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.
Important Information
Registration Info
Members of the Highlands Biological Foundation (HBF) will have access to early registration for Nature Camps.
CAMP REGISTRATION DATES:
- Tuesday, February 24th at 11:30 AM – Open to Members
- Tuesday, March 3rd at 11:30 AM – Open to Everyone
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.
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.
New Camp Registration System: UltraCamp
This year we are transitioning to a new registration platform called UltraCamp to make sign-ups faster and easier for families.
Important changes to note:
- Parents and legal guardians must register children themselves
- Medical and liability forms will be completed during registration (instead of afterward)
- Grandparents or relatives will no longer be able to register children on behalf of parents
- Create an account in advance
- Add your children and emergency contacts ahead of time
- Save time on registration day with a smoother checkout process
Before Registration: Setup Your Account
____________________________________
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.

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.
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
*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.


