Nature Discovery Camp is operated by the Natural Resource Education Foundation of New Jersey, and it is held at the Lighthouse Center in Waretown, NJ. Camp is led by experienced environmental educators and supported by trained counselors, including college students and emerging professionals with backgrounds in environmental science, education, and related fields.

All staff complete orientation and training prior to the start of camp to ensure a safe, supportive, and engaging experience for every camper.

Each day blends structured programming with guided exploration and outdoor discovery.

A typical day may include:

• Morning welcome circle

• Outdoor habitat exploration or hands-on science activity

• Snack break

• Creative arts, crafts, or project-based learning

• Lunch

• Afternoon exploration, games, and themed activities

We intentionally balance structured activities with time for curiosity, movement, and nature-based play.

Yes. Campers are grouped by age to ensure activities are developmentally appropriate and engaging. Our youngest campers (ages 5–6) participate in activities designed to match their interests, energy levels, and attention spans, while still enjoying the broader camp community experience.

We maintain small group sizes to ensure safety, supervision, and meaningful engagement. 

For the 9-12 age group, there will be one instructor for every 12 campers.
For our youngest campers (ages 5–8), we prioritize a low camper-to-staff ratio - one instructor for every 8 campers - to provide additional guidance and support.

Each age group will have a minimum of two instructors with them at all times.

Yes. Staff members are trained in First Aid and CPR, and at least one certified individual is onsite at all times during camp hours.

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.

Bathroom breaks are built into the daily schedule, and younger campers are regularly reminded and encouraged to communicate when they need to go. Counselors accompany younger groups as needed to ensure safety and comfort.

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.

Our grounds are open to the public from sunrise to sunset. All are welcome to visit the Lighthouse Center property, however, buildings may be winterized or not regularly staffed outside of camp season.

We host open house events and information sessions in the spring where families can tour facilities, meet staff, and learn more about camp. Please contact us if you’d like to be notified about upcoming dates.

Yes. The first child is registered at full price, and each additional sibling receives a 10% discount for the same week(s) of camp.

Once the first child has been registered for camp, you will receive a registration confirmation email containing a discount code that can be applied to the registration order for an additional child for the week(s) of camp.

We are not able to offer makeup days for individual absences. Staffing and materials are prepared in advance based on weekly enrollment.

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.

We’re happy to help!

Email us at SummerCamp@nrefnj.org
or
Call us at (609) 698-8003