Summer Camp Information
When registering, you will be re-directed to our partner site, ACTIVE Works – Active Networks, LLC
A 3% transaction fee will apply
In our popular summer camp series, children can explore nature, art, agriculture, and ecology in a fun healthy and stimulating outdoor environment. From farming fun to outdoor explorations, art adventures or creating cooking, Flanders’ summer camp offers more than 70 programs to keep children ages 3 to 13 entertained! Great spaces, great programs – for all ages!
CAMPERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES!
Flanders has been the beneficiary of generous donations in support of campership. Please call Amber McDonald at (203) 263-3711 x 12. To apply, download instructions for applying
OUR PROGRAMS
Important Enrollment Notice:
All-Day Campers must select the SAME camp program for AM & PM sessions
Flanders is following best practices as outlined by the CT Office of Early Childhood for Day Camp Operations
*Groups correspond to the grade your child is entering in the fall of 2024
Little Explorers | Ages 3 – 5, Grades PreK – K | Location: Trail House
What a wonderful world we share with nature! Our youngest explores will be amazed as they hike trails, scoop in the pond, explore the farm and investigate insects in the meadow. Hands on learning activities engage and entertain children as they discover insects, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish and mammals. Our daily preschool lessons build a foundation of environmental awareness that can last a lifetime.
Outdoor Adventures | Ages: 5 – 9, Grades 1 – 5 | Location: Sugar House
Our future earth stewards will explore diverse ecosystems and habitats while hiking and enjoying outdoor adventures! Each exciting discovery about animal life cycles, forest ecology and environmental dynamics connect children to the natural world as they find their role to protect it in a fun, hands-on way.
Farming Fun | Ages: 5 – 9, Grades 1 – 5 | Location: North Barn
Children step back in time to enjoy the hands on experience on an old fashioned New England farm. The wonders of new life create joy as children hold baby chicks or cuddle baby bunnies for the first time. Baby goats, lambs, piglets and ponies entertain children as they immerse themselves in the wonderful world of farming. They create art with wool and feathers, plan and plant gardens and begin to understand life cycles and beginning biology concepts. We gather eggs and calculate incubation to watch ducklings and geese hatch from eggs. Rural traditions are learned in our antique farm tool museum creating a unique experience that includes hayrides, hikes, stories, games, art and good old fashioned fun for a memory that can last a lifetime. Come on down!
Amazing Art! | Ages: 5 – 9, Grades 1 – 5 | Location: The Studio
Nature inspires young artists while exploring the forest, wetland and meadows. Each diverse habitat discovery connects plant and animal life to artistic expression. Flanders Art camps have a focus on fun as children develop new skills and are encouraged to expand their own unique, personal style.
Kids in the Kitchen | Ages: 7 – 10, Grades 2 – 6 | Location: Van Vleck House
Young chefs will enjoy being creative in the kitchen as they learn lifelong culinary skills. We use farm fresh ingredients to connect the “dish of the day” to the ground where it grows. These local food choices are mixed with a heaping scoop of wholesome fun to encourage kids to grow up healthy, strong in mind and body. Children enjoy learning about proper use of tools, new technique and safe food handling. Next generation culinary creators will experience a meaningful connection to our earth home through food, from soup to nuts! Bon Appetit! Space is limited.
Environmental Youth Leadership (E.Y.L) | Ages: 10 – 13, Grades 5 – 8 | Location: Van Vleck Sanctuary
Building future earth stewards happens one experience at at time. Youth enjoy exploring a variety of habitats and discovering diversity of life in the forest, fields, wetland and farm. They capture, observe and release live specimens to connect biology concepts and life science discoveries to environmental issues today. Lessons include forest management, veterinary science, natural resource conservation, survival skills, culinary, art adventures and more. Hands-on activities, games and stories all promote understanding, appreciation of and empathy for the earth. Flanders great outdoors spaces and trails inspire youth as they prepare themselves for a life of environmental responsibility and service.
Science, Art & Adventure Academies | Ages: 6 – 8, 8 – 10 & 10 – 13 | Location: South Barn
Flanders is excited to offer three science academies, one art academy and two adventure academies this summer. We invite your child to come to Flanders and be a scientist, learn to be part of a team, and have lots of fun in the process. Each science academy is designed around specific Next Generation Science Standards, bringing to life what was learned during the last school year, and giving a foundation for the next. Our adventure academies are for those who love to explore the woods, waterways, and nature. Our art academy will introduce children to the basic and advanced features, functions and techniques used to create digital photographs. These academies will include exciting adventures each day! They will work both independently and in teams to overcome challenges in the outdoors and learn important skills along the way.
Half & Full Day Programs
HALF DAY: 9AM–1PM or 1–5PM
ALL-DAY: 9AM–5PM
Is it hard to adjust your hours to accommodate your child’s summer programs? Flanders offers extended morning hours so that your child can enjoy an entire fun-filled day here!
Before Care (Early Care): 8 to 9 AM – Child(ren) must participate in a morning summer camp program to attend.
REGISTRATION, PRICING & REFUNDS
When registering, choose whether you want the AM and/or PM session and whether you require before care. All-Day Campers must select the SAME camp program for AM & PM sessions. We require registration and health forms to be completed for each child.
DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE
MEMBER DISCOUNT: Member families receive a discount on our program fees. To take advantage of the savings, you must hold, establish or renew a family membership ($65). Members enjoy discounts and special events all year.
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: register by May 15.
ALL-DAY DISCOUNT: Flanders is offering a discounted all day rate for your child. Receive $35 off per week per child when you sign up for a full day of fun!
REFUND POLICY
100% refund minus the credit card fees will be granted for cancellations made more than 4 weeks prior to your 1st day of your registered camp week
50% refund minus credit card fees will be granted for cancellations made between 2 – 4 weeks prior to your 1st day of your registered camp week
No refunds will be granted for cancellations made 14 days or less prior to your 1st day of your registered camp week
REGISTRATION & OTHER FORMS
Become a Camp Counselor or CIT (Counselor In Training)
We are always looking for mature, self-motivated, fun students ages 18+ to work with our campers. Counselors are responsible for implementing our environmental education curriculum, leading animal lessons, coordinating activities, guiding campers, and managing group dynamics. Download the flyer. For more information, please contact Amber McDonald at amber@flandersnaturecenter.org.
We also run a CIT program for younger students ages 14+ interested in hands-on counselor training through our camps. For more information, please contact Amber McDonald at amber@flandersnaturecenter.org. Download an application today!
Disclaimer: At the end of the registration process, Active will ask you to “click yes” to make your registration refundable via Active Refund for an additional cost. Flanders is not responsible for the additional fee.
