Go here to enjoy photos from 2015 camp

The Greenbelt  Summer Day Camp (Explorer Camp) is an exciting and educational experience for children who love nature. Six, week-long sessions are offered from July 5  through August 18 on a Monday through Thursday schedule. Camp hours are 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.   Mini Camp for 3-5 year olds is offered Tuesday – Thursday from 10 am – 12 noon.  Please read our general information and click on the links for session descriptions, tuition and registration.     For questions about summer camp, call the Greenbelt environmental education department at (718) 667-7475, ext. 1 or email:education@sigreenbelt.org

Summer Camp Options for Three Different Age Groups

I. EXPLORER CAMP

Half Day Explorer Camp 2016 (for children 7 – 13 years old) is based in High Rock Park, 200 Nevada Avenue, off Rockland Avenue, in the heart of the Greenbelt.  Sessions begin Tuesday, July 5 and extend through Thursday, August 11.

Week One: Tuesday, July 5 – Friday, July 8; Week Two: Monday, July 11 – Friday, July 14

Think Small!

Let’s take a look at the little things! Discover creatures that live in our Greenbelt ponds, the probiotics in our foods, and the tiny helpers that live in our very own bodies. Using microscopes and other scientific tools and methods, we will investigate these unique beings and the ecosystems they live in.

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Week One: Monday, July 18 – Thursday, July 21; Week Two: Monday, July 25 – Friday, July 28

Paleo-World

Travel back—WAY back—in time to the era of the dinosaurs, and explore how they are related to the birds and reptiles of today. We will also take a look at the ice age, ancient plants, and prehistoric people to find out how they have shaped our modern world.

Week One: Monday, August 1 – Thursday, August 4; Week Two: Monday, August 8 – Thursday, August 11

Wilderness Camp

Let’s take a hike on the wild side! Unplug, connect with nature, and gain knowledge that will make you smarter than your smartphone. Campers will learn specialized skills such as water collection, navigation, plant and animal track identification, shelter making, basic first aid and what to do in an emergency using a variety of fun activities, competitions, and games.

II. YOUNG BUDS

Young Buds (for children 5 – 6 years old) is based at the High Rock Park, 200 Nevada Avenue, Staten Island, NY.  Children have an opportunity to learn from nature and play in the Greenbelt’s great outdoors under the supervision of our professional camp staff. 

Week 1 – Insects — Tuesday, Friday, July 5-8
Week 2- Birds — Monday – Thursday, July 11-14
Week 3-Reptiles– Monday – Thursday, July 18-21
Week 4- Plants and Trees — Monday – Thursday, July 25-28
Week 5-Water–Monday – Thursday,  Aug 1-4
Week 6- Mammals –Monday – Thursday,  Aug 8-11

III. Mini Camp (for children 3-5 years old) based at the Greenbelt Nature Center, 700 Rockland Avenue, near Brielle Avenue.  Three, week-long sessions are offered Tuesday-Thursday 10 am-12 noonfrom July 12 – July 28, 2016 . Children and their caregiver have an opportunity to learn from and play in the Greenbelt’s great outdoors under the supervision of experienced Early Childhood educators.

Join us each week for activities and adventures, including one off-site sessions other parks within the Greenbelt inlcuding Carousel for All Children at Willowbrook Park, Eton Place (off Richmond Avenue). Children and their caregivers should be prepared to hike the trails on any given day. Appropriate footwear is mandatory. (No sandals, flip-flops). The camp runs from 10:00 am—12:00 pm, Tuesday—Thursday  Camp Fee: $60 per one week session for Greenbelt Conservancy members (family membership or higher) or $67 non-members

Week One: Tuesday – Thursday, July 12, 13, 14

SKY

Come learn about our flying friends. From ladybugs to birds to butterflies, this week will be soaring with fun. We will meet at Willowbrook Park in the Greenbelt on Wednesday, July 13.

Week Two: Tuesday – Thursday, July 19, 20, 21

LAND

We will discover animals who call the Greenbelt home. Squirrels, snails and snakes are all part of this adventure-filled week. We will meet at Willowbrook Park on Wednesday, July 20.

Week Three: Tuesday – Thursday, July 26, 27, 28

WATER

Make a splash this week as we learn about animals who like to swim. Get ready to take the plunge and discover what it is like for fish in the lake, frogs in the pond, and whales in the ocean . We will meet at Willowbrook Park on Wednesday, July 27.   

Go here for fees for 2016 summer camp 

Go here to view and download a camp registration form

ESPECIALLY FOR PARENTS: The Greenbelt Summer Day Camp is a New York City Department of Health licensed program. Campers are placed into small groups according to the child-adult ratio guidelines mandated the Board of Health. A certified Emergency Medical Technician is on the staff and on duty during camp hours. This means it is safe, and your child will receive lots of attention. We are committed to providing a camp experience that is safe, fun and educational.

Q: Where is the summer camp located?

The Greenbelt, with its natural areas, parks, hiking trails, streams, ponds, vistas, Nature Center and Carousel is the campers’ territory. It’s a great place to spend your summer.  The camp’s headquarters is the Greenbelt Environmental Education Center at High Rock Park, a 72-acre oasis of natural beauty located at 200 Nevada Avenue. Parents are greeted by camp staff for drop off and pick up at the entrance gate.

Q: Who runs the camp program?

The Greenbelt’s environmental educators administer the camp program.  Our staff is dedicated to getting kids outdoors so they will feel comfortable in nature. The Greenbelt Environmental Education Department was designated a National Environmental Education Landmark by the United States Department of the Interior in 1971.

Q: What is the cost of camp?

Camp tuition information is here and cost varies by program. Greenbelt Conservancy “Family” members get significant discounts; in some cases the savings more than pay for the price of the membership – which helps bring you great programs like this.

It is easy to join the Conservancy. Membership gives you discounts on many activities and events, and provides important support to our environmental education programs. The money you save on the Summer Day Camp program may pay for your membership!

A note on refunds:  A 20% non-refundable fee will be charged for all cancellation made prior to May 26, 2015.   Cancellations made from May 27 through June 11 will receive a 50% refund.  No refunds will be offered after June 10, 2016.

Registration for Greenbelt Summer Day Camp Registrations are accepted online or by mail on a first-come, first- served basis. Campers 5-7 years old must provide a copy of their birth certificate, with complete registration information and full  payment. Each camper will receive a free camp T-shirt!