Nature Discovery Camp

June 22 - August 21, 2026

Registration for the Lighthouse Center Nature Discovery Camp is now open!

Located at the Lighthouse Center’s 194 acres of natural beauty in Ocean Township, NJ, Nature Discovery Camp offers a summer filled with outdoor activities, hands-on learning, and fun experiences that will encourage discovery and build a lifelong connection with nature.

Nature Discovery Camp runs in week-long sessions from June 22 through August 21, 2026, with a different nature-themed adventure for campers each week.

Age Groups: 5-8, 9-12
Days: Monday - Friday
Time: 9:00AM - 4:00PM

Register Now

Camp Activities

Each week at Nature Discovery Camp, we’ll explore a different environmental topic, making every week unique for our campers. Each week will be packed with exciting, educational activities tailored to the developmental needs of our age groups:

🥾 Hiking and nature exploration
🧪 Hands-on experiments
🎨 Arts and crafts
⚽ Games and outdoor sports

And much more!

Cost and Registration

Nature Discovery Camp is a nine-week program running from June 22 to August 21, 2026. You can choose to register your child for as many weeks of camp as you would like. Sign up for one week, all nine weeks, or mix and match to best fit your family’s schedule. Campers can be registered for Nature Discovery Camp using this registration webpage.

$300 per week.

We require a 50% deposit payment at the time of registration to reserve a camper’s spot. Payment in full is due by the following dates:

  • June 8th for Weeks 1, 2, and 3

  • June 29th for Weeks 4, 5, and 6

  • July 20th for Weeks 7, 8, and 9

⚠️ Late pickup fee: $1 per minute

Regular Camp Hours

Regular camp hours are 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday thru Friday.

Before Care & After Care

Before care and after care are available upon request. Please note your request for before care or after care in your registration form. A member of our team will contact you after your form is submitted.

Weekly Themes

  • Week 1

    Coastal Habitat Discovery
    June 22 - June 26

    For the first week of Nature Discovery Camp, campers will learn that there’s more to the Jersey shore than just beaches and boardwalks. We’ll explore the different habitats found at the Lighthouse Center and we’ll learn about the plants and animals that make up the ecosystems of Barnegat Bay.

  • Week 2

    Totally Turtles and Toads
    June 29 - July 2

    Terrapins, snakes, and frogs; oh my! In the second week of camp, campers will find terrapin nests, track down native tree frogs, and learn about the other fascinating reptiles and amphibians that can be found in New Jersey.

  • Week 3

    Brilliant Birds
    July 6 - July 10

    Week 3 of Nature Discovery Camp will have us looking to the sky and listening for the songs and sounds of Barnegat Bay’s feathered friends. Campers will have fun learning to identify birds, practicing birdwatching through binoculars, and exploring how resident and migratory birds thrive in Barnegat Bay.

  • Week 4

    The Wonderful World of Water Part I
    July 13 - July 17

    Dive into the science of water as campers explore the water cycle, meet amazing aquatic creatures, and discover how freshwater and saltwater habitats shape life around Barnegat Bay. Expect splashing, experimenting, and plenty of watery fun!

  • Week 5

    Plants and Pollinators
    July 20 - July 24

    During Week 5, we’ll get to know the backbone of life on Earth: plants! Campers will learn about the roles of insects in our ecosystems, the importance of native plants, and how plants and pollinators help each other live and thrive. Throughout the week, we will collect leaves and flowers, conduct experiments to learn how plants grow, investigate the life cycles of butterflies and other bugs, and get up close and personal with the tiny organisms that keep our forests, meadows, and wetlands alive.

  • Week 6

    Marvelous Mammals
    July 27 - July 31

    From tiny mice to massive marine mammals, campers will explore the fascinating world of mammals and learn how these animals survive on land and in the water. Tracks, games, and hands-on discoveries bring these amazing creatures to life!

  • Week 7

    The Wonderful World of Water Part II
    August 3 - August 7

    From fish and crustaceans to sharks and seashells, campers will take a deeper dive into marine life while exploring water chemistry, coastal habitats, and hands-on aquatic investigations. Get ready for science, creativity, and cooling off on hot summer days!

  • Week 8

    Hands in the Sand
    August 10 - August 14

    Dig into geology as campers explore rocks, sand, soil, fossils, and the forces that shape our planet. This hands-on week is perfect for curious kids who love to get messy while uncovering Earth’s hidden stories!

  • Week 9

    Habitat Heroes
    August 17 - August 21

    During the final week of camp, campers will discover how nature helps people—and how we can help nature—through games, scavenger hunts, cleanups, and creative upcycled projects. This empowering week inspires young environmental stewards to protect the places they love!

Sign up for Nature Discovery Camp Today!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • To drop off your camper, drive down our driveway (entrance at 7th St. and Navajo Dr.) and into the parking lot next to the Lighthouse Center Native Pollinator Meadow. Meet your groups at the Lighthouse Center central building and check in with camp staff. At pick-up, Children will only be released to their guardians and individuals names in the child’s files as approved for pick-up. Families must check in with their child’s counselors when picking up and signing their child out on the daily attendance sheet. Children will not be released to unauthorized persons under any circumstances.

    If a family would like to add or remove names from this list, they may do so by contacting the camp director at summercamp@nrefnj.org.

    Staff members are encouraged to check IDs if someone they do not recognize comes to pick up a child. Therefore, all adults should bring a form of ID to pick-up, even if they are on the authorized pick-up list.

  • Please do not bring your child to camp if they are feeling sick. This can include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, new and persistent cough, etc. Please let us know in advance through phone call or email.

  • Nature Discovery Camp will be full to the brim with outdoor experiences! All campers should wear comfortable clothing for outdoor activities and nature exploration. We advise wearing clothes that campers are comfortable getting dirty or wet in.

  • Campers should arrive each day with a backpack containing:

    • Water bottle

    • A healthy lunch

    • Snacks

    • Sunscreen

    • Bug spray

    • An extra set of play clothes.

    Items should be labelled with your camper’s name. No food will be provided.

  • Camp will continue rain or shine! Campers have the option to dress for a day of playing and exploring in the rain or remain indoors for the day’s activities. If the rain poses a safety issue such as heavy downpour, thunderstorm, or heavy winds, all campers will spend the day inside the Lighthouse Center building participating in structured activities and play.

  • All camp staff are trained to avoid hazards like poison ivy and to perform regular tick checks. Campers will be taught these skills as well. However, be sure to check your child for ticks thoroughly each day after camp.

  • We understand that sometimes, changes in plans are unavoidable.

    We require a 50% deposit payment at the time of registration to reserve a camper’s spot. The 50% deposit is 100% refundable before March 31st. Between April 1st and May 15th, the 50% deposit is 50% refundable. There will be no refund for any cancellations after May 15th. There will be no refund for no-shows.