Summer Camp 2026

June 22 - August 7, 2026

Monday to Friday

9:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Camp Schedule Weekly Price Early Bird Discount Eco Explorers Extended Program
Week 1: June 22 - June 26 $710 $660 + $175
Week 2: June 29 - July 2 (no camp July 3) $568 $528 unavailable
Week 3: July 6 - July 10 $710 $660 + $175
Week 4: July 13 - July 17 $710 $660 + $175
Week 5: July 20 - July 24 $710 $660 + $175
Week 6: July 27 - July 31 $710 $660 + $175
Week 7: August 3 - August 7 $710 $660 + $175

Registration Timeline

Early Bird Discount Registration

January 14 - February 6

Current Family and Members


February 16 - March 9

Public


General Registration (Full Price)

March 10

Public Registration

New This Year!

  • Eco Explorers Extended-Day Add-On:
  • Updated Potty-Trained Requirement
  • Payment Policy

Weekly Themes

Our Living Planet  Weekly Themes

For children ages 3 to 6

Children must be 3 years old by January 1, 2026.

  • Week 1: Animal Kingdom (6/22-6/26)

    Millions of animals live on Earth, and scientists group them based on similar characteristics. In this session, campers will learn about mammals, insects, reptiles, birds, and amphibians, and howwhat makes each group is unique and similar. This will help them think about biodiversity and why it matters. We will spend extra time with our animal ambassadors learning about their unique adaptations.

  • Week 2: In The Garden (6/29-7/2, no camp 7/3)

    We center the second week of camp around the sensory garden at the Darien Nature Center. Making the connection between nature and our food is an essential first step on a sustainability journey. Campers will learn about seeds, plant life cycles, pollinators, composting, and the joy of growing food. Making applesauce, salads for the animals, and other farm-to-table activities will give campers an appreciation for the planet that feeds us.

  • Week 3: Biomes (7/6-7/10)

    Biomes are large regions of the planet with distinct climates, animals, and plants. Did you know Connecticut’s biome is a temperate forest? This week of camp, we will “travel” the globe, exploring the world's unique biomes. Whether it’s the desert, arctic, marine, freshwater, orand beyond, campers will understand the importance of each biome to the overall health of the planet.

  • Week 4: Rocks and Fossils (7/13-7/17)

    Kids are fascinated by rocks and fossils, and with our impressive collection, we will uncover what life on our planet was like a long time ago. Our rock study will include how rocks formed, geological time, minerals, and erosion. We will also examine fossils and explore the secrets they reveal about the past. It's a week of unique learning opportunities that will leave your children excited and intrigued, and you, as a parent, thrilled about the educational value of our camp. 

  • Week 5: Our Blue Planet (7/20-7/24)

    Planet Earth is 71% water, with 93% in the oceans. Learning about this vital natural resource will help campers find the answers to key questions: What is a watershed? What critters live in our pond? What is a food web? How do humans harm and help water? Hands-on activities will support learning through scooping in Cherry Lawn Pond to identify critters, conducting experiments, and seeing firsthand how human activity affects water quality.

  • Week 6: Outer Space (7/27-7/31)

    What is the universe? How does planet Earth fit in? Campers will investigate the mysteries of the night sky, including our Milky Way galaxy, black holes, the moon, and our solar system. We will also focus on what makes our beautiful planet so special. It's guaranteed to be an out-of-this-world week!

  • Week 7: Rewild the World (8/3-8/7)

    Our wild and beautiful planet needs our help! Many native Connecticut species, including bats, turtles, owls, and some salamanders, moths, and dragonflies, are endangered. Campers will learn why these species are struggling, and problem-solve how to help. Through activities like cleaning up the park, building shelters, bioblitzing, and nature journaling, they’ll learn how to protect these vulnerable creatures and their habitats.

Eco Explorers  Weekly Themes

For children ages 7 to 10

Children must be 7 years old by June 23, 2025.


We are exploring the option of our Eco Explorers visiting a local park to enrich their camp experience. Specific details will be posted soon!

  • Week 1: Trailblazers! (6/22-6/26)

    Get ready to chart your own adventure through the wilderness! Campers will gain essential orienteering skills as they learn to read a map and use a compass. Embark on exciting team-building challenges and forge new trails  - electronic-free! 

  • Week 2: Out in the Wild (6/29-7/2, no camp 7/3)

    Is your camper interested in developing outdoor survival skills? This hands-on week is an excellent opportunity to dive into fire building, outdoor cooking, shelter construction, knot tying, and basic orienteering. Cap off a week of action-packed adventures with a special evening campfire and night hike fun on Wednesday, July 1. 


