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 in a Box!

SOLD OUT! Thank you for your support!

Bring your children closer to nature this summer! The Nature Center makes it safe and easy with a virtual camp-like experience.

Designed for rising 1st-4th graders, our Camp in a Box features animal-themed crafts and games, scavenger hunts, nature journaling, and more.

Purchase the box online, come to the Nature Center for contactless pick-up, then complete the activities on your own schedule. These kits come with detailed instructions, step by step pictures, and all the supplies needed to complete each project, plus resources to explore the wonders of nature.

Each Camp in a Box costs $35, and add-on materials for additional siblings are $15 each. Quantities are limited. Boxes will be available for pick-up starting July 14, and instructions for picking up your materials will be emailed after ordering.

Questions? Contact Eli Strull at estrull@ashevillenc.gov or (828) 259-8082.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, CDC, State and Local public health officials have issued guidelines on physical distancing and limiting the number of individuals in any one location to stop the spread of this virus.

In order to meet those guidelines, we have made the difficult decision to not offer our summer camps this year. All registered participants have the option of receiving a refund or a credit toward a future program. Please contact Eli Strull at estrull@ashevillenc.gov or (828) 259-8082 for more information.

Camp Options

All camps are for children entering first grade through fourth grade in the fall of 2020. Three unique themes will be repeated throughout the summer. All sessions include animal encounters, outdoor recreation, crafts, and group activities on the Nature Center grounds.

Camp runs June 15 – August 7, Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 3:00 pm. After Care is offered from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm.

Reptiles & Amphibians

June 15-19
July 6-10
July 27-31

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 22-26
July 13-17
August 3-7

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 29-July 3
July 20-24

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 2020. Camps have a maximum of 20 campers per week.

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 dictates a pool closing. 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.

Special Needs

Our primary goal is providing safety and a positive camp experience for all. Camp staff is unable to provide one-on-one supervision for campers with disabilities, 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.

Fees

Registration is $200 per 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:

A service fee of $25 will apply to all cancellations. Cancellations must be received at least three weeks prior to the camp session to receive a full refund (minus $25 cancellation fee). 50 percent of the registration fee will be withheld for cancellations made less than three weeks prior to the session (plus the cancellation fee). No refund for cancellations made three days or less 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(s) of your choice. Payments online will accept Visa or Master Card. Detailed information about each camp will be emailed several weeks prior to your designated camp date(s).
Registration begins in person and online February 17, 2020.

You may also download the Camp Registration Form and email your registration to estrull@ashevillenc.gov. Full payment must be received to finalize your reservation.