Summer Nature Day Camp

WOLF School’s Summer Nature Day Camp offers a nature based program that encourages connections with nature and community through exploration, nature crafts, redwood ecology, and fun activities for K-6th graders in the redwoods of our Monte Toyon campsite, located in Santa Cruz County.

Partnered with PVUSD Expanded Learning

We are super excited for Summer Nature Day Camp this year, and to create meaningful experiences that will allow kids and families to get connected with nature!

WHO

Campers: All K-6th graders

Counselors (Limited Positions May Be Available, Contact us to Apply): 16-18 years old

Please also check out our Camp Sea Lab for campers 8-16 years old

WHERE

Monday - Friday @ Camp Monte Toyon — All Outdoors in the Redwood Forest!

220 Cloister Lane, Aptos, CA 95003

(We will have a specific drop off location and direct traffic to help make drop off/pick up safe and efficient.  Look for signs!)

(Find information about this campus!)

SAMPLE DAILY Schedule:

8:30am - drop off begins at Camp Monte Toyon

9:00am - All Camp opening meeting

9:15am - Group Game

9:30am - Wash Hands and Snack

10:00am - Craft Time

10:30am - Free Play

10:45am - Story Time

11:00am - Learning and Journal Time

11:30am - Wash Hands and Lunch

12:15pm - Story Time / Activity

12:30pm - Nature Walk

2:00pm - Wash Hands and Snack

2:30pm - Games and Free Play

3:15pm - Clean Up

3:30pm - pick-up at Camp Monte Toyon

4:00pm - Pick up ends

2025 Dates and Weekly Themes (1 week sessions)

Session 1: June 16 - 20

Curious Creatures of the Redwood Forest (Ages 5-7)

Step into the magical world of the redwood forest and uncover the secrets of its unique inhabitants! This camp is great for curious young minds eager to learn about rare and fascinating organisms, like the plants and animals of the diverse natural communities that make up this thriving ecosystem. Through nature walks, hands-on discovery, and engaging stories, campers will build a deeper appreciation for how the forest and all its living wonders are connected in the web of life.

Redwood Forest Explorers (Ages 8-11)

Explore the wonders of the redwood forest through a week of adventure and discovery! Campers will climb into Redwood ecology, master survival skills, and learn about botany while navigating bioregional maps and practicing orienteering. Along with activities like tie-dye crafting, solar experiments, and a fun talent show, each day is filled with engaging challenges and nature-based learning. End the week splashing in the creek and exploring the wonders of water ecosystems. Perfect for young explorers who love hands-on fun and outdoor adventure!

Session 2: June 23 - 27

Growing Redwood Stewards (Ages 5-7)

Young campers are invited to discover the magic of the redwood forest in this fun-filled day camp! With an introduction to conservation, solar energy, ecology, and teamwork, campers will learn how they can make a positive impact on their local environment. Through guided nature walks and activities, this camp encourages a lifelong love for nature and builds the foundations for environmental stewardship in our young explorers.

Old Growth Redwood Stewards (Ages 8-11)

Become a steward of the ancient redwoods in this immersive camp experience! Campers will deepen their knowledge of redwood ecology while exploring conservation efforts and renewable energy, like solar power. With an emphasis on stewardship and teamwork, kids will engage in hands-on projects to protect and care for the environment and work together to build strong community bonds. This camp fosters leadership and environmental responsibility in young nature lovers, and will not only be fun and inspiring, but also lead to a greener community in the future!

*No Camp Fourth of July Week*

Session 3: July 7 - 11

Cycles in Nature (Ages 5-7)

Join us for a week of exploration into the natural cycles that sustain life on Earth and in the redwood forest. Young campers will investigate how decomposers recycle nutrients, connect with the plants as we cycle our air, dive into the water cycle, study the geology of the area, and observe life cycles of plants and animals. Each day is packed with interactive activities that connect them with these vital cycles to life, inspiring an early appreciation for the intricate systems of nature that connect us all.

