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

Tuesday, February 24 at 11:30 AM – Open to Members

Tuesday, March 3 at 11:30 AM – Open to Everyone

Read the FAQ's

Have a question? Check out our FAQ! You’ll find helpful answers that can guide you as you get ready for registration.

Set Up UltraCamp Account

Create your UltraCamp account ahead of time for a quicker, smoother registration day.

Review Camps

Explore this year’s camp offerings! Choose from five exciting options for ages 5-7 and three for ages 8-10.

Register Your Camper(s)

Found the perfect camp? Register through through your UltraCamp account.

Registration FAQ

How do I access early registration?

Become a Member

All donations of $30 or more are given a free 1-year membership. Members receive early registration for our Summer Nature Camps, gift shop discounts, and access to exclusive members-only programs.

*Members will receive an email with a passcode on February 24 for access to early registration

Does my membership guarantee a spot in camp?

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.

Who can register my child for camp?

Parents or legal guardians must register campers this year. Grandparents and family friends will no longer be able to register children on behalf of parents.

How many camps can my child attend?

We’ve heard your feedback, and we’re thrilled to announce changes for this year’s camps! Our programs are more popular than ever, and to accommodate the high demand, we’ve added additional sessions 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 five days (Monday through Friday).

  • Ages 5-7 years – May attend 1 session in each of the 5 camps
  • Ages 8-10 years – May attend 1 session in each of the 3 camps

If multiple registrations are made for the same camp theme, one will be canceled, and the registration fee will be refunded.

How should I prepare for registration?
To prepare for registration, we recommend setting up your UltraCamp account ahead of time and reviewing our available camps so you know exactly which sessions you’d like to register for when registration opens.

UltraCamp

How do I set up an UltraCamp Account?

To help make registration day quick and stress-free, we encourage families to create their account in advance, add their children and authorized pickup contacts, and take a few minutes to explore the available camp sessions. A little preparation now will go a long way toward ensuring a smooth and speedy registration experience when camp sign-ups open later this month.

Click here to get started!

____________________________________

STEP 1
Create Your Account

STEP 2
View the “My Account” Page

STEP 3
Add Account Members

Add parents/legal guardians as the primary and secondary account members, then add each child to the account.

*NOTE: You will see “register” buttons on the right. Camp registration will open Feb 24 (HBF members) and Mar 3 (everyone). If you click these buttons before registration opens, you will not see any available camp sessions.
Adults have a “register” button as well because this system will also be used to register for all-ages programs like Nature Center Nights.

STEP 4
Add Alternate Contacts

Add like grandparents and/or other relevant family members to the account.

For example, if your children are staying with their grandparents in Highlands for the summer, you would add the grandparent’s contact info here.

STEP 5
Add Authorized Pickups

Add people who are authorized to pick you children up from camp. This will include account members (like mother and father), as well as people who are not account members.

I created my account, but I can't login to UltraCamp. How can I access my account?

If you have trouble logging in after creating an account, please use the “Forgot your login information?” link on the login page and be sure to check your spam folder for the reset email.

How long are spots held once I've added them to my cart?

As long as you are actively registering, your selected spots will be held for you. If you are inactive for 15 minutes, those spots will be released back into the system.

What if the camp we want is full?

If your child does not get into a desired camp, we encourage you to join the waitlist in UltraCamp.

Who do I contact with questions on registration day?

Support will be limited on Tuesday. You may email questions to marissa@highlandsbiological.org, but responses may be delayed due to the high volume of registrations.

Important Information

Nature Camps will be held weekly between June and August 2026 for children ages 5 to 10 years. Each camp runs for five days (Monday– Friday) from 9am-2pm each day. 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.

Communication

Our main form 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.

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 within less than 30 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 Marissa at marissa@highlandsbiological.org.

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, Alex Waite, prior to registration at alex@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.

 

2026 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!

 

Camp Sessions

DAYS: Monday – Friday
TIME: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
COST: $250 each

Sessions for ages *5-7
  • June 1-5th – Nature Through Stories & Art DETAILS
  • June 8-12th – Aquatic Adventures DETAILS
  • June 15-19th – Nature Detectives DETAILS
  • June 22-26th – Insect Investigators DETAILS
  • July 6-10th – Aquatic Adventures DETAILS
  • July 13-17th – Woodland Wonders DETAILS
  • July 20-24th – Nature Detectives DETAILS
  • July 27-31st – Nature Through Stories & Art DETAILS
  • August 3-7th – Aquatic Adventures DETAILS
Sessions for ages 8-10
  • June 8-12th – Aquatic Adventures DETAILS
  • June 22-26th – Insect Investigators DETAILS
  • July 6-10th – Aquatic Adventures DETAILS
  • July 20-24th – Nature Detectives DETAILS
  • August 3-7th – Aquatic Adventures DETAILS

*Children must have completed kindergarten and/or turned 5 years old by May 1 in order to attend camp this summer

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 a variety of media.

Sessions:

Ages 5-7 years

  • June 1-5th 
  • July 27-31st

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

  • June 8-12th
  • July 6-10th
  • August 3-7th 

Ages 8-10 years

  • June 8-12th
  • July 6-10th
  • August 3-7th

Nature Detectives

What mysteries does nature hold?  What makes a bat a mammal, a salamander an amphibian? Learn how scientists identify animals, plants, and mushrooms, and what clues to look for. Meet our Animal Ambassadors and explore the trails to meet and observe additional creatures and organisms.

Sessions:

Ages 5-7 years

  • June 15-19th
  • July 20-24th

Ages 8-10 years

  • July 20-24th

Woodland Wonders

Perfect for little nature lovers! Learn to be a plant detective and discover the colorful flowers, interesting leaves, and tall trees found in the forest. We will investigate how plants drink water, reach for the sun, and grow bigger every day. We will explore how plants provide food and shelter for butterflies, birds, and other woodland friends!

Sessions:

Ages 5-7 years

  • July 13-17th

Insect Investigators

Insects are all the “buzz”, let them take center stage for the week with Insect Investigators! Examine the many legs of our mountain insects through observation and exploration. Highlight the importance of bugs, beetles and butterflies, and learn how to meet insects we come across safely. Deep dive into our streams and ponds to understand bug life underwater. Gain an appreciation for these many-legged creatures and all of the wonderful things they do for the environment.

Sessions:

Ages 5-7 years

  • June 22-26th

Ages 8-10 years

  • June 22-26th

Become a Member

Members receive early registration for our Summer Nature Camps, gift shop discounts, and access to exclusive members-only programs.