Nature Vision Day Camps

Immerse your child in the natural world during the summer and school year!
Join us for camp programs!

Check back for enrollment details in Mid-February.

Day Camps

Nature Vision camps are sure to be an engaging and unique experience for your child. We take pride in our work with young people, focusing on critical thinking skills, scientific observation, and social-emotional wellness. We help provide students with an opportunity to engage in fun and exciting experiences with the natural world and develop a lifelong sense of stewardship for the environment and our communities. Nature Vision’s camps provide young people with a unique opportunity to explore their local environments, practice scientific skills, and most of all have a great summer with new friends outdoors.

Who is Nature Vision?
Nature Vision is an environmental education non-profit working in King County schools to provide science enrichment programming in classrooms. We have a unique perspective from meeting students’ curriculum needs in the classroom as well as learning about them outside of school. It’s likely that we’ve already met your campers during the school year, and we’re excited to see them for summer fun!

Who are our instructors? 
Nature Vision camp staff are experienced, professional educators, many of whom hold degrees in science, education, or related fields. During the school year, we teach your students in their classrooms and at field trips; in the summer, we teach them outside! Our instructors are well-versed in facilitating exciting learning experiences, and encouraging discovery while exploring the wonders of the forest in an emergent way. Working with young people is a passion for our educators, and we bring that energy to our work with students in everything that we do.

 Why choose Nature Vision Camps? 
Nature Vision brings a unique perspective to summer camp activities connecting our knowledge of local ecology with team building, and developing critical thinking and social-emotional skills in a fun and engaging way. Our camps are dedicated to the holistic care and engagement of each camper, providing not only a safe and fun outdoor summer experience, but also expertise in scientific concepts, child development, and guiding connections to peers and the environment.

 What makes these camps unique?         
Nature Vision understands that we are more likely to care for the things that we appreciate and can connect with. Our aim is to inspire stewardship of the natural world by creating opportunities for campers to build those connections in their own communities in ways that are meaningful and authentic to them. Our campers find and engage in the activities that bring them the most joy, and we help them develop a sense of agency and care for the natural world through hands-on experiences, scientific observation, and interactive games. By connecting scientific concepts to our activities in diverse ways, each camper has an opportunity to learn, have fun, and experience nature uniquely.

Play and explore with Nature Vision’s experienced outdoor Educators this summer at Beaver Lake Park!

Registration for Sammamish Summer Camps opens late February 2025.

Times: 9:00 AM-4:00 PM, Monday - Friday
Ages: 6 years 0 months-11 years 0 months
Group Size: 10 students per Educator; maximum of 20 campers weekly
Location: Beaver Lake Park
Fee: $490/camper

Beaver Lake Park: 2/5 physical demands
Beaver Lake is a low to moderately physically challenging 83-acre Park. Many of the trails are wide and flat, accessible by people of most abilities, although very few of these paths are paved and instead are gravel- or dirt-covered. The park offers a relatively small number of options for hiking in wooded trails, but includes wider paths to access adjacent woods and fields near a fenced off-leash dog area. The area we utilize for camp home base is a large covered patio space next to the lake and a short walk to the restrooms. As the restrooms are located behind another building, campers must be prepared to stay with their group and use restrooms as directed during designated restroom stops to ensure everyone’s safety. This park is very popular with the neighborhood community, next to a large lake, and our main space is a wide open grassy playfield, so this site best serves campers who are who can self-manage staying with their group and inside the marked boundaries of our camp.

CAMP PAPERWORK

PARENTS/GUARDIANS: Read the Sammamish Camp Handbook

Find the paperwork to bring on the first day of camp below:
1.    REQUIRED, one for each child: Sammamish Nature Vision Camp Waiver 2024. Fill out and print, bring to first day of camp. This form needs to be fully filled-out for each individual child.
2.    ONLY if your child has an allergy: Nature Vision Emergency Health Plan for Allergic Reactions. Fill out and print, bring to first day of camp.
3.    ONLY if your child requires medications: Nature Vision Medication Information and Authorization. Fill out and print, bring to first day of camp.

