SUMMER CAMP @ BHNP
ENJOY SUMMER CAMP IN NATURE
Join us at Blue Heron Nature Preserve for 8 weeks of summer camp filled with hands-on activities focused on discovery, exploration, creativity and a connectedness to nature within our 30-acre greenspace. Each week of summer camp at Blue Heron, educators will explore a new theme that will get campers digging in the dirt, flipping over rocks, building forts and wading in Nancy creek.
At Blue Heron Nature Preserve, campers will not only experience and explore nature, but also use their creativity to make art, craft items from natural materials or use their acting skills to put on a play! Spend Creek Week searching for salamanders and tadpoles, flex your creative muscles with Art in Nature week or create an invention to help save our environment during Build, Create, Invent Week! Whatever you choose to explore here at Blue Heron, we are certain that you will enjoy our fun and dynamic summer program.
Little Blue Herons
(4-6 yrs.)
Half Day (9am – 1pm): $295/ week
Full Day (9am – 4pm): $425/ week
Great Blue Herons
(7-12 yrs.)
Full Day (9am – 4pm): $425/Week
Future Conservation Leaders
Returning CITs – $90
First-time CITs – $210
Each week of Summer Camp brings a different adventure!
WEEK 1: Art in Nature, June 3rd-7th
June 3rd – 7th
From nature-inspired sculptures to upcycling and eco-friendly crafts, this week offers artistic activities that encourage campers to flex their creative muscles! Join us at Blue Heron for a week of playing in nature and creating works of art! “Art in Nature” week is not just about creating beautiful art, but will also encourage campers to become stewards of both creativity and conservation. Come join us and let your imagination run wild!
WEEK 2: Wildlife Investigators, June 10th-14th
June 10th-14th
This week, campers will become environmental detectives, exploring the preserve’s different ecosystems, looking for animal tracks and signs, as well as collecting critters to better understand them. They learn different habitats, create terrariums to study different animals, and use tools like binoculars and field guides. Through this immersive experience, campers gain a deep appreciation for the diversity of wildlife and ecosystems while honing their scientific observation and research skills.
WEEK 3: Weird Science June 17th - 21st
June 17th – 21st
Come join us as we journey into the fascinating and often bizarre aspects of the natural world! Discover the weirder side of science, exploring topics such as bizarre animal adaptations, unusual plant behaviors, and mysterious geological phenomena. Campers will conduct wacky experiments that will encourage them to embrace their curiosity and think critically about the peculiarities of the world around them.
WEEK 4: Mud! June 24th - 28th
June 24th – 28th
Mud week is a camper favorite for a reason! It’s a great excuse to get dirty! Mud week is back again at Blue Heron! You’re invited to get messy with us as we create, build, paint and play with MUD!
WEEK 5: Creepy Crawlers, July 1st- 5th
July 1st- 5th
This week dives into the mysterious and often misunderstood world of insects and other scaly or slimy creatures that call the preserve home. Campers will discover and study these “creepy crawlers” in their natural habitats, observing their behaviors, life cycles, and ecological importance. Whether it’s catching and identifying various species or creating creepy arts and crafts, this week-long exploration encourages a deeper understanding and appreciation of the tiny creatures that play vital roles in our ecosystem.
WEEK 6: Creek Week, July 8th-12th
July 8th-12th
We love Nancy Creek at Blue Heron Nature Preserve! Come wade with us and participate in fun water games to cool off this Summer! Campers will explore the creek with nets, catch critters, have boat races, skip rocks and splash around with their friends! Come beat the heat with us at Blue Heron during Creek Week!
WEEK 7: Build, Create, Invent, July 15th-19th
July 15th-19th
This week encourages campers to step outside their comfort zones and immerse themselves in nature while engaging in hands-on activities that emphasize construction, creativity, and invention. Whether it’s building makeshift shelters from forest materials or inventing eco-friendly gadgets to solve real-world environmental challenges, this camp fosters a sense of curiosity, teamwork, and environmental stewardship.
WEEK 8: Best of Camp, July 22nd-26th
July 17 – 21
Our final week of camp is filled with our “greatest hits” from the Summer! During this culminating week, campers get to revisit their favorite activities and places in the preserve, as well as celebrate the bonds they’ve formed with fellow campers and counselors. It’s a week filled with nostalgia and adventure, as campers have the opportunity to choose from a selection of their favorite camp activities. Come celebrate with us and bid farewell to another unforgettable summer at Blue Heron Nature Preserve.
SUMMER CAMP DETAILS
Early Drop off/Late pick-up is available for $5 for each camper per day OR
$30 for either early drop-off OR late pickup per week
$50 for both early drop-off AND late pickup per week
Late pickup is not available for half day campers
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register my child for camp?
You can register your child for Summer Camp at Blue Heron by following this link. If this is your first time registering, you must create a CampDoc account before you can register. Please ensure your child’s CampDoc profile is completed before the start of your camp session.
When will registration open for Summer Camp?
We anticipate that Summer Camp Registration will be open by the beginning of January 2023. Members of Blue Heron Nature Preserve have access to early bird registration, as well as a camp discount depending on which tier you’ve joined.
What time is pick-up and drop-off?
Drop-off for campers is at 9:00am and Pick-up is at 4:00pm. Pick-up for our Half-day campers is at 1:00pm. Early drop-off begins at 8:30am and late pick-up ends at 4:30pm. We ask that you be on time when picking up your children. There is a $50 late fee if your camper is picked up late.
