Exploration Awaits!
Summer Nature Camps at the Highlands Nature Center offer an exciting blend of fun, creativity, and hands-on learning for children ages 5-10, inspiring a deeper connection to nature.
Registration is Open to Members!
Registration opens to the public Tuesday, February 25th.
Important Information
Nature Camps will be held weekly between June and August 2025 for children ages 5 to 10 years. Each camp runs for four days (Tuesday – Friday), and they are a wonderful way for kids to connect to nature, foster an appreciation for the environment, and learn about the many things that make the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau so unique.
Registration
Members of the Highlands Biological Foundation (HBF) will have access to early registration for Nature Camps.
CAMP REGISTRATION DATES:
- Tuesday, February 11th at 10 AM – Open to Members
- Tuesday, February 25th at 10 AM – Open to Everyone
Our main means of communication for camps and registration is email, so be sure you are subscribed to our email list. If you are subscribed but do not receive our email communications in your inbox, please check your spam folder. If you have trouble or need to check on the status of your membership, please call our office at 828.526.2221. Donations to HBF of $30 or more come with a complimentary membership which will give you the camp benefit listed above. Click HERE to make a donation today.
Please note: Membership does not guarantee a spot in camp. Camps fill quickly! Once registration opens, register as soon as possible for the best chance to get a spot. If the camp you want is full, we encourage you to join the waitlist.
How many camps can my child attend?
We’ve heard your feedback, and we’re thrilled to announce changes for this years camps! Our programs are more popular than ever, and to accommodate the high demand, we’ve added multiple sessions and additional camp themes in July for our younger campers.
To ensure more children have the opportunity to enjoy our summer programs, each child may register for one session of each theme. A camp session runs for four days (Tuesday through Friday).
- Ages 5-7 years – May attend 1 session in each of the 6 camps
- Ages 8-10 years – May attend 1 session in each of the 4 camps
If multiple registrations are made for the same camp theme, one will be canceled, and the registration fee will be refunded.
Cancelation / Refund Policy
- If you cancel your camp registration 30 days prior to the start of your camp, you are eligible for a full refund. If you need to cancel your camp registration, you may choose to have your camp fees converted to a donation to HBF.
- If you cancel 30 to 14 days prior to the start of your camp, you are eligible for a 50% refund.
- If you cancel within less than 14 days prior to the start of your camp, you are not eligible for any refund.
- Membership fees are non-refundable.
- Membership is subject to verification. If you register as a member but do not have current qualifying membership, your registration is subject to cancellation and your fees refunded, minus a 20% administrative fee.
- No refunds for missed days of camp.
- To cancel your registration, please contact Julie Thomson at julie@highlandsbiological.org.
Scholarship Opportunities
A limited amount of need-based scholarships are available thanks to the generosity of Cullasaja Women’s Outreach. To inquire about eligibility, please email jamie@highlandsbiological.org or call 828.526.2221.
Special Needs
Our primary goal is providing safety and a positive camp experience for all. Camp staff is unable to provide one-on-one supervision for a special needs situation, but we would be happy to assist the family in making those arrangements with a care facilitator of your choice. Parents/Guardians are asked to discuss this need with our Education Specialist, Julie Thomson, prior to registration at julie@highlandsbiological.org.
Available Nature Camps
We’re gearing up for a wonderful summer full of camps at the Highlands Nature Center, and we hope your camper will be able to join us!
Nature Through Stories and Art
Explore the wonders of the Highlands Plateau through the enchanting worlds of storytelling and artistic expression. Immerse yourself in nature-themed tales that ignite the imagination and deepen appreciation for the environment. Unleash your creativity through hands-on activities and nature-inspired artwork using various media and sustainable materials.
Sessions:
Ages 5-7 years | $135 per child
- June 3-6th (9am-noon)
- July 8-11th (9am-noon)
Ages 8-10 years | $215 per child
- June 3-6th (9am-2pm)
- July 8-11th (9am-2pm)
Aquatic Adventures
Immerse yourself in the wonders of freshwater ecosystems! Explore our local streams, creeks and lakes – investigating the fascinating plants and wildlife that call them home. Engage in hands-on science and capture your observations and experiences through writing and art.
Sessions:
Ages 5-7 years | $135 per child
- June 10-13th (9am-noon)
- July 15-18th (9am-noon)
Ages 8-10 years | $215 per child
- June 10-13th (9am-2pm)
- July 15-18th (9am-2pm)
Flora, Fauna, and Fungi, Oh My!
Perfect for budding naturalists, aspiring biologists, and any young explorer with a passion for the great outdoors! Learn how to identify and track animals in their natural habitat. Delve into the fascinating world of plants and their vital role in our ecosystem. Uncover the hidden kingdom of fungi and learn about their ecological importance.
Sessions:
Ages 5-7 years | $135 per child
- June 17-20th (9am-noon)
- July 22-25th (9am-noon)
Ages 8-10 years | $215 per child
- June 17-20th (9am-2pm)
- July 22-25th (9am-2pm)
Creatures That Fly
Eyes to the skies! Explore the enchanting world of creatures with wings: birds, insects, and bats! Learn how bats echolocate or insects like bees and butterflies achieve flight. Observe and identify local birds, while also learning about their behaviors, habitats and ecological importance.
Sessions:
Ages 5-7 years | $135 per child
- June 24-27th (9am-noon)
- July 29-Aug. 1st (9am-noon)
Ages 8-10 years | $215 per child
- June 24-27th (9am-2pm)
- July 29-Aug. 1st (9am-2pm)
Insect Investigators
Join us for an exciting adventure where young explorers can delve into the fascinating world of beetles, bees, and butterflies! This camp is perfect for curious minds eager to learn about the incredible diversity of insects and their essential roles in our ecosystem.
Sessions:
Ages 5-7 years | $135 per child
- July 8-11th (1-4pm)
- July 22-25th (1-4pm)
- August 5-8th (9am-noon)
Wilderness Walkers
Venture out in nature and have fun exploring the outdoors through guided walks, observing plants and animals, and hands-on activities. Get creative with nature projects, storytelling, and drawing. Learn about “leaving no trace” and taking care of our planet.
Sessions:
Ages 5-7 years | $135 per child
- July 15-18th (1-4pm)
- July 29-Aug. 1st (1-4pm)
Become a Member
Members receive early registration for our Summer Nature Camps, gift shop discounts, and access to exclusive members-only programs.