2025 Sammamish Summer Camps

Outdoor Exploration Camp
July 14-18
There is a world of discovery and exploration in your own backyard! Join Nature Vision in our forest playground as we explore all that living in the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Your child will learn to use all of their senses such as sight, hearing, and touch to identify and appreciate the amazing living things in the ecosystem we share. Whether that entails learning practical skills such as identifying plants, tracking animals, playing nature based games, or undertaking stewardship projects to help take care of the environment, the opportunities for exploration will be endless.

Summer Science Camp
July 21-25
Join Nature Vision this summer for a week of scientific exploration and learning about the natural world. With the forest as our laboratory and under the guidance of our staff of professional educators, campers will practice the skills that biologists, ecologists, and other scientists use in the field. By engaging in experiments such as running water quality tests, surveying biodiversity, and more, campers will earn about the environment around them. We’ll combine our scientific observations and data collection with songs, games and art for a fun-filled summer experience to help your budding scientist explore their passion for learning!

Once registered we do not allow refunds for any reason unless the camp must be cancelled by Nature Vision or City of Sammamish.

Play and explore with Nature Vision’s experienced outdoor Educators this summer at Hamlin Park!

Registration for Shoreline camps begins mid-March 2025.

Time: 9:00 AM-4:00 PM, Monday - Friday
Ages: 6 years 0 months - 11 years 0 months
Group Size: 10 campers per Educator; maximum of 30 campers
Fee: $490 for Shoreline Residents/$588 for non-Shoreline Residents

Hamlin Park: 2.5/5 physical demand
Hamlin Park is 80 acres with many trails of moderate terrain in terms of physical demands for campers. Much of this park is a fairly-open wooded area, primarily populated by Western Red Cedar that lends itself well to camper exploration, but can be a potential challenge for campers who have trouble staying with the groups in a self-directed way. The forest provides a great deal of shade on a hot day, and we spend most of our time in the woods on most weeks. Trails and terrain can be steep in places, with occasional stairwells built into the trail system. There are some flatter and wider trails that are less strenuous, but very little of the park trails are paved. The area we utilize for camp home base is a paved covered patio space, directly adjacent to bathrooms and potable water, but no sprinklers. Our home-base is used for lunches and/or in the case of inclement weather, and for seated activities when campers need a break from the sun. This site best serves campers who are able to manage our marked boundaries and stay with their group on and off trail at all times, as our home-base is directly next to the parking lot and this is a bustling public park.

CAMP PAPERWORK

PARENTS/GUARDIANS: Read the Shoreline Camp Handbook

1. REQUIRED, one for each child: Nature Vision Camp Waiver Hamlin Park Shoreline

2. ONLY if your child requires medications: Nature Vision Medication Information and Authorization. Fill out and print, bring to first day of camp.

3. ONLY if your child has an allergy: Nature Vision Emergency Health Plan for Allergic Reactions. Fill out and print, bring to first day of camp.

2025 Hamlin Park Camps:

Outdoor Exploration Camp
July 28-August 1
There is a world of discovery and exploration in your own backyard! Join Nature Vision in our forest playground as we explore all that living in the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Your child will learn to use all of their senses such as sight, hearing, and touch to identify and appreciate the amazing living things in the ecosystem we share. Whether that entails learning practical skills such as identifying plants, tracking animals, playing nature based games, or undertaking stewardship projects to help take care of the environment, the opportunities for exploration will be endless.

Summer Science Camp
August 4-8
Join Nature Vision this summer for a week of scientific exploration and learning about the natural world. With the forest as our laboratory and under the guidance of our staff of professional educators, campers will practice the skills that biologists, ecologists, and other scientists use in the field. By engaging in experiments such as running water quality tests, surveying biodiversity, and more, campers will earn about the environment around them. We’ll combine our scientific observations and data collection with songs, games and art for a fun-filled summer experience to help your budding scientist explore their passion for learning!

Forest Folklore Camp
August 11-15
Come gather around, it’s time for a story!  The forest will be our guide and storyteller as we explore how the science of the natural world is reflected in stories and legends. Using five stories to guide us, we will explore the forest in a whole new way, and foster empathy for our ecosystem, from the smallest insect to the tallest tree. Stories teach us about the world around us, as well as teaching us how to be kind to each other, nature, and ourselves. Don’t miss this chance for your child to develop their appreciation for the natural world and what it can teach!

