Summer Nature Program for Kids & Fledglings
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.
Current Schiff members enjoy a member’s benefit of Early Registration on Monday, 2/16/2026.
Open Registration (for those who became members post 2/2) is Monday, 2/23/2026.
2026 Summer Nature Program Dates
Session I- July 6th- 10th
Session II- July 13th- 17th
Session III- July 20th- 24th
Session IV- July 27th-31st
2026 Summer Nature Program
Sessions run from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
COST: $385/week
AGES: 6-12
Woodland Wonders
July 6th – July 10th
Embark on an exciting journey through forests and fields as they explore the incredible diversity of life all around them. Throughout this week-long adventure, campers will discover reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and birds while learning about their unique adaptations, habitats, and roles in the ecosystem. Through hands-on outdoor explorations, wildlife-themed games, and creative conservation crafts, children will learn how caring for wildlife and protecting habitats helps keep woodlands healthy, for today and for generations to come.
Nature's Got Talent
July 13th- July 17th
Calling all children to come discover the amazing (and often surprising!) talents hidden throughout the natural world. From animals with incredible camouflage, speed, strength, and communication skills to plants with clever ways to defend themselves, spread seeds, or soak up the sun, children will explore how nature’s “stars” use their special talents to survive and thrive. Through hands-on explorations, interactive games, creative crafts, and team activities, campers will uncover these natural superpowers, and even find inspiration on their own!
The Bear Necessities of Survival
July 20th – July 24th
Join us in getting back to the bare necessities of life in the great outdoors! Children will learn how to find their way using maps and compasses, animal tracking, build shelters, and practice essential survival skills that help both people and wildlife thrive in nature. Along the way, we will explore the world of New Jersey’s black bears, discovering how they stay safe, find food, and navigate their forest home. Through daily hands-on activities, games and crafts, children will put their skills to the test while having fun, building confidence, and a deeper respect for the natural world around them!
Budding Naturalist
July 27th – July 31st
Step into a week of outdoor discovery where children explore the wonderful world of trees and the incredible wildlife they support. Through forest adventures using binoculars and observation tools, children will spot birds, insects, and other woodland creatures high in the canopy and along the forest floor while learning why trees are essential to healthy ecosystems and how animals rely on them for food and shelter. Creative nature art projects using leaves, seeds, and natural textures will blend science and imagination, helping our “budding naturalists” enjoy what they discover while building curiosity, confidence, and a lasting connection to the natural world.
CIT "Counselors-in-Training" Program
The CIT 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. CIT program hours are Monday- Friday; 9:00 – 2:00 pm.
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: $200 per week
- “Woodland Wonders”, July 6th – July 10th
- “Nature’s Got Talent”, July 13th – July 17th
- “The Bear Necessities of Survival”, July 20th- July 24th
- “Budding Naturalist”, July 27th – July 31st
To Apply: Registration opens for members on 2/16 and non-members on 2/23. 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.
Cancellation & Refund Policy:
Cancellations must be made in writing (email) at least 14 days prior to the start of the registered program to receive a refund, minus a $40 non-refundable administrative fee. No refunds or credits will be issued for cancellations made within 14 days of the program start date, including those due to illness.
Exceptions to this policy may be considered by Schiff’s Executive Committee upon request.
If you need to alter your child’s program dates, session changes may be accommodated at no additional cost, they are subject to availability.
Transfers of prepaid weeks to another child (friend, family member, etc.) are permitted with at least 14 days notice and must be requested in writing. The new participant must pay a $40 registration fee and submit all required information at least 48 hours before the session begins.
In the unlikely event that Schiff cancels a program session, families may choose either a full refund or choose to transfer their registration to another available session.
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 15 – June 19): Sensational Seasons
Session II (June 22 – June 26): Exploring Habitats
Fledglings Program hours are 9:00 am -12:00 pm
*Lunch Bunch and Extended Day options available for an additional fee*
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 meadow, developing their confidence, and laying the foundation for a lifelong appreciation of nature. Environmental Educators facilitate hands-on experiences through nature exploration accompanied by stories, crafts, and games. Ample time for free play allows children to engage in meaningful experiences and observations with their peers and the environment. Children enrolled in the “Lunch Bunch” and “Extended Day” options will spend extra time exploring various crafts, projects, storeis, science experiments, and games.
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.
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.
Member fee: $270
Non-member fee: $300
Children enrolled in the “Lunch Bunch” and “Extended Day” will spend the extra time exploring various crafts, projects, stories, science experiments and games.
Lunch Bunch option is available for an additional fee of $100 for the entire week. Lunch Bunch ends at 1:00 pm. Lunch Bunch Plus Extended Day option is available for an additional fee of $200 for the entire week. Extended Day ends at 2:00 pm.
If you have any questions, or find a session has full enrollment and you would like to be placed on a waitlist, please email Christi at this email address: [email protected].
What We Offer Each Week
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, Look Out Point, 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.”
