2020 Mindful Nature Camps
Camp Overview:
Camps will meet from 9:00am to 3:00pm for the featured weeks. The Camp will take place at a private residence near White Clay Creek State Park and Middle Run Nature Preserve. Each day we will hike approximately 3 miles. These programs connect kids with nature. The entire camp takes place outside and in the woods. The children will also get time to fish and play in the creek.
Children enrolled as Explorers or Survivors will bring a backpack with essentials (TBA). They will bring their own drinks, snacks, and lunch and may store their lunch in our group refrigerator while we hike. We will return to home base for lunch each day to wash up, eat, and play before dismissal. We will eat a snack on our hike.
The Camp Enrollment Fee is $200/child for Walnut Grove Coop members or $250/child for non-members. Allergy information will be collected on the online registration form — we are inclusive and sensitive to food allergies. Email: Info@walnutgrovecoop.com with any questions. Before and after care are not available for these camps.
Mindful Explorers
Come create connections to nature and learn mindful practices used across cultures. Explorers will engage their senses each day (both physical and social-emotional). These full-day camps are held entirely outdoors. Explorers will sing, move, hike, create and journal.
Our Key Activities Include:
- Hiking and Camp Songs every day
- Plant Identification: dangers and beauties
- Inukshuk: marking the path with ephemeral art
- Nature Practices: Tree Standing, Cloud Clearing, Deer Walking, Casting Off
- Nature Journaling: reflecting and recording
- Arboreal Painting: nature’s brush for creating art
- Fishing and swimming
- Service Project
Mindful Explorers Sections:
Chrysalis Camp K-3rd graders
Monday, July 13 through Friday, July 17 9:00am to 3:00pm
Tortoise Camp 4th–6th graders
Monday, July 13 through Friday, July 17 9:00am to 3:00pm
Note: Nature journaling in this section will leverage handheld technology (such as old smartphones) to photograph and record journal entries.
Mindful Survivors
Combine mindful practices with survival basics that integrate outer nature with our inner nature. Survivors will apply a discovery mindset, sharpening rustic survival skills as well as social skills such as empathy and compassion. These camps are also held entirely outdoors. Survivors will procure resources, hike, create and journal.
Our Key Activities Include:
- Discovery Mindset: survive and thrive in the wild
- Water Purification: clearing the toxins
- Animal Tracking: be aware of your partners in the ecosystem
- Creating Shelter: making the best of a tough situation
- Mastering Fire: harness the heat of the moment
- Mindful Eating: nourish your body
- Nature Journaling: reflecting and recording
- Fishing and swimming
- Service Project
Mindful Survivors Sections:
Chrysalis Camp K-3rd graders
Monday, July 20 through Friday, July 24 9:00am to 3:00pm
Tortoise Camp 4th–6th graders
Monday, July 20 through Friday, July 24 9:00am to 3:00pm
Note: Nature journaling in this section will leverage handheld technology (such as old smartphones) to photograph and record journal entries.