Nature Art Camp
August 18-22
The natural world is full of opportunities for artistic expression and creativity! The forest will be our canvas as we explore how people have created art for thousands of years. From cave paintings to impressionist landscapes, nature has inspired artists from all over the world. Campers will find their own inspiration through activities drawn from a variety of disciplines such as painting, natural sculpture, and collaging, all while guided by our team of experienced professional educators.  Don’t miss this chance for your camper explore their creativity outdoors!

Time: 9:00 AM-4:00 PM, Monday - Friday
Ages: 6-11
Group Size: 10 students per Educator; maximum of 30 campers
Location: Farrel-McWhirter Park
Fee: $540 for Redmond Residents/$648 for non-Redmond Residents

Farrel-McWhirter Park: 2/5 physical demand
Farrel-McWhirter has low to moderate physical demand for campers. Much of the terrain in the park’s 68 acres is relatively flat, with a paved ADA-accessible path appropriate for people of all abilities. However, there are some rougher trails within the park, as well as the ability to move into the neighboring Juel Park for groups that are prepared for more strenuous and/or technical exploration. Our main camp area has easy access to potable water (including a sprinkler), accessible bathrooms, and is shaded through much of the day to help campers navigate the summer heat. The area we utilize for camp home base is wide-open grass playfields, while the forest is filled with narrower trails and thick trees and native shrubs. This site best serves campers who are able self-manage staying with their group on and off trail. We do use cones and signs to act as physical reminders of boundaries. Farrel-McWhirter is also a working farm, and allows horses on many of the trails, from both the farm and public. Though generally safe, campers must be able to follow instructions regarding interactions with horses for the well-being of people and animals.

Spectacular Spring Time
April 14-18
Spring means big changes to the forest as we move from the cold, dark winter and into the brighter days of Spring. Campers will see first hand how warmer weather and longer days impact plants and animals by investigating a range of natural science topics based on what we find in the park. Camper will practice their skills as naturalists to identify how plants and animals begin their journey of regrowth and renewal, and have a great time getting back outside themselves. Campers will have hands-on interactions with our collection of pelts, skulls, and natural artifacts, and become familiar with organisms that call our forests home. Come explore with us and see how the forest transitions for this exciting season. Become a scientist with Nature Vision this Spring and see the natural world in a whole new light!

Play and explore with Nature Vision’s experienced outdoor Educators this summer at Farrel-McWhirter Park!

Registration for Redmond Summer Camps opens late March 2025 for Redmond residents and early April 2025 for non-residents!

Times: 9:00 AM-4:00 PM, Monday - Friday
Ages: 6-11
Group Size: 10 students per Educator; maximum of 40 campers
Location: Farrel-McWhirter Park
Fee: $490 for Redmond Residents/$588 for non-Redmond Residents

Farrel-McWhirter Park: 2/5 physical demand
Farrel-McWhirter has low to moderate physical demand for campers. Much of the terrain in the park’s 68 acres is relatively flat, with a paved ADA-accessible path appropriate for people of all abilities. However, there are some rougher trails within the park, as well as the ability to move into the neighboring Juel Park for groups that are prepared for more strenuous and/or technical exploration. Our main camp area has easy access to potable water (including a sprinkler), accessible bathrooms, and is shaded through much of the day to help campers navigate the summer heat. The area we utilize for camp home base is wide-open grass playfields, while the forest is filled with narrower trails and thick trees and native shrubs. This site best serves campers who are able self-manage staying with their group on and off trail. We do use cones and signs to act as physical reminders of boundaries. Farrel-McWhirter is also a working farm, and allows horses on many of the trails, from both the farm and public. Though generally safe, campers must be able to follow instructions regarding interactions with horses for the well-being of people and animals.

CAMP PAPERWORK

PARENTS/GUARDIANS: Read the Redmond Camp Handbook

1. REQUIRED, one for each child: Nature Vision Camp Waiver 2024. Print and fill out, bring to first day of camp. This form needs to be fully filled-out for every camper.

2. ONLY if your child requires medications: Redmond Parks and Recreation Medications Information and Authorization Liability Release. Fill out, print, and bring to first day of camp. Please fill this out if you child has an Epi Pen or other medications.

