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.
Sign up for Summer Camp
Registration is now open for Summer Camp 2025.
Many of the weeks have already been filled, but you may join the waitlist and will be emailed if a spot becomes available.
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 2nd - June 6th
June 2nd – June 6th
Get ready for a fun-filled week of creativity in the outdoors! During Art in Nature week, campers will create upcycled crafts, eco-friendly art projects and art made from natural materials. This unique experience blends artistic expression with a focus on conservation, encouraging campers to not only create beautiful works of art but also learn how to care for the environment. Dive into a week of hands-on activities, where nature and creativity come together to inspire and nurture the artist and environmentalist in you!
WEEK 2: Creek Week, June 9th - June 13th
June 9th – June 13th
Join us for an exciting time at Nancy Creek during Creek Week at Blue Heron Nature Preserve! Cool off this summer with water games, creek exploration, and tons of fun in the refreshing water. Campers will wade through the creek with nets, catch fascinating critters, race handmade boats, skip rocks, and enjoy splashing around with friends. Don’t miss out on the chance to beat the heat and dive into adventure at Blue Heron!
WEEK 3: Build, Create, Invent June 16th - June 20th
June 16th – June 20th
This week encourages campers to step outside their comfort zones and use their problem-solving skills, as well as their imagination to create wonderful inventions! Campers will be 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 and teamwork. The older campers will also have an opportunity to present their inventions in our very own version of “Blue Heron Shark Tank”!
WEEK 4: Blue Heron’s Got Talent June 23rd - June 27th
June 23rd – June 27th
Get ready for an exciting week of fun, creativity, and performances as we kick off Blue Heron’s Got Talent! This week is all about celebrating the unique talents of our campers. From singing and dancing to storytelling, comedy skits and magic tricks, we can’t wait to see what you come up with! Our stage will be set for a grand finale talent show where everyone will get a chance to shine! Whether you’re a budding performer or prefer to help behind the scenes, this is your moment to share your talents with the Blue Heron community. Let’s make this week one to remember with creativity and teamwork!
WEEK 5: Creepy Crawlers, June 30th - July 3rd **No Camp on July 4th**
June 30th – July 3rd **No Camp on July 4th**
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 its 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: Wildlife Investigators July 7th - July 11th
July 7th – July 11th
This week, campers will take on the role of environmental detectives, investigating the preserve’s various ecosystems as they search for animal tracks, signs, and small creatures to study up close. They’ll explore different habitats, build terrariums to observe animals in their natural settings, and use tools like binoculars and field guides to deepen their understanding. Through this immersive adventure, campers will develop a strong appreciation for wildlife diversity while sharpening their skills in scientific observation and research.
WEEK 7: Myths and Legends July 14th - July 18th
July 14th – July 18th
Myths and Legends Week at Blue Heron Nature Preserve is a magical journey into the world of ancient stories, fantastical creatures, and nature-inspired legends! Campers will explore myths from different cultures, learning how these tales explain the natural world around us. They’ll craft their own legendary creatures, embark on scavenger hunts inspired by mythological quests, and even create a nature-inspired folktale to share with the group. This week is perfect for young explorers who love adventure and want to combine outdoor fun with the magic of storytelling!
WEEK 8: Best of Camp July 21st - July 25th
July 21st – July 25th
Our final week of camp is filled with our favorite activities, games and projects 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.
SPREAD YOUR WINGS