Forest Friends Adventure Quest: The Nature of Teamwork (Ages 8-11)

Step into an epic forest quest where nature, teamwork, and adventure meet! In this unique camp, they will embark on a quest-style journey, earning points through completing outdoor challenges and forest magic activities. Along the way, they’ll master survival skills, explore redwood ecology, incorporate math, and learn the power of collaboration. From building shelters to solving nature-based puzzles, this camp encourages critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership, all within an imaginative and magical forest setting. It’s a week filled with discovery, fun, and unforgettable adventures in the redwoods!

Session 4: July 14 - 18

Curious Creatures of the Redwood Forest (Ages 5-7)

Step into the magical world of the redwood forest and uncover the secrets of its unique inhabitants! This camp is great for curious young minds eager to learn about rare and fascinating organisms, like the plants and animals of the diverse natural communities that make up this thriving ecosystem. Through nature walks, hands-on discovery, and engaging stories, campers will build a deeper appreciation for how the forest and all its living wonders are connected in the web of life.

Redwood Forest Explorers (Ages 8-11)

Explore the wonders of the redwood forest through a week of adventure and discovery! Campers will climb into Redwood ecology, master survival skills, and learn about botany while navigating bioregional maps and practicing orienteering. Along with activities like tie-dye crafting, solar experiments, and a fun talent show, each day is filled with engaging challenges and nature-based learning. End the week splashing in the creek and exploring the wonders of water ecosystems. Perfect for young explorers who love hands-on fun and outdoor adventure!

Session 5: July 21 - 25

Growing Redwood Stewards (Ages 5-7)

Young campers are invited to discover the magic of the redwood forest in this fun-filled day camp! With an introduction to conservation, solar energy, ecology, and teamwork, campers will learn how they can make a positive impact on their local environment. Through guided nature walks and activities, this camp encourages a lifelong love for nature and builds the foundations for environmental stewardship in our young explorers.

Old Growth Redwood Stewards (Ages 8-11)

Become a steward of the ancient redwoods in this immersive camp experience! Campers will deepen their knowledge of redwood ecology while exploring conservation efforts and renewable energy, like solar power. With an emphasis on stewardship and teamwork, kids will engage in hands-on projects to protect and care for the environment and work together to build strong community bonds. This camp fosters leadership and environmental responsibility in young nature lovers, and will not only be fun and inspiring, but also lead to a greener community in the future!

Session 6: July 28 - Aug 1

Cycles in Nature (Ages 5-7)

Join us for a week of exploration into the natural cycles that sustain life on Earth and in the redwood forest. Young campers will investigate how decomposers recycle nutrients, connect with the plants as we cycle our air, dive into the water cycle, study the geology of the area, and observe life cycles of plants and animals. Each day is packed with interactive activities that connect them with these vital cycles to life, inspiring an early appreciation for the intricate systems of nature that connect us all.

Forest Friends Adventure Quest: The Nature of Teamwork (Ages 8-11)

Step into an epic forest quest where nature, teamwork, and adventure meet! In this unique camp, they will embark on a quest-style journey, earning points through completing outdoor challenges and forest magic activities. Along the way, they’ll master survival skills, explore redwood ecology, incorporate math, and learn the power of collaboration. From building shelters to solving nature-based puzzles, this camp encourages critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership, all within an imaginative and magical forest setting. It’s a week filled with discovery, fun, and unforgettable adventures in the redwoods!

Session 7: Aug 4 - 8

Curious Creatures of the Redwood Forest (Ages 5-7)

Step into the magical world of the redwood forest and uncover the secrets of its unique inhabitants! This camp is great for curious young minds eager to learn about rare and fascinating organisms, like the plants and animals of the diverse natural communities that make up this thriving ecosystem. Through nature walks, hands-on discovery, and engaging stories, campers will build a deeper appreciation for how the forest and all its living wonders are connected in the web of life.

Redwood Forest Explorers (Ages 8-11)

Explore the wonders of the redwood forest through a week of adventure and discovery! Campers will climb into Redwood ecology, master survival skills, and learn about botany while navigating bioregional maps and practicing orienteering. Along with activities like tie-dye crafting, solar experiments, and a fun talent show, each day is filled with engaging challenges and nature-based learning. End the week splashing in the creek and exploring the wonders of water ecosystems. Perfect for young explorers who love hands-on fun and outdoor adventure!

