Outdoor Summer Day Camps
Nature-Based Learning and Discovery
Registration is open!
IslandWood’s outdoor Summer Day Camps on our Bainbridge Island campus boost children’s imaginations in rich natural settings. Our instructors are experienced environmental educators with a passion for creating experiences that unlock curiosity and understanding about our environment and our world.
The safety of your children is always of the utmost importance to us. We have carefully reviewed COVID-19 health and safety guidance from the CDC, Washington State Department of Health, Kitsap Public Health District, and the American Camp Association in developing our safety policies and procedures for running camps this summer. Of course, as this is an ever-changing situation, we’ll keep you updated on any changes in protocols and procedures.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Joan Hutchinson, Registrar, at joanh@islandwood.org or 206-855-4305.
IslandWood offers need-based scholarships for our summer camps. Contact Joan Hutchinson at joanh@islandwood.org for more information.
Our refund and cancellation policy is as follows:
- Full refund (less $40 processing fee) for cancellations at least four weeks before the start of camp.
- 50% refund for cancellations at least 2-4 weeks before the start of camp.
- Cancellations within two weeks of the start of camp are not eligible for refund. Exceptions may be considered in cases of extenuating circumstances.
Camps on Bainbridge Island
Through hands-on exploration that builds important social and academic skills, we offer a range of camps from marine science to cooking to journalism…something to inspire every child.
Our camps run from the last week of June through the first week of August. All camps run Monday through Friday.
Full-day camps run from 9:00 am – 3:30 pm, and are offered for campers entering 1st – 8th grades. Half-day camps run from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (AM session) and 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm (PM session), and are offered for campers starting at age 4 entering Pre-K and Kindergarten.
We offer full day camps for campers entering 1st through 8th grades and half day camps (both AM and PM sessions) for campers entering Pre-K and Kindergarten.
SUPER CRITTERS – Pre-K – K (AM & PM Groups) – $250
Ever wish you had super strength or the ability to stick to walls, fly, or disappear? Spend the week exploring the animal kingdom’s real-life superpowers in this camp that unveils nature’s coolest critters.
NATURE DETECTIVES – 1st – 2nd – $350 Sold Out!
Uncover hidden stories of the woods by using your senses during this week of observation. Learn bird language, track deer, and practice your sneaking skills, all while working together as a team of naturalists. Use IslandWood’s forest as your training ground on your quest to become an expert Nature Detective.
BUILDER’S QUEST – 3rd – 4th – $350 Sold Out!
Our forest is home to some of the world’s best architects. In this camp, you’ll explore incredible natural structures and then design and build your own forts and shelters as a team. You may even get a couple of new ideas for a certain video game…
FOREST TO SOUND – 5th – 6th – $350 Sold Out!
Explore the intricate connections of the Pacific Northwest’s many ecosystems, from deep within the forest down to the Puget Sound. Search for old-growth and young sections of our forest, and comb the beach at Blakely Harbor, all while practicing real-life science techniques on your quest for knowledge.
SPROUTING SCIENTISTS – Pre-K – K (AM & PM Groups) – $250
An introduction to science through colorful art projects, exciting experiments, and even a little magic.
CLAWS, PAWS, AND JAWS – 1st – 2nd – $350 Sold Out!
Head out on a forest safari with this camp all about wild creatures. Learn about what life is like for mammals, birds, invertebrates, and fish as you explore the awesome adaptations of nature’s coolest predators.
WILD DISCOVERY – 3rd – 4th – $350 Sold Out!
Take your observation skills to the next level as you dive into the science and tools used by zoologists around the world. Set camera traps for coyotes, study our resident owls, and create your own field guide in this camp for budding biologists.
ISLAND ODYSSEY – 5th – 6th – $350 Sold Out!
This camp is all about the journey – not the destination. Learn different techniques for navigating the wilderness, and create your own intricate scavenger hunt that explores areas of IslandWood that no camper has ever dared venture into before.
ENCHANTED FOREST – Pre-K – K (AM & PM Groups) – $250 Sold Out!
Who says fairytales aren’t real? See the forest in a whole new way as you search for gnomes, build houses for fairies, and discover mini lake monsters in this truly unique camp for kids with big imaginations.
H2OLOGY – 1st – 2nd – $350 Sold Out!
Explore the wonders of water during this wet and wacky week of camp. Check out incredible aquatic creatures, uncover the mysteries of the ocean, and dive deep into the science of ice, snow, fog, and glaciers.
SOIL TO SNACK – 3rd – 4th – $350 Sold Out!
Roll up your sleeves and see where your food really comes from. Explore edible plants in the forest, harvest exotic species from the garden, and turn it all into a tasty snack each day. Combine cooking with science in a week of delicious discovery.
HISTORY’S MYSTERIES – 5th – 6th – $350 Sold Out!
