Go on an Appalachian Adventure with Hawk Mountain’s Summer Nature Camps

Posted on May 25, 2021 in Education

Campers Enjoying the View from South Lookout

A challenging school year is coming to an end and summer is right around the corner! Join Hawk Mountain this summer for a one-of-a-kind Summer Nature Camp experience for young nature enthusiasts entering grades 1 – 6, with separate camps available for grades 1 – 3 and 4 – 6. The Sanctuary is also offering a Counselors-In-Training (CIT) program for teens aged 14 – 17.

“Both the Summer Nature Camps and the CIT programs are great opportunities for kids to get out in nature and learn new skills,” says Jamie Dawson, Director of Education for Hawk Mountain. “We so look forward to welcoming campers back on the mountain for a summer of wonder in nature.”

The camp sessions take place Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Camps begin June 21 and run weekly until August 13 for a total of eight possible weeks of environmental excitement! Weekly activities include meeting live animals, hiking woodland trails, role-playing, making art and craft projects, learning from scientists and special presenters, exploring natural areas, telling and listening to stories, and conducting experiments. Some days even include off-site trips to study water creatures or explore regional highlights. Click here for the full camp schedule.

Highly-trained educators will join campers for each session, and group sizes are limited based on optimal teacher-student ratios.

CITs will undergo mandatory 2-3 training prior to camp. They will assist the staff by being role models for campers, helping campers with activities, leading games, and assisting with supervising, setting up, and cleaning up. This training and experience provides opportunities to learn and practice age-appropriate teaching methods, activity planning, emergency training, and leadership skills. CITs may receive a letter of recommendation, certificate of completion and community service and/or volunteer hours.

Price is $250 for the session, and a discounted $200 for Mountain Members. CITs pay $175 per week for a minimum of two weeks, and discounted $150 for Members. Evening care 3:30 – 4:30 pm is available daily, for only $25 for the whole week. A $50 discount is available for campers joining for more than 4 weeks; contact [email protected] for details.

For the first time ever, and thanks to the creation of a brand new IDEA Fund fueled by generous donors, Hawk Mountain is offering a couple of scholarship opportunities for diverse, local youth to attend this year's camp. More information about the IDEA Fund and this scholarship opportunity can be found here.