  • Week 3: Sunshine and Soil: Growing Food(7/6-7/10)

    Calling future gardeners! Campers will discover their green side and experience the journey from seed to soil as they get their hands dirty in our sensory garden. Learn how to grow food, try fire-pit cooking, prepare delicious salads for our animal ambassadors, and learn the art of composing. Discover the vital role of pollinators and how nature’s food chain feeds all living things. 

  • Week 4: Nature Art (7/13-7/17)

    Tap into your creative side as we connect with the natural world through art. Each day, campers will go on inspiring hikes through Cherry Lawn Park in search of natural materials to craft whimsical projects like fairy houses, toad huts, nature mandalas, and more. 

  • Week 5: Geology Rocks (7/20-7/24)

    Investigate the planet through the lens of a geologist while exploring questions like: What are the three types of rocks, and how are they formed? What is a fossil? What clues does geology give us about life on this planet millions of years ago? If your child loves rocks, fossils, and the mysteries of the prehistoric world, this week will be a perfect fit for them! 

  • Week 6: Creek Critters (7/27-7/31)

    This week, Eco-Explorers will dive into the underwater worlds of a local stream and pond! Campers will spend their days searching for aquatic critters, such as freshwater invertebrates and amphibians, while gaining an understanding of their intricate food webs. It’s a great way to cool off and get those boots muddy!!

  • Week 7: Animal Kingdom (8/3-8/7)

    Eco-Explorers will journey through Cherry Lawn Park’s forest and pond habitats in search of local wildlife, studying animal behavior, and learning about the scientific classification of the animal kingdom. Through the hands-on care of our fascinating and friendly resident animals, campers will also develop responsibility and care by feeding, cleaning, health tracking, and designing new enrichment toys.  

NEW THIS YEAR!

PAYMENT METHOD POLICY

New Payment Method Policy – Effective January 1, 2026


Effective January 1, 2026, the Darien Nature Center will transition to ACH transfer or check as our preferred payment methods for all programs registered through Playground, including Preschool (Babes in the Woods, Nature Time for Twos, and Nature's Playroom) and Summer Camp, as well as after-school, early dismissal, vacation camps, and any other programs added throughout the year.


Credit card fees cost our nonprofit a significant amount of money each year. Using ACH or a check allows us to apply the full amount of your tuition towards our educational programming, supplies, and staff.


How to Add a Payment Method in Playground


Accepted Payment Methods

  • ACH (Automated Clearing House transfer)
  • Personal Check


Card Payments

  • Credit and debit card payments will continue to be accepted; however, please note that families will be responsible for any processing fees associated with tuition payments made by card. 
  • Processing fees are non-refundable, even in the event that a payment or deposit is later refunded in accordance with our refund policy.


Important Notes

  • Tuition installment deadlines remain unchanged.
  • Checks should be made payable to Darien Nature Center and delivered to the main office.
  • Families are encouraged to set up ACH through their Playground account and designate it as their primary form of payment for the most seamless option.

Please note: In the event of the Darien Nature Center's closure or interruption or suspension, temporary or permanent, of sessions resulting from causes beyond the organization's reasonable control, the Darien Nature Center shall not be liable for our inability to provide services. However, rest assured that we have comprehensive safety measures in place to ensure the well-being of our campers. Therefore, camp payments will not be refunded if the program temporarily shuts down due to conditions beyond our control. We are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for your child.

If you have any questions, please review the FAQ section below, then email registration@dariennaturecenter.org or call us at 203-655-7459.

Summer Camp FAQs

  • What is our summer camp refund policy?

    Summer Camp Refund Policy: If you choose to withdraw your child for any reason, the Darien Nature Center must be notified of a cancellation by May 1, 2026, to receive a 50% partial refund. There are no refunds for withdrawals made after May 1, 2026. The Darien Nature Center does not offer credits for program withdrawals. Credit or debit card processing fees are non-refundable.

  • What time does camp start and finish?

    Drop-off time: 9:30 AM

    Pick-up time: 2:00 PM

  • Is a membership required for summer camp?

    No. A membership is not required for participation in summer camp. 

  • How can I be added to the waitlist?

    Please submit an application for your preferred weeks. You will automatically be added to the waitlist if none of your preferred weeks are available.

  • What should I expect during pick-up and drop-off?

    Upon arrival, please wait in line until you are waved ahead. On the first day of your session, you will receive a card to be displayed in the driver's side of your front window during drop-off and pick-up. You will then be waved to one of three areas in our circle assigned to your camper's group. 


    When you pull up to the drop-off spot, please do not get out of your car. Your camper's lead teacher will assist your child out of the car and bring them to their groups. At pick-up, you will do the same as drop-off. When you are greeted at the stop sign, we will radio your camper's counselors to bring your child to your car. Again, please do not get out of your car.


    An email will be sent to all summer camp families with a full description of the pick-up and drop-off procedure and accompanied by a demonstration video.