At Thorne Nature Experience, summer camp is intentionally designed to help children grow, not just pass the time. Our camps support physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development through meaningful, hands-on experiences in nature. Every part of the day has purpose, balance, and heart.
What Do We Do at Camp?
🌿 Active Outdoor Learning
Children learn best by doing. Much of our day is spent actively exploring the outdoors through:
Games – Build teamwork, reinforce new ideas, and strengthen social connections
Wild Nature Play – Open-ended outdoor play guided by trusted mentors that sparks curiosity and wonder
Imaginative Play – Using creativity to explore real-world situations, relationships, and concepts
Outdoor Skills Practice – Build confidence through knot tying, hiking, plant & animal ID, outdoor safety, fishing, and more
Experiments – Try new things, observe outcomes, and develop scientific thinking
Hand Crafts – Engage hands and minds together to strengthen learning and create meaningful take-home reminders
Challenges – Grow confidence and trust by working through problems, stretching comfort zones, and trying something that feels brave
🌲 Quiet Outdoor Connection
We balance active play with moments of stillness and reflection:
Child-Led Inquiry – Encouraging kids to ask questions and follow their curiosity
Observation – Taking time to quietly notice the natural world and experience wonder
Reflection – Looking back on experiences to recognize growth and consider what’s next
A Summer with Purpose
Thorne camps go beyond supervision. Our experienced educators create a supportive environment where children feel safe to explore, challenge themselves, connect with others, and build a lasting relationship with nature.
Kids leave camp more confident, curious, and capable—and that’s what makes Thorne summer camps truly stand out.