Nature Discovery Camps
RUN, JUMP, SPLASH, PLAY, LEARN, & DISCOVER WITH US AT NATURE CAMP!
Through daily hikes, water exploration, wildlife observation, nature journaling, and games, we seek to build positive outdoor memeories, create friendships, and enhance natural curiosity.
Camp registration for 2022 begins January 19th, 8:30am for park members and February 2nd, 8:30am for non-members. Click here to become a park member.
MOST CAMPS ARE CURRENTLY SOLD OUT. PLEASE CALL (717)428-1961 x6650 to be added to a waiting list. More spaces may open up as we find ways to meet the demand, or families book summer vacations.
REGISTER HERE!!!!!>>>>>> parkevents.old.yorkcountypa.gov <<<<<<<
All registration is online.
ALL CAMPS RUN 9:30am-2:30pm. If multiple locations are indicated, drop-off and pick-up locations vary by day. If camp visits Kain Park, students will be canoeing if lake conditions are favorable. Campers must meet the minimum age requirement before or during the week of their camp unless an age exemption has been granted prior to registration by the Manager of Education at (717)428-1961 x6647.
Register now for Launch Days for new campers!
Launch Day #1 - Wednesday, June 8 - Welcome activities for new campers! Register for 10am, 3pm, or 6pm by calling 717-428-1961 (Nixon Park)
Week 1 - June 13-17, 2022 - Pollywogs 1 (Ages 5-6) $130 (Nixon Park)
Week 2 - June 20-24, 2022 - Fledglings 1 (Ages 7-8) $150 (Nixon Park four days, Kain Park one day)
Week 3 - June 27-July 1, 2022 - Explorers 1 (Ages 9-10) $150 (Nixon Park three days, Kain Park one day, Rocky Ridge one day)
Launch Day #2 - Wednesday, July 6 - Welcome activities for new campers! Register for 10am, 3pm, or 6pm by calling 717-428-1961 (Nixon Park)
Week 4 - July 11-15, 2022 - Pollywogs 2 (Ages 5-6) & Fledglings 2 (Ages 7-8) $130 (Nixon Park)
Week 5 - July 18-22, 2022 - Fledglings 3 (Ages 7-8) $150 (Nixon Park four days, Kain Park one day)
Week 6 - July 25-29, 2022 - Explorers 2 (Ages 9-10) & Adventurers (Ages 11-13) $150 (Nixon Park three days, Kain Park one day, Rocky Ridge one day)
Week 7 - August 1-5, 2022 - Pollywogs 3 (Ages 5-6) & Fledglings 4 (Ages 7-8) $130 (Nixon Park)
Week 8 - August 8-12, 2022 - Explorers 3 (Ages 9-10) & Adventurers 2 (Ages 11-13) $150 (Nixon Park three days, Kain Park one day, Rocky Ridge one day)
Camp Finale - Special End of Summer Get-Together for Camp Families! Sign-up for Sunday, August 14, or Tuesday, August 16, 6-8pm at Nixon Park by calling 717-428-1961.
Is your student older than 13? They can sign up to become a leader-in-training and volunteer at camp! Register at www.SupportYourParks.org.
For questions or concerns regarding summer camp, please contact Kelsey Frey, Manager of Education, at 717-428-1961 or kafrey@old.yorkcountypa.gov. Thank you!
Accepting applications for camp leaders (Parks Seasonal) now! Apply here: https://selfservice.old.yorkcountypa.gov/MSS/employmentopportunities/
"The future will belong to the nature-smart: those individuals, families, businesses, and political leaders who develop a deeper understanding of the transformative power of the natural world and who balance the virtual and the real. The more high-tech we become, the more nature we need." - Richard Louv, author "Last Child in the Woods"
"Children need nature for the healthy development of their senses, and therefore, for learning and creativity." - Richard Louv, Author "Last Child in the Woods"
Nature Discovery Camp Frequently Asked Questions:
Will each week be different or repetitive? Should we sign up for multiple weeks?
Each week of camp includes the same general activities. If Kain park is listed then boating may be included, pending lake conditions. All camps are packed with nature walks, water exploration (stream, pond, wetlands), nature journalling, nature-themed games, interactive nature lessons, and free nature play time. All of these activities will vary each week depending on the group leaders, the weather, guest speakers, the students interests, and the park volunteers. If your students enjoy exploring nature and making new friends, then yes, we think they will enjoy multiple weeks of Nature Discovery Camp.
My child will be 14 by the beginning of camp, can they still attend?
If your student is entering highschool, we recommend they particpate in camp by being a leader-in-training, instead of a camper. For high school students who do not want to volunteer at camp, but still want to make friends and enjoy exploring natural history and conservation with park naturalists, we encourage them to sign up for the Teen Naturalist Club that currently meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6pm, and for variously scheduled monthly field trips and volunteer opportunities. Contact NixonCountyPark@old.yorkcountypa.gov for more information on either program.