Natural Science Summer Day Camp
Teatown Camp brings kids outside to learn about and explore the natural world in our 1,000-acre preserve. In four two-week sessions, our age-specific activities encourage the spirit of discovery!
Spots remain open. Please join us for summer 2023!
Camp Mission
Our mission at Teatown’s Natural Science Summer Day Camp is to provide a safe, non-competitive summer haven where kids can be kids. We spend our days learning by exploring, discovering new things about ourselves, each other and the earth, and developing friendships and respect for all living things.
Our camp program has three goals:
- To instill appreciation and understanding of nature
- To develop a sense of place and belonging
- To foster a sense of personal and civic environmental responsibility
Summer Camp 2023 Dates and Themes
Session I
June 26 – July 7 (Camp meets July 4): Circle of Life | Alien Nation
Session II
July 10 – 21: Leave No Trace | What’s Eating You?
Session III
July 24 – Aug 4: Earth, Wind, and Fire | Tools of the Trade
Session IV
Aug 7 – 18: Natural Design | Whose Clues?
Support a child in need
With your donation and the help of other generous families, Teatown will be able to offer camp scholarships to under-resourced families whose children would not otherwise be able to attend our summer camp.
100% of your contribution will go towards providing underserved children with the invaluable experience of connecting with nature through our natural science day camp.
Age Groups
Half Day: For children age 4 or those entering Kindergarten; Full Day: For children entering Kindergarten only
Campers sprout in nature through hikes, hands-on discoveries, and storytelling. Sensory activities include muddy hands and wet feet as we investigate what lives beneath the soil and in the water. Campers also experience their first encounters with Teatown’s animal ambassadors.
Half Day: 9:00 am—12:00 pm; Full Day: 9:00 am- 3:00 pm
For children entering 1st & 2nd grade Daily exploration of forests, fields, and streams lead campers farther out on Teatown trails. Engage in up-close interactions with the natural community, like frogs, salamanders, and insects. Curiosity is nurtured through mini-experiments, inquiry, and nature play. Half Day: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm; Full Day: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
For children entering 3rd & 4th grade The spirit of discovery kicks into high gear for 8 and 9 year olds. Campers learn about the delicate balance in the great web of life by exploring, playing games, and participating in mini-projects on sustainability, habitats, food webs, and wildlife stewardship. 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
For children entering 3rd-7th grade, Sessions II and III Take the Teatown camp experience and knowledge and apply it to exciting hands-on projects. Contribute to international and regional citizen science research, and learn fun and easy field research techniques. Campers are bused from the Lakeside Parking Lot to Cliffdale. 9:00 am- 3:00 pm
For girls entering 3rd – 7th grade, Sessions I and IV Engage in activities designed to inspire leadership, teamwork and self-discovery. Explore ways Nature Girls of the past have paved the way for Nature Girls of the present and future. Children are bused from the Lakeside Parking Lot to Cliffdale each day. 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
For children entering 5th, 6th & 7th grade Embark on investigations to learn about our region’s biodiversity. Trek and explore new destinations along managed trails to adjacent county parks. Use technology to navigate and to practice conservation methods. 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
For children entering 8th & 9th grade Build confidence on challenging and vigorous terrain beyond Teatown’s boundaries. Learn about current environmental issues while exploring local ecosystems including rocky mountaintops, salt and freshwater marshes, and the Hudson River. Engage in stewardship projects at Teatown. 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Registration
NOTE: To register for the February 1, 2023 New Members with First Time Campers Registration, memberships must be purchased before January 24.
For 2023 camp fees, click here.
Parent Orientation is scheduled for May 24, 2023 at 7pm.
January 4 – Returning campers
February 1 – Members with first time campers
March 1 – Non-members with first time campers
June 8 – Camper health forms due
To make your experience a pleasant one, we have provided you with a handy orientation letter. The letter details pick-up/drop-off procedures, meeting areas, staffing, camp attire, lunch and snack, health and safety policies, and much more.
Extended Care
7:45am – 8:45am: $80/child weekly
3pm – 5pm: $160/child weekly
Withdrawal from camp prior to June 14, 2023 will receive a 75% refund based on total camp fee (less a 25% administrative charge). No refund for any reason after June 14, 2023.
Teatown offers scholarships to children who could not otherwise attend summer camp. To contribute to our scholarship fund, contact Susie Erdey, serdey@teatown.org.
To apply for a camp scholarship, fill out the Scholarship Form by May 1st and mail to:
Teatown Lake Reservation, Camp Scholarships, 1600 Spring Valley Rd., Ossining, NY 10562
Scholarship decisions will be announced by mid-May.
Contact Millie Dellaquila, Administrative Assistant at 914-762-2912 x 111 or camp@teatown.org.