For children ages 3.5 to 6

Children must be 3 years old by January 1, 2026

Week 1: Animal Kingdom (6/22-6/26)

Millions of animals live on Earth, and scientists group them based on similar characteristics. In this session, campers will learn about mammals, insects, reptiles, birds, and amphibians, and how what makes each group is unique and similar. This will help them think about biodiversity and why it matters. We will spend extra time with our animal ambassadors learning about their unique adaptations.

Week 2:  In The Garden (6/29-7/2, no camp 7/3)

We center the second week of camp around the sensory garden at the Darien Nature Center. Making the connection between nature and our food is an essential first step on a sustainability journey. Campers will learn about seeds, plant life cycles, pollinators, composting, and the joy of growing food. Making applesauce, salads for the animals, and other farm-to-table activities will give campers an appreciation for the planet that feeds us.

Week 3: Biomes (7/6-7/10)

Biomes are large regions of the planet with distinct climates, animals, and plants. Did you know Connecticut’s biome is a temperate forest? This week of camp, we will “travel” the globe, exploring the world's unique biomes. Whether it’s the desert, arctic, marine, freshwater, or beyond, campers will understand the importance of each biome to the overall health of the planet.  

 Week 4:  Rocks and Fossils (7/13-7/17)

Kids are fascinated by rocks and fossils, and with our impressive collection, we will uncover what life on our planet was like a long time ago. Our rock study will include how rocks formed, geological time, minerals, and erosion. We will also examine fossils and explore the secrets they reveal about the past. It's a week of unique learning opportunities that will leave your children excited and intrigued, and you, as a parent, thrilled about the educational value of our camp. 

Week 5: Our Blue Planet (7/20-7/24)

Planet Earth is 71% water, with 93% in the oceans. Learning about this vital natural resource will help campers find the answers to key questions: What is a watershed? What critters live in our pond? What is a food web? How do humans harm and help water? Hands-on activities will support learning through scooping in Cherry Lawn Pond to identify critters, conducting experiments, and seeing firsthand how human activity affects water quality. 

Week 6: Outer Space (7/27-7/31)

What is the universe? How does planet Earth fit in? Campers will investigate the mysteries of the night sky, including our Milky Way galaxy, black holes, the moon, and our solar system. We will also focus on what makes our beautiful planet so special. It's guaranteed to be an out-of-this-world week!

Week 7: Rewild the World (8/3-8/7)

Our wild and beautiful planet needs our help! Many native Connecticut species, including bats, turtles, owls, and some salamanders, moths, and dragonflies, are endangered. Campers will learn why these species are struggling, and problem-solve how to help. Through activities like cleaning up the park, building shelters, bioblitzing, and nature journaling, they’ll learn how to protect these vulnerable creatures and their habitats.

Eco Explorers

For children ages 7 - 10

Children must be 7 years old by June 22, 2026

We are exploring the option of our Eco Explorers visiting a local park to enrich their camp experience. We will post specific details soon!

Every week will feature stream and pond exploration, animal encounters, nature art, science experiments, water fun, and cooperative games.

Week 1: Trailblazers! (6/22-6/26)

Get ready to chart your own adventure through the wilderness! Campers will gain essential orienteering skills as they learn to read a map and use a compass. Embark on exciting team-building challenges and forge new trails  - electronic-free!

Week 2:  Out in the Wild (6/29-7/2, no camp 7/3)

Is your camper interested in developing outdoor survival skills? This hands-on week is an excellent opportunity to dive into fire building, outdoor cooking, shelter construction, knot tying, and basic orienteering. Cap off a week of action-packed adventures with a special evening campfire and night hike fun on Wednesday, 

July 1. 

Week 3:  Sunshine and Soil: Growing Food(7/6-7/10) 

Calling future gardeners! Campers will discover their green side and experience the journey from seed to soil as they get their hands dirty in our sensory garden. Learn how to grow food, try fire-pit cooking, prepare delicious salads for our animal ambassadors, and learn the art of composing. Discover the vital role of pollinators and how nature’s food chain feeds all living things. 

Week 4: Nature Art (7/13-7/17)

Tap into your creative side as we connect with the natural world through art. Each day, campers will go on inspiring hikes through Cherry Lawn Park in search of natural materials to craft whimsical projects like fairy houses, toad huts, nature mandalas, and more.

Week 5: Geology Rocks (7/20-7/24)

Investigate the planet through the lens of a geologist while exploring questions like: What are the three types of rocks, and how are they formed? What is a fossil? What clues does geology give us about life on this planet millions of years ago? If your child loves rocks, fossils, and the mysteries of the prehistoric world, this week will be a perfect fit for them! 

 
Week 6: Creek Critters (7/27-7/31)

This week, Eco-Explorers will dive into the underwater worlds of a local stream and pond! Campers will spend their days searching for aquatic critters, such as freshwater invertebrates and amphibians, while gaining an understanding of their intricate food webs. It’s a great way to cool off and get those boots muddy!!

Week 7: Animal Kingdom (8/3-8/7)

Eco-Explorers will journey through Cherry Lawn Park’s forest and pond habitats in search of local wildlife, studying animal behavior, and learning about the scientific classification of the animal kingdom. Through the hands-on care of our fascinating and friendly resident animals, campers will also develop responsibility and care by feeding, cleaning, health tracking, and designing new enrichment toys.