Not your “Run of the Mill” summer camp!
Autrey Mill’s camp emphasizes re-connecting children with nature and history and giving kids a break from competitive activities and ever-present technology. We keep campers engaged with plenty of activities and learning opportunities, but there is always time to examine what’s under a log, catch a tadpole, or to imagine living in the past.
Seasonal Camps
Winter Break Camp: is on the horizon with fun nature and heritage activities, crafts, games, and exploration. Campers are engaged with unique experiences inside and outside. Our camps’ serene setting and emphasis on re-connecting children with nature and history, give kids a break from competitive activities and ubiquitous technology. We keep campers engaged with plenty of activities and learning opportunities, but there is always time to examine what’s under a log, or to imagine living in the past. For ages 6-11. Space is limited.
Spring Break Camp: each day of Spring Break Camp is based on one of our popular Summer Camps and will include indoor/outdoor activities including theme-based hikes, crafts, and games. Campers will explore the outdoors scouting for birds, meet our reptiles, take a step back in time with recipes and crafts, explore the flora and fauna of Autrey Mill, discover the mysteries of the forest, and learn about the importance of water science.For ages 6-11. Space is limited.
2019 Summer Camp
Our Camps are divided into age groups with multiple options for ages 5-14. In an effort to divide the ages and offer more age-appropriate lessons when possible we have divided into the following groups:
Discovery Camp for ages 4- These half day programs include both nature and creativity focused camps. Both introduce campers to a variety of topics through activities, games, crafts, visits with animals, and exploration of our 46-acre nature preserve. Choose from nature themes like Zoology Camp, and Wild Water or creative themes like Preschool Nature Art, Preschool Mini Camp, and Preschool Cooking & Crafts.
Adventurer 5-11- These full day programs include both nature and heritage focused camps. Our Nature Camps introduce a variety of natural science topics through activities, games, crafts, visits with animals, exploration of our 46-acre nature preserve, and scientific experiments. Our Heritage Camps bring history to life and spark campers’ imagination through creative activities, games, crafts and exploration of our historic buildings. Themes include Time Travelers, Wild Water, Habitat Hunter, History and Nature Detectives and Survivor Camps. This group will be divided by appropriate age, and you will be able to choose a “buddy” for your child.
History Adventurer 6-11- with Ms. Alison- Our Heritage Camps bring history to life and spark campers’ imagination through creative activities, games, crafts and exploration of our historic buildings. Choose from Time Traveler, Heritage Doll, Woodland Fairies, or Cooking & Crafts camps.
Explorer for 12-13- Our Explorer Camps engage older campers with exploration and study of the habitats and wildlife or our collections and heritage buildings through hands-on activities and experiments. Hikes, visits with our animals, games, and crafts will round out the camp sessions. Choose Zoology camp, Curious Culinary, or Naturalist camps. The Jr. Counselor Program was created as a venue for campers aged 12-13 to gain valuable life skills as they interact with staff and supervise campers.
Camp Autrey Mill |
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Time |
5/28-5/31 |
6/3-6/7 |
6/10-6/14 |
6/17-6/21 |
6/24-6/28 |
7/8-7/12 |
7/15-7/19 |
7/22-7/26 |
7/29-8/2 |
8/6-8/8 |
8/13-8/15 |
| Discovery Camp 4 | 9-12 | Wild Water | History and Nature Detectives | Wild Water | Habitat Hunter | Preschool Mini Camp 10-1 | Preschool Mini Camp 10-1 | |||||
| Adventurer 5-11 | 9-3 | Time Traveler* | Wild Water | Survivor | History and Nature Detectives | Habitat Hunter | Wild Water | Survivor | Habitat Hunters | Time Traveler | ||
| History Adventurer 6-11 | 9-3 | Cooking and Crafts | Woodland Fairy | Heritage Doll | Woodland Fairy | Heritage Doll | Cooking and Crafts | |||||
| Explorer 12-13 | 9-3 | Wild Water: Hydrologist | Jr. Councilor | Cooking and Crafts: Culinary Arts | Jr. Councilor | Time Traveler: Curators | Jr. Councilor | Habitat Hunter: Ecologist | ||||
| Intermediary Care | 8-9
3-5 |
Pre-Care | Pre-Care | Pre-Care | Pre-Care | |||||||
Click on the camp name to view the registration portal and sign your camper up today!
