SUMMER CAMP @ BHNP
ENJOY SUMMER CAMP IN NATURE
Looking for a break from all the screen time? Find the remedy here with 9 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 the creek.
We invite campers to 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! DIVE into Wild Water Week as we search for critters in our creeks and make our own boats; or CRAWL into Incredible Insects Week as we learn about what makes our tiny friends so important to the environment. 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): $275/ week
Full Day (9am – 4pm): $405/ week
Great Blue Herons
(7-9 yrs.)
Full Day (9am – 4pm): $405/Week
Trailblazers
(10-12 yrs.)
Full Day (9am – 4pm): $405/Week
Counselors in Training
Returning CITs – $90
First-time CITs – $210
Each week of Summer Camp brings a different adventure!
WEEK 1: Critter Clues
May 30 – June 3
Blue Heron Nature Preserve is home to critters of all shapes and sizes. Join us this week of summer camp as we flip over rocks and look under logs in search of all the wonderful animals that call Blue Heron home. We’ll leave no stone unturned this week as we learn about everything from reptiles and amphibians to insects and mammals!
WEEK 2: The Secret Life of Trees
June 6 – 10
Trees provide us with so much– oxygen, shade, materials, and more! This week at summer camp we are going to take a closer look at trees, forests, leaves, seeds, bark, and more to uncover what makes trees so special! There are so many in-tree-guing questions to explore!
WEEK 3: Incredible Insects
June 13 – 17
Insects outnumber people 200 million to one and have some of the most important jobs on the planet! From recycling waste to making some of our favorite foods, we would be lost without them! Come spend the week with us as we learn about and look for the hardworking insects that live at Blue Heron.
WEEK 4: Mud!
June 20 – 24
What is mud and why is it important? Come spend the week with us as we roll up our sleeves and dig deep to get to the bottom of this. We are celebrating International MUD day this year with a whole week devoted to messy fun! We’ll make mud paintings, natural clay sculptures, and more– come join us as we get the latest dirt on why mud matters!
WEEK 5: Ecosystem Explorers
June 27 – July 1
Why are beavers important? What would happen without insects? Why do we need wetlands? Everything in nature has a part to play in a larger system! This week we will be exploring some of the ecosystems at Blue Heron Nature Preserve, learning how everything is connected, and getting a better understanding of the part we play!
WEEK 6: Wild Water Creek
July 4 – 8
Water is essential to us all and it is the lifeblood of Blue Heron! Come dip your feet in as we explore the two creeks that flow through the Preserve. We’ll learn about watersheds, explore water quality, build boats, and look for the critters that depend on water for life. This week is going to be some wet and wild fun!
WEEK 7: Survival Week!
July 11 – 15
What would you do if you had to live outside? What if there were no grocery stores? This week at Blue Heron Summer Camp we are exploring the ideas of food, water, and shelter and maybe even practicing a few new survival skills! We’ll build forts, learn about gardening, and think critically about basic needs for people and animals.
WEEK 8: Earth Rocks!
July 18 – 22
What can we learn by looking underground? What stories can rocks tell us? This week we are going to be examining rocks, minerals, erosion, dirt, sand, and more! Join us as we dig in the earth, smash geodes, explore the creek bed, build our own rock collections, and more. Don’t take this opportunity for granite!
WEEK 9: The Art of Nature
July 25 – 29
Have you ever painted with soil or built a natural wind chime? This week we are celebrating the beauty and diversity of nature through art! Join us as we explore different mediums in nature through creative expression.
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 all season
$50 for both early drop-off AND late pickup all season
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.
