Home | Programs | Summer Nature Camp

ENC's Summer Nature Camp

The ENC is once again presenting Summer Nature Camp for elementary students entering Kindergarten through 6th grade. Campers are divided into small groups by age.

Since 1977, Nature Camp has provided quality science education in an outdoor, hands-on setting. ENC Nature Camp emphasizes experiential learning. Campers spend most of their time outside observing nature up close using tools like binoculars, magnifying lenses and microscopes. Science concepts are introduced in a fun environment, with crafts, games and hands-on activities.

Enrollment is limited to small classes of 10 students per teacher with a high school assistant. All teachers are exceptionally qualified in elementary science education and represent a wide range of expertise in the Orange County educational community.

Fees
Nature Camp costs $175 per student per session ($157.50 for members).
After Camp costs $80 per student per session ($72 for members)
Fees include all costs of instruction, field trip transportation and admission fees, laboratory and art supplies, and an organic cotton camp T-shirt.

Nature Camp is held Monday - Thursday, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
After Camp is held Monday – Thursday, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Camp Themes

Session 1: July 2 – 5: Do it Yourself Camp

From soup to soap and candles to kites, campers will learn the history of every day things, and then discover how they can make many things themselves! Campers will enjoy a visit from a real beekeeper, see a live observation hive, learn how honey is made and roll a beeswax candle.

Session 2: July 9 – 12: Planet Protectors

Campers will become Super Heroes and learn how they can help protect the planet by recycling, reusing, reducing and more! Younger campers (K - 2) will visit Aliso Beach for a beach clean-up! Older campers (3rd – 6th) will visit the Frank R. Bowerman Landfill in Irvine.

Session 3: July 16 – 19: Wilderness Survival

Campers will learn how to prepare for and respond to the unexpected. Campers will enjoy a visit from the experts at Coast Live Oak School to learn about ancestral wilderness survival skills.

Session 4: July 23 - 26: Under the Sea

Campers will have a whale of a time learning about marine mammals, sharks, fish, and all creatures that live under the sea! Campers will enjoy a visit to the Crystal Cove State Park tide pools.

Session 5: July 30 - August 2: Outdoor Adventure

Campers learn about habitats and the plants and animals that live in them! Campers will see live birds of prey up close in a special presentation featuring hawks, falcons, owls, and other birds of prey.

Session 6: August 6 – 9: Incredible Inventions

Campers learn about famous inventors and try their hand at making fabulous inventions of their own! Campers will enjoy a fieldtrip to the Tessman Planetarium at Santa Ana College.

Session 7: August 13 – 16: Outdoor Creativity

Campers will explore a variety of ways to be creative in Nature as they write poetry, draw, paint, sculpt, make music, dance and act out in nature! They will enjoy a special visit from Hidden Talents Ceramic Painting Studio, and have an opportunity to make a ceramic masterpiece of their own to take home.

Session 8: August 20 – 23: Mad Science

Campers will explore different science fields and participate in a variety of age appropriate, exciting, safe hands-on experiments! They will enjoy a special kid friendly performance from the Southland Opera Company, called “Adventures in Song and Story”.

After Camp - All Sessions (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM)

Campers can stay for two extra hours of play and learning in Nature. Children are built to play! Campers will participate in activities that create joyful memories, and drive the development of creativity, problem solving skills, self-confidence and leadership ability.

More information

Fees

Nature Camp costs $175 per student per session ($157.50 for members).
After Camp costs $80 per student per session ($72 for members)
Fees include all costs of instruction, field trip transportation and admission fees, laboratory and art supplies, and an organic cotton camp T-shirt.

Registration

You must complete a separate registration form for each child enrolled. Please note our policies regarding late pick-up, registration and withdrawals (below). You may register in any of the following ways:
  1. Mail the registration form (coming soon!) and payment to: Environmental Nature Center, attn: Nature Camp, 1601 16th Street, Newport Beach, CA 92663
  2. In person at the Environmental Nature Center.
  3. Fax your registration form to 949-645-0618. Call 949-645-8489 to confirm receipt of fax.
  4. Online using the form below (scroll downwards).

Field Trips

Campers in sessions 2, 4, 6 & 8 will go on off site field trips, traveling on a Newport Mesa Unified School District Busses.
Campers in Sessions 1, 3, 5 and 7 will enjoy a special on site program.

Nature Camp News

One week prior to the start of each Camp session, you will receive a Camp newsletter with specifics about the session including: daily schedule, field trip, appropriate clothing, parking/drop-off info, etc.

Scholarships

A limited number of PARTIAL SCHOLARSHIPS are available. Limit one per family. Email lori@encenter.org for a scholarship application.

Camp T-Shirts

Organic cotton shirts are provided and MUST be worn on field trip days. Daily wear of camp t-shirts is encouraged. Additional shirts may be purchased in the ENC Store.

Late Pick-Up

Camp ends promptly at 1:00 PM each day. After Camp ends promptly at 3:00 PM.
Please be on time. If you know you are going to be late please notify us. A $15 fee for each 15 minutes late will be charged.

Change in Session Choice

At any time: $10 processing fee.

Withdrawal

Any time up to 2 weeks before the start of a session: $25 processing fee, balance refunded. 1-2 weeks notice: 50% refund. Less than 1 week notice: NO REFUND.

Late Registration

Any time after one week before the start of the session you are enrolling in: $25 late registration fee.

Online Registration Form