Summer Camp

Summer Camp at the Nature Center is a fun, educational experience designed to involve campers in the wonders of the natural world!

Camp Options

All camps are for children entering first grade through fourth grade in the fall of 2021. Three unique themes will be repeated throughout the summer. All sessions focus on animals, outdoor recreation, crafts, and group activities on the Nature Center grounds. All applicable public health recommendations will be followed during camp, including mask wearing, hand washing, and social distancing. Programs are subject to change based on public health recommendations. Registration begins in person and online on March 1, 2021 at 9am.

Camp runs June 14 – August 6, 2021, Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 3:00 pm. After Care is offered from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm.

Reptiles & Amphibians

June 14-18
July 5-9
July 26-30

Are snakes slimy? Why do frogs call? How do some salamanders breathe through their skin? Do all turtles hide in their shells? Explore the science and lore behind these intriguing cold-blooded animals.

Fur, Feathers,
& Fun

June 21-25
July 12-16
August 2-6

Spread your wings, stretch your paws, and get ready to explore some of the fantastic feathered and furry friends living at the Nature Center! You’ll get a chance to investigate a variety of animal adaptations while having a ton of fun.

Bugs & Butterflies

June 28-July 2
July 19-23

Get down and look around… bugs are everywhere! At bug camp you’ll get the inside scoop on insects. Explore how insects make the world go 'round by learning about the important jobs they do that support life. We couldn’t live without these creepy crawlies.

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 2021. Registration numbers are limited this year in accordance with public health recommendations .

Programs

All program activities posted in the course descriptions are subject to change during the course of the week due to weather conditions, timing, or other factors. We will try to accommodate every activity listed in the descriptions, but some may be altered at the discretion of the camp director and/or the camp instructor.

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: mask wearing unless eating or drinking; washing and sanitizing hands regularly; social distancing; 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 is $50/week for Members and Non-members.

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

Cancellations:

In these uncertain times, for the convenience and safety of all participants, we are waiving cancellation fees. If you need to cancel your registration please do so as soon as possible. At least three weeks prior to the camp session is ideal. 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. Registration begins in person and online on March 1, 2021 at 9am.

You may also request a registration form from estrull@ashevillenc.gov, but full payment must be received to finalize your reservation. Payments online can be made with Visa or Master Card. Letters with detailed information about each camp will be emailed several weeks prior to your designated camp date(s).