Summer Nature Camps

Registration for Summer Nature Camp 2024 will open March 1st at 2pm.

Please note: All camp logistics (i.e. group size, drop-off/pick-up protocols, etc.), are subject to change.

The ENC has offered Nature Camps since 1977! Nature Camp provides nature play and quality science education in an outdoor, hands-on setting.  ENC Nature Camp emphasizes experiential learning. Campers spend their time outside, having a great time 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.

Summer Nature Camp provides a fun learning experience while also giving campers the opportunity to get outside for fresh air, physical activity, and a chance to hang out socially with their peers. Campers will spend time at the ENC with friends and mentors for hands-on education, creative enrichment and expression, a chance to explore without stress. 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.

What are the 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!

What time is Camp?

Camp is 4 hours, but we do have an after-camp program that runs an additional 2 hours.  After camp has limited availability

The camp day begins at 9am.  Please do not arrive earlier than 9am, as we will not be ready to sign-in your child.  Pick up is promptly at 1pm.  Please do not arrive at 1:15, as we will be forced to charge you an additional fee.

If you like, you can read the Camp Orientation with lots of great info that campers hear on their first day of Nature Camp.

Questions?  Call 949-645-8489 ext. 102

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 offers a limited number of partial scholarships each year, covering 50% of the camp fee. These scholarships are available to families with a financial need who might not otherwise be able to send their child to camp. Limit one scholarship per family. Camp sessions will be awarded based on availability.

Instructions for applying for an ENC Nature Camp Scholarship, along with the scholarship application, can be found HERE.

• 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.