Session 8: Aug 11 & 12 (2 day session)

Growing Redwood Stewards (Ages 5-7)

Young campers are invited to discover the magic of the redwood forest in this fun-filled day camp! With an introduction to conservation, solar energy, ecology, and teamwork, campers will learn how they can make a positive impact on their local environment. Through guided nature walks and activities, this camp encourages a lifelong love for nature and builds the foundations for environmental stewardship in our young explorers.

Old Growth Redwood Stewards (Ages 8-11)

Become a steward of the ancient redwoods in this immersive camp experience! Campers will deepen their knowledge of redwood ecology while exploring conservation efforts and renewable energy, like solar power. With an emphasis on stewardship and teamwork, kids will engage in hands-on projects to protect and care for the environment and work together to build strong community bonds. This camp fosters leadership and environmental responsibility in young nature lovers, and will not only be fun and inspiring, but also lead to a greener community in the future!

Program is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Session 9 is only Monday and Tuesday.

Drop off between - 8:30-9:00am, Pick up - 3:30-4:00pm,

Please be on time to designated spot. All non-campers must stay in vehicle. Staff will come up to check in and out.

Sorry, No Early Drop-Off at this time. Please be on time for pick up. Late Pick-Up = $1/min if after 4:15p

COST for each 1 week session

Early Bird Registration discount $50 off

Only until 4/30/2025 (price $550)

Normal Registration $600 after April 30th

A note on our pricing: In serving our local community we strive to make this program affordable to as many as possible, as well as provide a living wage to the knowledgable teachers. We value providing equal access to all who wish to participate. Please email us at camps@wolfschool.org to donate to our scholarship fund or to inquire about our limited scholarship opportunities.

CANCELLATION and Refund Policy

Minimum payment with registration is a non-refundable deposit of 20% of the camp tuition.

Full payment is due two weeks before your program. (If registration is within two weeks of program, the full payment will be required.) Merchandise payment is required when the order is placed.

If your child is enrolled and unable to participate in camp, the WOLF School office must be notified in writing as soon as possible. If written cancellation is more than 2 weeks prior to the start of camp, the total amount, minus the non-refundable deposit, will be returned or waived.

If cancellation is less than 2 weeks prior to the start of your camp, we reserve the right to retain the entirety of the tuition, but at our discretion we give the following refund options:

If a replacement is found from our waitlist:

● We can refund the total amount, minus the non-refundable deposit.

● Cancellation for a medical issue with a physician’s letter, we can refund the total amount minus the non-refundable deposit.

● Cancellation for a child/family emergency, we can refund 20%, WOLF School retains 80%.
If we are required to cancel the week you will be refunded at 80% of program cost, with 20% retained by WOLF School to cover administrative costs. No refunds will be given for single day cancellations due to
circumstances beyond our control.

It is our policy that no refunds will be granted in connection with late arrivals, early departures, sick days, camper dismissals due to misconduct or illness, or canceled activities due to weather or other unforeseen
conditions. Registration is non-transferable.

Questions? Contact us today!

If you need to pay via check please contact us at camps@wolfschool.org for a printable form (one per child!) and mail the check along with the completed form(s) to: 

Web of Life Field (WOLF) School, PO Box 2517, Aptos, CA, 95001

Please watch our video to see what fun things we do at camp!

more details and f.a.q.

• Campers will be placed into groups of 12-18 campers (depending on age). Each “Adventure Group” will be with one WOLF School Naturalist, one High School Counselor, and one Counselor in Training for a 1 week session.

• Campers will be grouped roughly by age and family relation, in order to keep siblings together. Please feel free to list 1-2 (no more than 2) people that you would like your camper to be with for the session.

• Drop Off will be 8:30-9:00am and Pick Up is 3:30-4:00pm. There will be no early drop off and no late pick up.

• All campers will need to bring their own food, snacks, and water bottles. No shared food allowed, please.

• Parents or Guardians must remain inside their vehicles during Drop Off and Pick Up.

• If students have any symptoms and/or an above average temperature then they will not be allowed at camp for the day.

• Pre-Registration required. Sorry, no drop ins.

Summer Nature Day Camp generally starts in June of each year.

Check this page for the year’s sign-up links for summer camp, to check dates, rates and specials.