Ever wonder what life was like on Bainbridge Island 100 years ago? In this unique camp, hike around the south end of the island to uncover its hidden past and discover some of Bainbridge’s coolest spots and discover clues to unravel history’s mysteries.
YOUNG EXPLORERS – Pre-K – K (AM & PM Groups) – $250 Sold Out!
Could you survive in the wild? Animals and plants have all sorts of ways of adapting to life in our forest that we can learn from. Dive headlong into a week of adventure in this camp that’s all about kid-friendly wilderness skills.
EARTH ART – 1st – 2nd – $350 Sold Out!
Get creative in this camp for the artist in all of us. Try out new ways to express yourself – everything from food art to weaving – as you explore IslandWood’s forest.
UNDER THE SOUND – 3rd – 4th – $350 Sold Out!
Dive head-first into marine science as you explore Blakely Harbor and Fort Ward beach, and marvel at the cool critters and watery wonders of Puget Sound.
DIRT TO DINNER – 5th – 6th – $375 Sold Out!
Dive deep into gardening, harvesting, and cooking in this cool camp for aspiring chefs. Explore how energy is transferred from sun to soil, to seed, to food, and finally back to the earth. Make your lunch each day with ingredients from IslandWood’s forest and garden, and maybe even develop some recipes of your own.
MAKE-A-MESS ART – Pre-K-K (AM & PM Groups) – $250
Don’t hold back as you experiment with many different ways to make art. We’ll get messy as we explore the textures and colors of nature!
WOODLAND WIZARDRY – 1st – 2nd – $350 Sold Out!
Transport yourself into a magical world of spells, potions, and enchantments in this camp that looks at science in a whole new way. Earn your membership in IslandWood’s Young Naturalists of Magical Affinity Society during this week of exciting exploration.
NATURALIST 101 – 3rd – 4th – $350 Sold Out!
Put your outdoor skills to the test in this camp focusing on observation, tracking, and wilderness survival. Whip out your magnifying glass, focus your binoculars, and dust off your field guide for a week of immersing yourself in the woods.
EXPEDITION ART – 5th – 6th – $350 Sold Out!
Ever dream of working for National Geographic magazine? This camp combines writing, photography, art, and wilderness skills to help you become a master explorer. Produce your own magazine in this project-based camp like none other.
FOREST TO FARM TO TABLE – 7th – 8th – $375 Sold Out!
Learn how healthy forests and farms can co-exist in our watersheds, and discover our community’s cultural history as we visit iconic island farms. Throughout the week, we’ll explore sustainable farming practices as we source local produce to cook in the garden kitchen.
SQUIRMY, SLIMY SCIENCE – 1st – 2nd – $350 Sold Out!
Uncover nature’s weirdest, grossest, and wackiest phenomena in this camp for young scientists who aren’t afraid to get a little dirty. Do worms really have five hearts? Why do slugs produce slime? What is an owl pellet made of? Hold your nose and dive into these and plenty of other strange questions.
BIOMIMICRY BY DESIGN – 3rd – 4th – $350 Sold Out!
Whether it’s owls and aeronautics, or sharks and swimsuits, nature is always inspiring a better design. As you learn about the plants and animals on our land and waters, this camp will help inspire your own next great invention.
INNOVATORS AND ENGINEERS – 5th – 6th – $350 Sold Out!
Everyone can make a difference. Explore the amazing ways scientists, engineers, and architects have worked to create a healthier planet for us all. This camp for budding change-makers combines leadership with imagination, as you work as a team to craft ways to make the world a better place.
Summer Volunteer Opportunities and Internships
Are you in high school or in college, and like kids and the outdoors? Come volunteer with camp! You’ll work with our educators and campers and gain valuable experience in environmental education.
Opportunities for College Students
Our Summer Programs Internship provides current undergraduates valuable skills in teaching, behavior management, reflection, and community building. Each Intern is paired with an experienced educator to create meaningful, fun, and unique day camp experiences for children ages 4 through 15.
You will start the summer by getting to know our campus, then gradually work up to creating your own week-long day camp experience with the assistance of a mentor.
Strong applicants will be creative, curious, and flexible undergraduates or recent college graduates hoping to inspire lifelong community and environmental stewardship in children.
Opportunities for High School Students
We offer opportunities for rising freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors in high school to explore education as a career path through our Volunteers in Outdoor Leadership (VOL) program on our Bainbridge Island campus. Spend two weeks working closely with our educators and campers to learn teaching techniques for connecting kids with the natural world.
For more information, including application materials, contact Dawson Bell, Summer Programs Coordinator at dawsonb@islandwood.org.
For more information, including application materials, contact Dawson Bell, Summer Programs Coordinator at dawsonb@islandwood.org.
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