*Registration for Summer 2025 will open on Feb 15th, 2025*

We hold four, week-long summer programs for children interested in spending time outside and following their curiosities about the world around them.  From 5-year-olds to young adults, students are given the chance to explore our 900-acre facility full of fluffy, scaly, slimy, crunchy, sometimes stinky, mysterious, and abundant life.  Before registering, please carefully read the policies and camp descriptions below. We also hold a weekend-long Nature Camp for Grownups at the end of the summer!

Young Explorers

Mid-June

Ages: 5-6 (Drop-off)

Hours: 9am – 12pm

During Young Explorers camp, your early learner will explore and engage with nature on our beautiful 900-acre field station. We aim to inspire feelings of curiosity and wonder for the natural world, while promoting healthy minds and bodies as children play and learn outside. Each day has a different theme, which is explored through hands-on activities, a children’s book, and an exploratory walk.  Returning campers should note that this is now a drop-off program, so each day will also include elements that build independence, such as learning how to open snack, ask for help, and help others!

Young Naturalists (Week 1 & Week 2)

Early-Mid July

Ages: 7-12

Hours: 9am- 4pm

Each day at Young Naturalists camp, children will explore the field station with our naturalists and learn about the plants and animals that live in the northern Virginia Piedmont. Each week will follow a different theme (insects, plants, vertebrates, fungi, etc.), 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 through the lens of what they learned earlier.  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.

Young Scientists Research Experience

Mid-June

Ages: 13-18

Hours: 9am- 4pm

*For regulars, please read the description as there are changes from previous years!* 

During this unique experience, students will explore and carry out their own research project. Young Scientists will engage in inquiry-based, hands-on learning as they develop their own research questions, collect and analyze data, and present their results, all under the guidance of an experienced mentor.  This opportunity is perfect for middle and high school students with an interest in the environmental and natural sciences and the desire to experience ecological fieldwork. We welcome motivated students who are excited to spend the week at our beautiful, 900-acre field station in the northern Virginia Piedmont in the company of like-minded peers.

Example research questions include:

• How does road noise affect the singing of birds, frogs, and other animals?
• Where on the field station is there the most evidence of deer and other mammals?
• Are there more insects on plants that are native to Virginia or on exotic plants?

Cancellation: Cancellations prior to 30 days before the start of camp will receive a full refund, minus a $50 nonrefundable registration fee. Notice of cancellation must be submitted in writing. Cancellations within 30 days of camp start date forfeit full tuition.

Paperwork: 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. You must submit your paperwork by 3 weeks prior to the start of camp.  If you do not submit your paperwork by this date, 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! 

Participant Age:  Campers should be within the specified age range for each program at the time of the program.

Vaccination Policy:  Staff and campers 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 email camps@cliftoninstitute.org  We will not let financial challenges keep a camper from attending!