Little Naturalist fee: $395
Register HERE
Please note: All camp logistics (i.e. group size, drop-off/pick-up protocols, etc.), are subject to change.
Little Naturalist Camp is designed for 4 year olds. It’s perfect for those who are eager to explore the outdoors, learn about nature, and make new friends. Here are some highlights of what we offer:
1. Outdoor Adventures: From 9 AM to 1 PM, our campers immerse themselves in nature. We believe in the power of outdoor play, where children climb trees, balance on rocks, and enjoy getting a little messy—all in a safe and supervised environment.
2. Nature-Based Learning: Our curriculum is focused on nature-based learning, allowing children to discover the wonders and joy of the natural world. Through hands-on activities and exploration, campers develop a deep appreciation for the environment and its inhabitants.
3. Social-Emotional Growth: At Little Naturalist Camp, it’s not just about nature; it’s also about personal growth. Campers build confidence, independence, and valuable social skills as they engage in group activities, teamwork, and problem-solving in a natural setting.
All ENC campers must be fully potty trained. ENC members at the Family level or higher can use their discount code to receive a 10% discount. Contact us if you do not know the code.
If you like, you can read the Camp Orientation with lots of great info that campers hear on their first day of Nature Camp.
Here are some answers to Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the differences between the camps? We treat Little Naturalist Camp as your child’s first exposure to the day camp experience – it’s like being a camper-in-training! They do many of the same activities as Nature Adventure Campers, but on a smaller scale and in smaller groups. Science Explorers Campers get to go on a weekly walking field trip to someplace in our community (Balboa Island, Newport Aquatic Center, Castaways Park…) and also are empowered with more mentoring opportunities with our younger campers. Wilderness Adventure Camp is located at our satelite nature center, the ENC Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary in Modjeska Canyon. The location is adjacent to the Cleveland National Forest and Modjeska Wilderness Preserve. Campers take walking field trips to these exciting locations each week!
How many campers are in each group? Enrollment in Little Naturalist Camp is limited to small classes of up to 8 campers per teacher with a high school assistant. Enrollment in Nature Adventure, Wilderness Adventure, and Science Explorers Camp is limited to small classes of up to 10 campers per teacher with a high school assistant.
My children are a few years apart, can they be in the same group? Nope. Our Campers are divided into groups by grade level. Curricula and activities are designed for these different age groups, which are developmentally distinct from each other.
What is the registration deadline? Registration closes at noon on the Friday before each camp, but frequently camps fill long before that. An additional fee ($60 per camper) applies for late registration (less than 96 hours before the first day of a camp session). Please realize that Camp Staff does not work between 5PM on Friday and 8AM on Monday, so contacting us about late registration over the weekend may not guarantee a spot in camp for your child.
Who are the Camp Teachers? Our Nature Camp Teachers are Naturalists who teach here throughout the school year. All of our educators are exceptionally qualified in elementary science education and represent a wide range of expertise in the Orange County educational community. See our staff bios HERE.
What will the kids be doing? Campers explore the Center, interact with our Animal Ambassadors, play educational nature-themed games, create nature-themed arts and crafts, do science experiments and so much more. Each week has different activities, so feel free to sign up for more than one session!
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!
ENC Nature Camp Scholarships
The ENC provides a limited number of partial (1/2 the camp fee) scholarships each year. Limit one per family. Sessions will be determined based on availability. ENC Nature Camp Scholarship Instructions:
1. Complete scholarship application, HERE. Deadline: Scholarship applications must be submitted by May 31, 2024 by 8AM. Scholarship recipients will be notified by mid June.
2. Complete the online Nature Camp application at https://encenter.campbrainregistration.com/ up through the point of paying. Do not pay. Once you get to that point, email Mindy (mindy@encenter.org) and let her know you’ve completed this step.
3. Email or mail a letter of recommendation from your child’s current teacher. Be sure that the letter is signed with the teacher’s name, title and phone number. Mailing address: Environmental Nature Center, Attn: Camp Director, 1601 E. 16th Street, Newport Beach, CA 92663
4. A thank you letter from your child written to the scholarship provider, within one week of the completion of the session.
- Refund requests made 2 weeks or more prior to the start date of camp are subject to $50.00 fee per session of camp.
- Less than 2 weeks notice, no refund requests will be processed.
- Absent Campers: There are no refunds, make up days or credits for days missed for any reason (including sickness/illness). The ENC depends on income from camps for the continued operations of the Center.
- All session changes will incur a $25.00 fee.
Session Dates & Themes
Session 1: June 17 – 21 – Legends & Lore
Session 2: June 24 – 28 – Nature Detectives
Session 3: July 1 – 5 (no camp on Thursday) – California Adventures
Session 4: July 8 – 12 – Amazing Animals
Session 5: July 15 – 19 – Planet Protectors
Session 6: July 22 – 26 – Nature Creativity
Session 7: July 29 – August 2 – Science Superstars
Session 8: August 5 – 9 – Plant Power
Click HERE for a description of the camp themes!