How do I register for late pick-up or early drop-off?
Late pick-up and early drop-off options are available to add on during your camp registration on CampDoc. We offer single day or full week options. If you’ve already registered for camp, but need to add a late pick-up, early drop-off or both, please contact us so we can add it to your CampDoc Balance.
Where do I sign in my camper in the morning?
Our sign-in table will be located on the front porch of our main building. You must sign your child into camp every morning. Please do not drop your child off in the parking lot. We ask that you escort your child to the building to ensure their safety.
Where is Blue Heron Nature Preserve located?
Our preserve is located at 4055 Roswell Rd. NE, Atlanta GA 30342 across the street from Pike’s Nursery. We recommend putting our full address into Google Maps, as opposed to Blue Heron Nature Preserve, in order to ensure you are directed to the correct entrance.
Can I be refunded if my child is no longer able to attend?
Full refunds are offered as long as the request is received two weeks before the start of the camp session. Those who request refunds after the two week deadline will be refunded 50% of their camp session.
Who are the counselors and what is the counselor/camper ratio?
Our counselors are experienced teachers and environmental educators who are CPR certified. Our ratio for full-day and half-day Summer camp is 10:1, which allows us an opportunity to have hands-on experiences in nature in smaller groups.
How old does my child need to be to attend Summer Camp at Blue Heron?
Our youngest age group is the Little Blue Herons, which consists of 4-6 year olds. Your child MUST have turned 4 years old before your camp session begins. DO NOT alter your child’s birthday to make them eligible for camp or eligible for a particular age group.
How do I know if my child has been moved from the waitlist?
You will be notified by CampDoc, our registration service, that a new balance has been added to your CampDoc account. You will not incur a balance on your account if your child is on the waitlist for a camp session. We will contact you as well to confirm your registration for the upcoming session.
What should my child bring to camp every day?
Your camper should bring a reusable water bottle, bug spray, sunscreen, a towel, two NUT-FREE snacks, a packed NUT-FREE lunch, a change of clothes, water shoes, a rain jacket and hat. Please do not bring cell phones, video games, any sort of weapon (slingshots included) or toys from home. We are at camp to spend time in nature and use our imaginations!
Should I choose a Full-Day or Half-Day for my 4-6 year old?
We have found, in years prior, that our youngest campers benefit more from our half-day camps. If your child is used to being away all day and feels comfortable in new environments, we recommend full-day camp sessions. If your child is new to the camp experience and anxious or unsure, half-days are a great introduction to Blue Heron camp!
What is a Future Conservation Leader and how can I register my child to be a FCL?
The FCL program, formerly the CIT program, is a great opportunity to build leadership skills and serve as a role model for younger campers. Our FCLs are required to commit for at least one week of Summer Camp from 8:45am-1:15pm, 12:30pm – 4:15pm, or 8:45 – 4:15. FCLs have the opportunity to observe how a camp day is designed and are encouraged to contribute their own ideas for camp games/activities. Their duties include escorting campers to their classrooms in the morning, guiding and engaging children during hikes or activities, as well as supporting the counselors.
My child has autism, ADHD or other behavioral/emotional challenges. Can they attend Summer Camp?
We do our very best to accommodate every child’s needs, but if your child requires an aide or consistent one-on-one attention, Summer Camp may not be a good fit. Our counselors will take excellent care of your children, but are not Special Education certified. Please contact us via email at educationprograms@bhnp.org if you have any additional questions regarding your child
What is your COVID/Illness protocol?
Campers who have tested positive may return once they have received a negative COVID-19 test. It is recommended that campers return after five days if they are asymptomatic. Campers who are symptomatic may return after one week if they have received a negative COVID-19 test.
What is your inclement weather plan?
We do not cancel camp due to rain or thunderstorms. We do go outside in the rain, so please send your child with a raincoat and shoes that can get wet. We provide indoor activities during thunderstorms. Should a tornado watch or warning go into effect during camp, our instructors know to take all children to our downstairs office area which is underground and has no windows. We will keep children entertained and safe during this time. Please note that we will call you if we ever need to cancel camp due to severe weather.
Who can I contact if I need to pick my child up early?
If you need to pick your camper up early, you can either let us know as you are signing in for the day or call/e-mail us at least 30 minutes before you plan on arriving to pick them up. Our campers are constantly out exploring the preserve, so we’d like to plan as far ahead in advance as we can to ensure your child is ready to leave when you arrive.
What does a day at camp look like?
Here is a snapshot of our daily camp schedule:
8:30am: *Early dropoff for campers begins
9:00am: Camper Choice Activities
9:30am: Morning Meetings in our groups
9:50 – 11:45am: Outdoor Time (Weather Permitting)
10:30am: Snack and Water Break
12:00pm: Lunch
12:30pm: Camper Choice Activities
12:45- 1:00pm: Half-day Camper pickup
1:15 – 3:45pm: Outdoor Time (Weather Permitting)
2:30pm: Snack and Water Break
3:45pm: Clean up Room and Pack up
3:45-4:00pm: Free Choice Play/Dismissal
4:30pm: * Late pickup ends for campers
Does my child need to wear water shoes in the creek?
Yes. Water shoes must cover their toes and have a strap on the heel. Runoff from rainstorms pushes litter and debris into Nancy creek. To ensure your child does not step on glass or other sharp objects, please send them with water shoes every day.
Any other questions pertaining to Summer Camp should be directed to educationprograms@bhnp.org.
