2026 Summer Nature Camps Are Open for Registration
Posted on February 02, 2026 in Education
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary invites families to plan ahead for an unforgettable summer of outdoor exploration with its 2026 Summer Nature Camps. Designed for youth in grades 1–5, these week-long day camps immerse children in the natural world through hands-on, educational, and fun-filled experiences on the Mountain. Camps begin the week of June 15 and continue through the week of August 7.
Led by professional environmental educators, Hawk Mountain’s camps prioritize small group sizes to ensure optimal teacher-student ratios and meaningful learning experiences. Each day is packed with themed activities that may include meeting live animal ambassadors, hiking Sanctuary trails, conducting experiments, creating art and crafts, role-playing, storytelling, and learning from scientists and special guest presenters. Select camps also feature off-site field trips to study aquatic life or explore regional natural highlights.
"It's more than a camp!” says Director of Education Megan Roselli. “It’s a place where students safely explore nature together, forming lifelong friendships and a lasting appreciation for the natural world."
All camps run Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. The cost is $325 per week or $275 for Hawk Mountain Members, unless otherwise noted for a shorter week. Families registering for two or more weeks receive a $25 promotional discount toward one week of camp, valid for up to two uses.
Hawk Mountain is committed to expanding access to nature-based education. The IDEA Fund Nature Camp Scholarship covers full tuition for eligible campers, with partial aid also available. Visit hawkmountain.org/IDEAfund for more information.
The Sanctuary is also seeking 14- to 17-year-olds who need internship or volunteer hours to assist with camp by participating in the Counselors-In-Training (CIT) program, which provides leadership training and hands-on experience working with youth in the outdoors. Click here for more details and to apply.
2026 Summer Nature Camps:
Creative Creatures
June 15–19
Campers explore the natural world through art, music, and movement while meeting live animals and creating imaginative projects inspired by nature.
All About Animals
June 22–26
A deep dive into the animal kingdom, from mammals and birds to insects and amphibians, featuring hikes, crafts, games, live animals, and an off-site adventure.
Eco Engineers
June 29–July 2
($260, $220 for Members)
This shortened week challenges campers to ask “why” and “how” through experiments, hands-on investigations, live animals, and special guest presentations.
Junior Veterinarian
July 6–10
Aspiring animal caregivers explore veterinary science, animal care techniques, and careers in animal health through interactive activities and guest visits.
Wild Survivors: Maps, Traps, and Shelters
July 13–17
Campers learn survival skills such as shelter building and compass use while discovering how people, plants, and animals survive in the wild.
Wild Survivors: Earth, Wind, and Fire
July 20–24
An adventurous week focused on understanding natural forces, including fire-building skills, wind, weather, and Earth systems.
Animal Adventures
July 27–31
A hands-on exploration of mammals, birds, fish, insects, reptiles, and amphibians, with games, crafts, and an off-site animal discovery trip.
Streams to Skies
August 3–7
Campers explore ecosystems from cold-water streams to the open sky, learning how land, water, and wildlife are connected through outdoor adventures.
For camp details, policies, and registration, visit hawkmountain.org/summercamps. For questions, contact camp lead Jessica Gary at [email protected].