3. ONLY if your child has an allergy: Redmond Parks and Recreation Emergency Health Plan for Allergic Reactions. Print and fill out, bring to first day of camp.  Please also review Redmond Parks Epi Pen Med Policy.

2025 Redmond Summer Camps

Nature Art Camp
June 30-July 3 (4 day camp)
The natural world is full of opportunities for artistic expression and creativity! The forest will be our canvas as we explore how people have created art for thousands of years. From cave paintings to impressionist landscapes, nature has inspired artists from all over the world. Campers will find their own inspiration through activities drawn from a variety of disciplines such as painting, natural sculpture, and collaging, all while guided by our team of experienced professional educators.  Don’t miss this chance for your camper explore their creativity outdoors!

Outdoor Exploration Camp
July 7-11
There is a world of discovery and exploration in your own backyard! Join Nature Vision in our forest playground as we explore all that living in the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Your child will learn to use all of their senses such as sight, hearing, and touch to identify and appreciate the amazing living things in the ecosystem we share. Whether that entails learning practical skills such as identifying plants, tracking animals, playing nature based games, or undertaking stewardship projects to help take care of the environment, the opportunities for exploration will be endless.

Summer Science Camp
July 14-18
Join Nature Vision this summer for a week of scientific exploration and learning about the natural world. With the forest as our laboratory and under the guidance of our staff of professional educators, campers will practice the skills that biologists, ecologists, and other scientists use in the field. By engaging in experiments such as running water quality tests, surveying biodiversity, and more, campers will earn about the environment around them. We’ll combine our scientific observations and data collection with songs, games and art for a fun-filled summer experience to help your budding scientist explore their passion for learning!

Forest Folklore Camp
July 21-25
Come gather around, it’s time for a story!  The forest will be our guide and storyteller as we explore how the science of the natural world is reflected in stories and legends. Using five stories to guide us, we will explore the forest in a whole new way, and foster empathy for our ecosystem, from the smallest insect to the tallest tree. Stories teach us about the world around us, as well as teaching us how to be kind to each other, nature, and ourselves. Don’t miss this chance for your child to develop their appreciation for the natural world and what it can teach!

Nature Art Camp
July 28-August 1
*This camp is a repeat topic
The natural world is full of opportunities for artistic expression and creativity! The forest will be our canvas as we explore how people have created art for thousands of years. From cave paintings to impressionist landscapes, nature has inspired artists from all over the world. Campers will find their own inspiration through activities drawn from a variety of disciplines such as painting, natural sculpture, and collaging, all while guided by our team of experienced professional educators.  Don’t miss this chance for your camper explore their creativity outdoors!

Outdoor Exploration Camp
August 4-8
*This camp is a repeat topic
There is a world of discovery and exploration in your own backyard! Join Nature Vision in our forest playground as we explore all that living in the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Your child will learn to use all of their senses such as sight, hearing, and touch to identify and appreciate the amazing living things in the ecosystem we share. Whether that entails learning practical skills such as identifying plants, tracking animals, playing nature based games, or undertaking stewardship projects to help take care of the environment, the opportunities for exploration will be endless.

Summer Science Camp
August 11-15
*This camp is a repeat topic
Join Nature Vision this summer for a week of scientific exploration and learning about the natural world. With the forest as our laboratory and under the guidance of our staff of professional educators, campers will practice the skills that biologists, ecologists, and other scientists use in the field. By engaging in experiments such as running water quality tests, surveying biodiversity, and more, campers will earn about the environment around them. We’ll combine our scientific observations and data collection with songs, games and art for a fun-filled summer experience to help your budding scientist explore their passion for learning!

Forest Folklore Camp
August 18-22
*This camp is a repeat topic
Come gather around, it’s time for a story!  The forest will be our guide and storyteller as we explore how the science of the natural world is reflected in stories and legends. Using five stories to guide us, we will explore the forest in a whole new way, and foster empathy for our ecosystem, from the smallest insect to the tallest tree. Stories teach us about the world around us, as well as teaching us how to be kind to each other, nature, and ourselves. Don’t miss this chance for your child to develop their appreciation for the natural world and what it can teach!

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