More Than Summer Childcare: What Makes Thorne Summer Camps Different

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.