Summer Program
Our drop-off summer program will be held in Fredon, NJ on 90 private acres of land which includes woods, a lake, swamps, and trails. Children will be exposed to diverse habitats, endless adventure, and valuable nature skills.
$115 per week.
🌞What We Offer:
Free Exploration & Play
Children are encouraged to explore and discover the world around them at their own pace. Climb logs, build forts, follow frogs — the land is theirs to roam!
Creative Expression in Nature
Art projects inspired by the land — from leaf stamping and nature weaving to mud sculptures and natural dyes — creativity has no walls here.
Nature Discovery
Guided explorations introduce children to the amazing local plants and animals. We’ll track animal footprints, identify edible plants, and discover the hidden life of the forest floor.
Gardening & Composting
In our kid-friendly garden, children will plant, water, weed, harvest — and learn how composting turns yesterday’s scraps into tomorrow’s soil.
Earth Skills for Real Life
Children will gain confidence in learning how to stay safe near water and fire, as well as lookout for any dangers such as poison ivy, ticks, and bears.
🌞 Our Favorite Spots:
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The Mud Kitchen – Stir, squish, and splash in our messy, magical play space.
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The Lake – Observe and explore aquatic life with all the wonder it brings.
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The Swamp – Home to frogs, dragonflies, and mysterious sounds just waiting to be investigated.
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The Garden – A living classroom full of life, learning, and little green miracles.
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The Woods– A shady, enchanted world perfect for fort-building, tree-hugging, and nature walks.
🌞 100% Outside. Rain or Shine.
There are no walls here. Children will spend every moment of the day outdoors, connecting with the rhythms of nature, the changing skies, and the joy of full-body, full-sense engagement. If the weather is deemed too severe and unsafe, children will be brought inside and parents will be contacted for early pick up.
🌞 Details:
Ages: 3-9 (feel free to reach out with any questions regarding age)
Hours: 9:00AM-12:00PM
Location: Fredon, NJ (exact address will be given upon registration)
What to Bring: Weather appropriate clothes that can get messy, water, sun protection and a snack! Feel free to also provide a change of clothes if you feel your child might need them.
Dates:
Each week is Monday-Wednesday
Week 1: July 7th - July 9th
Week 2: July 14th - July 16th
Week 3: July 21st - July 23th
Week 4: July 28th - July 30th
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Weekly Themes
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Daily Rhythm
Drop Off
Morning Circle Time. Here we will welcome each other, read a story, discuss the week's theme, the weather, and where the day might take us.
Explore! Children will guide the way to explore the land, trails, and fields. Children might want to build with nature materials, climb, use their imagination, or stop for a snack. We will connect our exploring to the week's theme.
Mindfulness, art, and/or teamwork games. During this time we will make nature crafts, journal, sing, tell stories, and make music based on the week's theme.
Pick Up
**This is a loosely created schedule and subject to change depending on children's wants and needs. We may adventure in the woods a little longer or eat lunch a little slower. Also keep in mind that some days we will have guest presenters. We can't wait!
Need to Know
Please read the important information below about our programs.
Ticks, Poison Ivy, Bees
Parents should regularly check their kids for ticks and poison ivy, especially after outdoor activities, as both can cause serious health issues if left untreated. We also teach children what to look for during the day to help them avoid these dangers.
We love bees here at SCNS! We will teach children to love them and leave them bee. However, if your child is allergic and is in need of an EpiPen or other medication, please let us know.
Weather- Appropriate Clothing
It's important for parents to dress their kids in weather-appropriate clothing to keep them comfortable and protected from the elements—layering for cold temperatures, lightweight fabrics for warmth, and sun protection gear for hot days. This helps minimize exposure to ticks, poison ivy, and other outdoor hazards.
Unstructured & Structured Play
We pride ourselves on providing children with ample unstructured time, allowing them the freedom to truly be kids. This time for exploration and self-directed play fosters creativity, independence, and social growth. On the other hand, while we deeply value the benefits of unstructured outdoor play, we also recognize the power of structured time to guide children’s learning in a natural setting. During our nature-based activities, children engage with the environment through hands-on experiences that foster curiosity and connection to the world around them. Our structured time is designed to nurture their environmental awareness, problem-solving skills, and teamwork. By blending intentional outdoor learning with moments of free exploration, we create a harmonious space where children grow both intellectually and as stewards of the earth.
What Your Child Needs to Bring
Your child will need weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy shoes for nature walks, a water bottle, a form of sun protectant, and a backpack to carry these supplies. Please also send a healthy snack and lunch. Keep in mind, we do not have access to a refrigerator. On rainy days, children should have rain boots, waterproof pants, and rain jackets. Rain bibs are also a great choice. Your child will most likely get messy! Sending in a change of clothes is optional.
Gear Library
Our gear library provides families with access to outdoor equipment like backpacks, rain gear, boots, and other essentials, so kids can fully enjoy their time in nature without the burden of having to purchase everything. This makes it easier for all families to be prepared, regardless of their budget or availability of gear. This is free for all students for both spring and summer camp.
Safety
Safety is our top priority at nature school. We have plans in place to ensure that children are always within sight and sound of a staff member. In addition, we have emergency procedures for inclement weather or encounters with wild animals, so children are protected and guided through any situation that may arise. With proper gear, hazard education, and constant supervision, we create a safe environment for exploration and learning.
Ready to Join the Adventure?
Spots are limited to ensure a low child-to-guide ratio. Mark your calendars, registration opens May 1st.
Tour?
If you'd like a meet and greet and tour of the land, send me an email and we can arrange it!
