience.
• Summer Nature Camp is a Maryland State-Certified Youth Camp.
• We strive to give you the greatest value a summer day camp can offer!
Summer Nature Camp at Irvine is sponsored in part by the following organizations. We are grateful for their support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many campers are in each camp group?
Each camp group contains a maximum of 16 children and will be supervised by at least two staff members.
What can I expect my camper to do while at Irvine Summer Nature Camp?
Regardless of the specific camp theme, each camper will have a fun-filled day of outdoor exploration, games, nature crafts, hikes, and animal interactions. We spend as much time outside as possible, combining structured learning with free nature play.
What if I need to drop my child off before 9:00AM?
Campers can be dropped off beginning at 8:45AM Tuesday-Friday. On Mondays, arrival begins at 8:30AM for the weekly Meet & Greet.
What Covid-19 safety protocols will be in place this summer?
At Irvine, the health and safety of our community is always our highest priority. As the situation with the COVID-19 pandemic is constantly changing, we cannot be sure what regulations will be in place by summer. Regardless, we will abide by the Maryland Department of Health Youth Camp Directive at that time and have in place safety precautions which may include face masks, social distancing, and/or daily health screenings. More specific information will be sent to camp families in the late Spring.
Do you require campers have the COVID-19 vaccine?
While we encourage everyone to be vaccinated, it is not a requirement of campers to have had the COVID-19 vaccine. Camp staff are required to have had the COVID-19 vaccine.
Will there be any overnight campouts this summer?
Adventure Camp (ages 10-12) offers a variety of unique components for our oldest campers, including an evening program, campout, or field trip. Check the weekly descriptions for specific details.
How much does a week of camp cost? Does my child need to attend the whole summer?
Prices vary by age; in general, camps for older age groups cost a little more. Our camp sessions are all one-week long; while there is no discount for signing up for multiple weeks of Summer Nature Camp, many families do. Please refer to the camp brochure for the full listing of camp dates, themes, and prices.
Are there any discounts to attend Irvine Summer Nature Camp?
If you become a Member of Irvine, at the Pacesetter level or above, your family will receive a discount on our Summer Nature Camps, as well as free admission to Irvine, for your entire household, for a full year. Additional benefits and discounts on most of our other education programs can be found HERE.
What Families Are Saying
My daughter just finished two weeks of camp at Irvine and is already talking about next year! She loved it even more than I imagined. From hikes, to crafts, meeting new creatures, and playing in the rain, it was hands down the best camp experience. Thank you Irvine staff for a fantastic experience!
Emily Herstein, Summer Nature Camp Parent
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