Registration for 2020 will open on February 1!

Fresh air, muddy feet and new friends are all part of what makes our Nature Day Camp so special!

Each summer, children ages 3 to 13 come to Fairview Farm Wildlife Preserve in Gladstone, where 170 acres of forests, meadows, streams and a pond invite young explorers outdoors. Our camp is tech-free, so campers and counselors are fully present and interactive!

Each day at Nature Day Camp is a magical experience. Structured and unstructured play time allow children to interact on their own terms with nature. Curiosity and wonder abound, and our activities, crafts, games and storytelling provide positive outdoor experiences and memories that last a lifetime!

The Basics

• We offer week-long day camps in July and August for children ages 3 to 13.
• Our friendly and experienced camp counselors are First Aid and CPR certified.
• Campers should dress for outdoor play and bring a change of clothes (including a bathing suit), a nut-free lunch and snack, and a reusable water bottle. Bug spray and sunscreen should be applied at home, and tick checks performed at home at the end of each day.
• Camp is held rain or shine! We have plenty of indoor education space, but kids should be sure to bring a raincoat and boots for outdoor fun on rainy days.
• Your online registration form includes emergency contact and allergy information for each camper.
• Need-Based Scholarships are available, contact us for an application
• Junior Counselors are needed each session. A great way for teens to earn community service hours and have fun! Please contact us to find out more information. Camp alumni are encouraged to apply!

Discounts: Receive a $25 discount for each additional sibling or week of camp! Enter Promo Code “FAMILY” during registration to redeem your sibling and additional week discounts!

For more information, contact Director of Education, Lauren Theis

Honey Bees (Ages 3 to 4): Multiple Weeks, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm

July 20-24 and July 27-31

Bring your little one to Fairview Farm for a morning full of fun nature games, stories and crafts.  We buzz all over Fairview Farm, exploring nature and making new discoveries each day! We have different activities and adventures each week, so campers can come for both!

Cost: $150 until April 1st, then $175

 

Red Squirrels (Ages 5 to 6): Multiple Weeks, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

July 6-10 and 13-17

Discover the exciting mysteries of nature:  Who lives where?  Who eats what?  What’s hidden high and low?  Campers learn the secrets of the woods, fields and streams through adventures, stories and games.  Wild-crafts, storytelling, games and scavenger hunts open up even more explorations! We have different activities and adventures each week, so campers can come for both!

Cost: $250 until April 1st, then $275

 

Tree Frogs (Ages 7 to 10): Multiple Weeks, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

July 6-10 and 13-17

Adventure is waiting!  Learn about the birds and animals living in the woods and fields of Fairview Farm, and investigate the creatures living in the pond.  Explore nature with hikes, games, wild-craft projects, storytelling and more. We have different activities and adventures each week, so campers can come for both!

Cost: $250 until April 1st, then $275

 

Farm Camp (Ages 10 to 12): Week TBD, 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

Experience the workings of a family farm! Roll up your sleeves and pitch in with the daily care of farm animals, work in the organic vegetable garden, learn about local wildlife, try your hand at traditional natural crafts, and more. Each day involves creative projects, outdoor experiences and exploration of habitats along the North Branch of the Raritan River. Each day focuses on a different farm creature, including sheep, pigs, chickens, honeybees and ponies. Held at Pleasant Valley Mills Farm in Mendham.

Cost: $300 until April 1st, then $325

Animal Spirit Camp (Ages 5-9): July 20-24, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Through exploration and hands-on activities, campers will learn about native wildlife, and tune in to one particular plant or animal “guide” for the week. Through fun games and creative exercises, everyone will delve into the unique characteristics of our native flora and fauna. By sharing stories and connecting with nature, we will learn about the indigenous peoples of those that inhabited this land before us!

Cost: $250 until April 1st, then $275

Drawing in Nature (Ages 10-14): July 20-24, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Using the flora and fauna of Fairview Farm as inspiration, campers in this session will hone their creative skills using various media including pencil, charcoal, pen and ink, watercolor, batik and more. The meadows, pond, forest and barns will serve as our studio! Lead by local designer and artist, Andrea McGee, each day will include warm up, exploring, new techniques and plenty of space and time for campers to get their creative minds flowing!  Most materials will be provided, a short list of items for campers to bring will be provided one month prior to camp.

Cost: $295

Photo Camp (Ages 10-13): July 27-31, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Grab your camera and explore Fairview Farm, learning to observe and record the amazing wildlife and wonders of the preserve!  Campers learn techniques to capture moments of nature photos and short films. Beginning with the basics of cinematography and photography, the camp includes plenty of exploration time and culminates in a show of printed photos and a screening of camper video clips.

Cost: $250 until April 1st, then $275

It is worth your time to enter the wild. In the wild, the brain is working at full capacity, mapping out the next step while rapidly assessing the risk. The body is constantly making adjustments, adapting to the slick rock or the unstable surface. Nature time isn’t just for leisure. It is for building robust brains and agile bodies. It is for emotional development and for bringing respite and delight. It is for the whole child. -Ginny Yurich.

Read more about Ginny and 1000 Hours Outside here.