*Please note that the website will say that it is “full” until registration opens on 10th Feb.*
At Young Naturalists camp, children will explore the field station with our skilled staff and learn about the plants and animals that live in the northern Virginia Piedmont. Each day of each week will focus on a different topic, so you can sign up for both weeks and still learn new things!
Each day begins with a Morning Workshop where campers dive deep into the subject for the day, which prepares them for the rest of the morning which is spent exploring Clifton’s 900-acre preserve. After a picnic lunch on the front lawn, students are given the chance to cool down by playing in the hose before getting ready for Afternoon Choices. Afternoon Choices give campers agency in shaping their camp experience by picking what they prefer to do from a set of 3 options which are different each day. These could include things like water coloring at the beaver pond, hiking to the lichen rocks, playing camouflage, or foraging for wine berries! Lastly, we give each camper a journal and conclude each day by sitting and reflecting in small groups before ending with Closing Circle–a chance to share what we liked, what we were challenged by, and things we’re looking forward to.
Families are welcome and encouraged to register for both weeks but must pay for each session separately. Students will bring their own snacks and lunches from home each day.
Ages: 7-12 at the time of camp.
Time: 9AM – 4PM, Monday – Friday
Cost: $275 for first camper, $220 for each additional camper.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations more than 3 weeks before the start of camp will receive a full refund. Cancellations less than 3 weeks before the start of camp or failure to submit paperwork by the deadline made less than 3 weeks before the start of camp will receive a refund minus a $50 registration fee.
Paperwork Deadline: You should receive a confirmation email upon registration, which will contain a link for filling out your camper’s emergency contact form and liability waiver. The deadline for submission of paperwork will be June 22nd, 2026. If you do not submit your paperwork by the deadline, you will be refunded all but the $50 and the spot will be offered to the next person on the wait list. Paperwork is important for us to plan!
Vaccination Policy: All staff and campers aged 5 and above must be up-to-date with all Virginia Board of Health School Immunization requirements for the appropriate age (found here).
Scholarships: If you are interested in a scholarship, please fill out this 2026 Scholarship Application and wait for staff to contact you. If approved, we will register your campers from our end so that you are not charged the full fee. We don’t want financial limitations to get in the way of your child attending camp!
