Summer Nature Program for Kids
Summers at Schiff
Schiff’s Summer Nature Program (SNP) offers a healthy dose of fresh air, active fun, exploration, and creative play while immersed in nature with an overarching integration of environmental education for children ages 6-16.
Make sure to initiate or renew your Schiff (Trailblazer or above) membership by Monday, 2/3/2025 to be eligible for Early Registration on Monday, 2/24/2025.
Current Schiff members enjoy a member’s benefit of Early Registration on Monday, 2/17/2025.
Open Registration (for those who became members post 2/3) is Monday, 2/24/2025.
2025 Summer Nature Program
Sessions run from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
COST: $385/week
AGES: 6-12
Habitat Heroes
June 30 – July 3
*(4 day holiday week, price reduced to $308)
Children will embark on an exciting journey into the natural world as “habitat heroes” with our week-long adventure designed to spark curiosity, inspire action, and nurture a deep appreciation for the environment. While on our outdoor explorations, we will make conservation crafts and have fun with activities and projects that help give back to Mother Nature. Children will learn about the importance of conservation and how the power behind their actions can contribute to helping the planet!
Shelter Seekers
July 7 – July 11
Welcome to the wonderful world of shelters, forts, and animal homes! Children will learn all about the importance of shelter for animals and humans. We will hike the preserve in search of various animal homes and hide-outs and also design and build shelters of our own! Going on a “shelter” scavenger hunt, creating an animal home craft and participating in a fort decorating contest are just a few of the many fun activities and games we have in store for this week!
Creatures Great and Small
July 14 – July 18
Dive into the fascinating world of wildlife where children will learn about the unique adaptations, behaviors, and ecological roles of birds, mammals, and reptiles/amphibians. Bird watching with binoculars, mammal tracking and going on a wildlife photo scavenger hunt are just a few of the many activities we have planned! Through our nature themed games, activities and crafts, children will have fun while gaining a deeper appreciation for the diverse creatures that share New Jersey’s many habitats.
Explorers of the Preserve
July 21 – July 25
Join us as we explore the hidden wonders of Schiff Nature Preserve! Your young explorers will learn all about the diverse ecosystems, fascinating wildlife, and unique geological characteristics that make this preserve so special. Elevation 711, the North Conservation Pond, Wood Badge Lodge, and the Great Meadow are just a few of the special spots we will explore as we conduct mini bio-blitzes, go on scavenger hunts, play nature-themed games and create nature journals to use throughout the week!
CIT "Counselors-in-Training" Program
This program offers a unique opportunity for young leaders (ages 13-16) to gain valuable skills and make a positive impact. CITs will receive expert training and coaching to develop leadership abilities and confidence. By week’s end, they’ll be ready to assist in program activities alongside staff. Successful completion of the program is recognized with a certificate and letters of recommendation upon request.
Responsibilities
- Interact with program attendees in a fun, positive and responsible manner
- Serve as a role model for program attendees
- Assist Instructors and Counselors with supervision of the group
- Help facilitate program activities (games, crafts, hikes, photography, etc.)
- Assist with program preparation and clean-up
Qualifications
- Must be 13-16 years old
- Must be enthusiastic, enjoy working with children and the environment
- Must be comfortable getting dirty and working in all summer weather conditions
- Must commit to one full week (Monday-Friday) of our Summer Nature Program
Cost: $175 per week
– Habitat Heroes: June 30 – July 3
– Shelter Seekers: July 7- 11
– Creatures Great and Small: July 14-18
– Explorers of the Preserve: July 21-25
To Apply: Registration opens for members on 2/17 and non-members on 2/21. Included in our online registration process, applicants will be asked to choose the week(s) they wish to participate in, upload a letter of interest and resume and submit payment.
If you have any questions, or find a session has full enrollment and you would like to be placed on a waitlist, please email Schiff SNP Co-Directors; Christi Lorenson & Jenny Chmura at [email protected].
Fledglings (preK) Program
Session I (June 16 – June 20): “Fuzzy and Furry”
Session II (June 23 – June 27): “Going Green”
SESSIONS run from 9:00 am -12:00 pm
*Lunch Bunch and Extended Day options available*
Children ages 3 to 5 years of age will have the opportunity to spend each morning of our week together exploring the forest, streams, and great meadow, developing their confidence, and laying the foundation for a lifelong appreciation of nature. Environmental Educators facilitate hands-on experiences through nature exploration with observation and reflection. Ample time for free play allows children to engage in meaningful experiences with their peers and the environment.
Spring Fledglings is held entirely outdoors, with an indoor space available for extreme weather (lightning, high winds). Appropriate attire for comfort outdoors is expected. The opportunity to witness nature no matter the weather leads to a greater appreciation and respect for our environment. Children must be potty trained.
Instructor: Child ratio 1:5 with a maximum of 10 children. This is a drop off program so parents must provide emergency contact information.
Advanced registration and payment are required.
Register here for Fledglings Session I
Register here for Fledglings Session II
Member fee: $265
Non-member fee: $295
Lunch Bunch option is available. Fee is $20. Lunch Bunch ends at 1:00 pm.
Lunch Bunch Plus Extended Day option is available. Fee is $40. Extended Day ends at 2:00 pm.
What We Offer Each Week
- A 2:12 staff to child ratio (1 instructor & 1 counselor to 12 children)
- Lead instructors are experienced professional educators
- Lessons designed to educate, motivate, delight, and inspire children
- Science, sustainability, nature, and art integrated into all our curriculum
- Weekly lessons include nature inspired activities, games, hiking, stream exploration, crafts, and our signature tie-dye making session!!
- Opportunities to explore Schiff’s many splendors while building confidence and strong friendships
- Access to 500+ acres of streams, forest, and meadow
- 12 miles of hiking trails to explore and discover
- Discover several spots of interest within the preserve; Wood Badge Lodge, The Amphitheatre, The Pine Grove etc.
Happy Kids, Happy Parents
We're thankful for such kind words from past participants!
“Our daughter absolutely LOVES her time at Schiff! She comes home energized and excited to talk about all of her adventures. Her favorites are tie die days, picking wineberries and, of course, the trip to the stream. The counselors are wonderful – our daughter talks about them year round and is always thrilled to see them the next time camp is in session! Thank you Schiff!”
“Our daughter looks forward to Schiff’s Summer Nature Program every year, and is always so sad when it’s over! She loves making her annual tie-dye t-shirt, building shelters in the pine grove, playing the game “Camouflage”, painting at the stream, and making new friends. She always says how everyone at Schiff is just so nice and so much fun to be around!”
“Every year our kids count down the days until the Schiff Summer Nature Program. It is their absolute favorite! They learn so much and have a blast every day. Thanks for the perfect summer memories!”
“My boys loved EVERYTHING about Schiff, but their top three was building forts, tie dying shirts and stream day.”