For mobile devices please click here to view our: Summer Camp Timetable
Fees
Half Day Camp for 4 year-olds: $150 or $130 for Members
Full Day Camp Fee per week: $250 or $220 for Members
*Four Day Camps are priced: $200 or $180 for Members
Intermediary Care Fee per week: Pre-Care $15 and After-Care $45
Themes
COOKING AND CRAFTS Campers will take a step back in time through simple recipes and heritage crafts enjoyed in the past. A cooking activity and a craft are introduced each day including making Johnny Cakes, ice cream, Native American crafts, and more! Fun games and other activities will round out each day. Open to boys and girls. Cooking and Crafts Culinary Arts will feature campfire-cooking demonstrations, harvesting, foraging, rock candy experiments, old fashion taffy pulls, and more! Fun games and other activities will round out each day. Open to boys and girls.
HABITAT HUNTERS CAMP Habitat Hunter participants will learn the essential elements that all animals need to live. We will discover and explore habitats all over Autrey Mill Nature Preserve; on land, in water, and in the air. Campers will take a close look at an ecosystem and discover the delicate balance that makes all life possible. Be ready to get hands on experience with scientific experiments and outdoor activities in this camp. Habitat Hunting- Ecologist will delve deeper into ecosystems and the interrelationships of species that make it possible to thrive.
HERITAGE DOLL CAMP Campers bring a doll to the Heritage Village to join them in a variety of activities like making dollhouses, a variety of dolls, doll accessories, a doll journal, dressing-up in period costumes, and end-of-week tea party. Games, hikes, explorations of our historic buildings, and other fun activities with a historical focus can all be shared with their special friend. Varieties of activities are offered each week, so sign up for one or both weeks!
HISTORY AND NATURE DETECTIVES Using a magnifying glass campers will take a closer look at local wildlife and history. Participants will be engaged in crafts, animal encounters, historic tours, archaeological digs, scavenger hunts, puzzles, and much more. Campers will be lead on a historical and nature mysteries which may include archaeological forensics, secrete messages, Morse code, animal signs, and native American trail signs.
JR. COUNSELORS Jr. Counselors will begin the week as campers, participating in select camps. Then, with help from counselors, they will learn how to implement games, songs, stories, or crafts with the campers. After completing the mini-camp training sessions Jr. Counselors are tasked with helping the counselors as, they supervise games, crafts, explorations, and more. Space is limited and an application is required.
PRESCHOOL MINI CAMP Here is a wonderful program for when the older siblings start going back to school. Preschool campers will enjoy nature and heritage activities designed to educate and entertain.
SURVIVOR CAMP If your camper is seeking an adventure while exploring the outdoors, this camp is for them. Campers will learn what it takes to survive in the wild. Campers will also meet our reptiles and amphibians in this Adventure Camp.
TIME TRAVELERS CAMP This camp will transport explorers to various periods in history! We will set our time machine and explore life during the time of the Native Americans, Colonists, Civil War era, Industrial Revolution, Depression, or the groovy 70s. Campers will discover these eras through engaging activities, games, and crafts from the past.Time Traveling Curators will explore the careers of curators and the research process that make curation an art.
WILD WATER CAMP Campers at Wild Water Camp will examine the properties of water; learn about the importance of the water cycle while exploring the Autrey Mill Wetlands. Each day participants will get to explore Sal’s Creek at Wild Water Camp. Wild Water- Hydrologist will discover the power and future of water, and inventions that powered history.
WOODLAND FAIRIES Fairies, elves, trolls, and other mythical folk at Autrey Mill? Campers will use their imaginations and build observational skills while discovering the enchanted world of Autrey Mill. The week will include woodland hikes, craft projects, mythology, fairy houses, costumes, and more! Some favorite activities like making fairy dwellings and costumes will repeat, but lots of different activities each week, so sign up for one or more weeks.
2018 Summer Camp Scholarships
The Camp Autrey Mill Scholarship was created to help children age 5-14 who otherwise would not have the opportunity to attend camp. The Scholarships are made possible through contributions from individuals, sponsors, partners, and membership supporters.Follow the link below to complete the application, please note that a recommendation letter from a non-relative is requested. The 2018 Scholarship Session has closed.
2019 Summer Camp Counselor Positions Available
Autrey Mill Nature Preserve is hiring summer camp counselors for the camp season. Qualified applicants must be 18 years or older, enjoy and have experience working with children, and possess a passion for nature, history, and the great outdoors. An education background is preferred. Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to programs@autreymill.org.
