Summer Camp

Summer camps at the Nature Center are fun, educational experiences designed to involve campers in the wonders of the natural world!

2022 Summer Camp registration and wait list spots have been filled.

Enrolled Participants: General camp information was emailed to you. Letters with detailed information about each camp will be emailed several weeks prior to your designated camp date(s).

Waitlist Participants: If you have previously enrolled on a wait list(s), you can contact Eli Strull at estrull@ashevillenc.gov to inquire about your current status.

Camp Options

All camps are for children entering first grade through fourth grade in fall 2022. Two unique themes will be repeated throughout the summer. All sessions include animal encounters, outdoor recreation, crafts, and group activities on and around the Nature Center grounds.

Camp runs from June 20 to August 12, Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 3:00 pm. After Care is offered from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm. Participants should only be enrolled for 1 session of each theme (2 total weeks) to ensure the content is fresh and their experience is the best it can be.

Programs are subject to change based on public health recommendations. Applicable public health mandates will be followed during camp.

Creative by Nature

June 20-24
July 4-8
July 18-22
August 1-5

Colors, shapes, patterns, sounds… Art is everywhere in nature! Explore and connect with the natural world through art in its many forms.

Living on the Wild Side

June 27 - July 1
July 11-15
July 25-29
August 8-12

Survival is the name of the game. Discover how native animals find food, make homes, stay safe, play, raise young, and thrive!

About Camp

Camp Hours

Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 3:00 pm (arrival time 8:15-8:30 am)

After Care – 3:00-5:00 pm (additional fee, see below)

Grade Level & Class Size

Registration is based on the grade the child will be entering in fall 2022. Registration numbers may be limited in accordance with public health recommendations .

Programs

All program activities will be based on participants’ interests and engagement levels. Enrolled families will receive detailed information for each camp session via email 2-3 weeks prior to the start date, including an outline for the week. All activities are subject to change during the course of the week due to weather conditions, timing, or other factors.

After Care

Families can extend the camp experience with a pick-up time of 5:00 pm instead of 3:00 pm. Children in After Care generally swim at the Rec Park Pool unless the weather or other factors dictate a pool closing, in which case campers do crafts or explore the Nature Center. Please PRE-REGISTER for this service when initially registering for camp. It cannot be pro-rated daily, so please pre-register for the entire week and feel free to pick up your camper as it works for your schedule. After-care registration will be available on a first-come, first serve basis with capacity limits each week.

Special Needs

Our primary goal is providing a safe and positive camp experience for all. Camp staff is unable to provide one-on-one supervision for a special needs situation, but we would be happy to assist the family in making those arrangements with a care facilitator of your choice. Parents/Guardians are asked to discuss this need with Eli Strull prior to registration at (828) 259-8082.

Safety

The wellbeing of all our participants is paramount. We will follow all public health guidelines that are applicable when camp is in session. This may include washing and sanitizing hands regularly, temperature monitoring, and sanitizing of equipment and surfaces. Camp activities will be outdoors as much as possible. Indoor space will also be used and is available for inclement weather.

Fees

Registration is $200 for each child per week. Friends of the WNC Nature Center Members receive a $25 discount.

After Care (3:00 pm – 5:00 pm) is $50/week for Members and Non-members. Space is limited.

Fees include program instruction, activities, snacks, all materials, and a camp t-shirt.

Cancellations:

A fee of $25.00 will apply to cancellations. 50% of the registration fee will be withheld for cancellations made less than three weeks prior to the session. Allow four to six weeks for refunds to be issued from the time of cancellation.

How to Register

Pre-registration is required with full payment to guarantee enrollment in the camp session of your choice. 2022 Summer Camp registration and wait list spots have been filled.

Enrolled Participants: General camp information was emailed to you. Letters with detailed information about each camp will be emailed several weeks prior to your designated camp date(s).

Waitlist Participants: If you have previously enrolled on a wait list(s), you can contact Eli Strull at estrull@ashevillenc.gov to inquire about your current status.