Summer Nature Camp

Check out this interview with ENC Camp Director Lori Whalen on Camp Navigator for more info about our Summer Nature Camp!

The ENC has offered Summer Nature Camps since 1977! Nature Camp provides quality science education in an outdoor, hands-on setting.  Our campers learn while having a great time!

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.

If you do not see your questions answered on this page, feel free to call us at 949-645-8489 or email the Camp Director!

How old does my child have to be to go to Nature Camp?  Entering Kindergarten through 6th grade.

How many campers are in each group?  Enrollment is limited to small classes of 10 students per teacher (15 in After Camp) with a high school assistant. Campers are divided into groups by age.

Who are the Camp Teachers?  Most of the Camp Teachers are our Naturalists who teach here throughout the school year.  A few exceptional individuals join us each Summer to compliment our amazing team (they also work year round in the outdoor environmental education field).  All of our 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.

Skip to Registration Information.

Nature Camp is held Monday – Thursday, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Except for Session 1)
After Camp is held Monday – Thursday, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

 

Camp Themes

Session 1:
Nature Play

July 1 – 5 (no camp on 4th)

Only a few spots left!

Children are built to play, especially in nature! Campers will participate in activities that create joyful memories, and drive the development of creativity, problem solving skills, self-confidence and leadership ability. Campers will enjoy a live birds-of-prey presentation and dissect owl pellets!

Session 2:
Time Travelers

July 8 – 11

What was the world like in the past? How will it be in the future? Through hands-on activities, campers will explore the amazing past and imagine a brilliant future, all while staying right here in 2013. With the natural world at their fingertips, the sky is the limit! Campers will attend a field trip at the OC Heritage Museum.

Session 3:
Outdoor Creativity

July 15 – 18

Only a few spots left!

Campers will use the natural world around them to make beautiful creations of all shapes, sizes and forms. With nature as inspiration, creativity knows no bounds! Whether it is poetry, drawing, painting, sculpting, music making, dancing, acting or singing, children will get their imaginations flowing. Campers will enjoy a presentation by Opera Kadabra!

Session 4:
Science Safari

July 22 – 25

What a great, big planet we live on! Campers will explore the many different places, cultures, animals and habitats that exist on this beautiful blue marble we call home. Older campers will enjoy a field trip at SpaceX in Downey, while younger campers will travel to the Discovery Science Center to explore.

Session 5:
Mad Science

July 29 – August 1

Campers will explore different science fields and participate in a variety of age appropriate, exciting, and safe hands-on experiments to explore why things are not always as they appear. From astronomy to zoology, science is a BLAST! Campers will enjoy a special “explosive” presentation by our Mad Scientist, Meghan!

Session 6:
Earth Heroes

August 5 – 8

Even kids can be super heroes! Planet Earth needs ENC campers! With nature all around them, campers will learn how they can help protect the animals, water, plants, air and soil that make up our planet. On a field trip to Aliso Beach, campers will put their heroics into action with a beach clean up.

Session 7:
Outdoor Adventure

August 12 – 15

Nature explorations are full of excitement, surprise and discovery. On their very own outdoor adventures, campers will discover that adventure exists everywhere in the great outdoors! Campers will enjoy a visit from the Ocean Institute’s Sea Camp!

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.

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 below using the online registration form.

Field Trips

Campers in sessions 2, 4 & 6 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

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

Scholarships

The ENC provides a limited number of partial (1/2 the camp fee) scholarships each year. Limit one per family.  Sessions are determined based on availability.  Campers are eligible for a scholarship based on financial need and interest in nature and science.  Parents must submit a completed Scholarship Application Form, and a letter of recommendation from a current teacher. Students whose families are eligible for the school lunch program receive priority.

Scholarship recipients are required to write a thank you letter to the scholarship provider, within one week of the completion of the session.  Scholarship applications must be submitted by May 31, 2013 by 5PM.  Scholarship recipients will be notified on June 3, 2013 by 5PM. Questions?  Call Lori at 949-645-8489.

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