Camp FAQ

Nature Adventures Camp Frequently Asked Questions

What does my child need to bring to camp?

Campers of all ages should bring a NUT FREE snack, at least 2 refillable water bottles, a change of clothes and appropriate close-toed shoes; crocs and sandals are not recommended given the many obstructions and uneven terrains.  Insect repellent and sunscreen should be applied to campers BEFORE being dropped off. Counselors are NOT permitted to apply or reapply sunscreen or insect repellant.  If your camper is full day, please send your child to camp with a NUT FREE lunch. The South Shore YMCA’s Nature Center is a NUT FREE FACILITY.  If your child requires medication to be taken during the camp day or has allergies, please contact [email protected] to make arrangements. Please consider packing a Trashless Lunch.

How many counselors will be supervising my child?

At Nature Adventures Camp, the counselor-to-camper ratio is 1:5 for campers 6 and under, and 1:10 for campers 7 and older.

If my child attends multiple sessions, will the program vary?

Yes! We have built a summer program that offers a variety of exciting and engaging opportunities all summer long for campers to explore nature while discovering and strengthening their abilities and developing lasting friendships. Each week the nature-based theme changes! Activities and experiences vary and are based on each session’s theme. Some program elements such as ponding (all ages) and/or canoeing (ages 7+) on Jacobs Pond and exploring the EcoZone and Creature Corner Museums are repeated; however, they are designed to fit the session’s theme. Each session’s curriculum is overseen by Nature Adventures Camp Director Team.

Does Nature Camp offer care before and after regular camp hours?

We are unable to provide before and after care. Instead we have instituted a rolling drop off from 8:30-9:30am and a rolling pickup from 3:30-5pm. Half Day, Tadpole and Chipmunk, pickup is between 12-12:30pm

Is there a discount for siblings attending camp?

A discount is not available for multiple campers; however, families are encouraged to become members to save on fees and tuition.

What is the cancellation policy?

The $50.00 deposit/per child, per week is non-refundable, non-transferable.

• 100% refund (less the $50.00 deposit): If cancellation notification is received before May 29th. Refunds will be issued in the same method that payment was received. Refunds by check may take 2 weeks to process.
• No refund will be given if a cancellation notice is received after May 29th

Can my child be in a group with his/her friend?

Camp is an opportunity for new experiences and to make new friends.  For this reason, and more, we do not accept camper grouping requests.

Does the camp provide meals?

Nature Adventures Camp does NOT provide meals. We are a NUT FREE camp and require all snacks and lunches sent to camp be free of peanuts, tree nuts and their oils. There is a morning snack time for all campers and lunch and afternoon snack for full day campers. Soy nut butter and Sunflower seed butter are good alternatives to peanut butter, PLEASE NOTE if your child’s sandwich is prepared with one of these alternatives. Please ensure your camper comes to camp everyday with a water bottle!

My child has a food allergy, how do you avoid contact with food allergens?

Summer Adventures Nature Day Camp is a NUT FREE camp and has enjoyed many successful years of welcoming campers with food allergies. Food allergies must be listed on the required health forms as well as any medication that is prescribed to the camper. This information as well as communication with the parent or guardian about the allergy helps the camp staff to take all necessary precautions to help the camper avoid contact with allergens and ensure the camper enjoys a safe, healthy and fun experience at camp. At meal times, campers are placed next to children who have meals which do not contain the allergen.

Do campers swim at Nature Camp?

When campers visit nearby Jacobs Pond for exploration or canoeing, swimming is NOT allowed. Campers Ages 3 – 6 should bring rain boots or old sneakers that can get wet and a change of dry shoes and clothes in a bag for after their pond visit. Campers ages 7 and up who will be exploring by canoe in addition to ponding (see above recommendations) and are encouraged to bring clothes that may get wet (campers often wear a bathing suit under their clothes), old sneakers or close-toed sandals, a towel, and a change of clothes.

What if my child doesn’t know how to canoe?

Each canoeing session begins with a basic canoeing and safety lesson by a certified lifeguard. Campers share canoes and experienced canoers are placed with beginner canoers when possible. At least one staff member is in a canoe with campers and one staff member is in a kayak to easily move between canoes and assist as needed