Outdoor Summer Day Camps
Nature-Based Learning and Discovery
Our outdoor Summer Day Camps on our Bainbridge Island campus and at Brightwater Education Center in Woodinville 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.
An update about summer 2020 camps:
We are looking forward to a slightly different, but still wonderful, season of camp!
The safety of your children is always of the utmost importance to us, and this summer obviously poses new issues around safety given the coronavirus. We have carefully reviewed all 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. As this is an ever-changing situation, we will 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 Mary Meier, Community Education Manager at marym@islandwood.org or 206.855.4361.
IslandWood offers need-based scholarships for our summer camps. Contact Joan Hutchinson at joanh@islandwood.org for more information.
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 third week of July through the second week of August. All camps run Monday through Friday, except for the Grand Adventure Overnight Camp.
Full-day camps run from 9:00 am – 4 pm, and are offered for campers entering 3rd – 8th grades.
We offer full day camps for campers entering 3rd through 8th grades.
UNDER THE SOUND – 3rd – 4th $375
Explore the beaches and tide pools around Bainbridge Island and visit the Seattle Aquarium to dive headfirst into marine science.
WILDLIFE OLYMPICS – 3rd – 4th $350
Celebrate the Summer Olympics by discovering which animals have adapted to move the fastest, swim the furthest, jump the highest. You’ll gain an appreciation for the amazing wildlife athletes of our world
WILD DISCOVERY – 3rd – 4th $350
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.
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 transformed from sun to soil to seed and then to food. Make your lunch each day with ingredients from IslandWood’s forest and garden and maybe develop some recipes of your own.
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 $375 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 SOUND – 5th – 6th $375
Explore the intricate connections of the Pacific Northwest’s ecosystems, from deep within the forest down to the Puget Sound. Search for old-growth, explore urban forests, and comb our beaches all while practicing real-life science techniques on your quest for knowledge.
FOREST TO FARM TO TABLE – 7th – 8th $375
We’re taking our most popular cooking camps to the next level for our veteran and most senior campers. Explore how sustainable farming can keep our ecosystems healthy, visit Bainbridge Island’s iconic and historic farms, and cook with IslandWood’s executive chef. All of this and still time for our favorite adventures on our campus and trails.
BIOMIMICRY BY DESIGN – 3rd – 4th $350 SOLD OUT!
Learn how the silent wing of an owl influenced airplanes, or sharkskin helped create speedier swimwear. Nature’s wisdom is all around and waiting to inspire your next great invention. Adventure through our forest and unlock the secrets of our local plants and animals as we tackle fun team design challenges.
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 $375 SOLD OUT!
This camp is about the journey – not the destination. Learn different techniques for navigating around the wild and create your own intricate scavenger hunt that explores areas of IslandWood no camper has dared to venture.
INNOVATORS AND ENGINEERS – 5th – 6th $350 – SOLD OUT!
Everyone can make a difference. Explore the amazing ways scientists, engineers, and architects have crafted 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 design ways to make the world a better place.
FOREST TO FARM TO TABLE – 7th – 8th $375
We’re taking our most popular cooking camps to the next level for our veteran and most senior campers. Explore how sustainable farming can keep our ecosystems healthy, visit Bainbridge Island’s iconic and historic farms, and cook with IslandWood’s executive chef. All of this and still time for our favorite adventures on our campus and trails.
Virtual Summer Camps
Designed to give kids ideas and activities to guide outdoor exploration, our virtual summer camps are a flexible and fun way to spark wonder and ignite curiosity!
From learning more about the plants and animals in your neighborhood, to exploring the natural world through art, to making a difference for the planet through science and engineering, there’s something to inspire every child.
Our virtual camps run August 10th-13th, 17th-20th, and 24th-27th.
All camps are held Monday through Thursday, with a group Zoom call from 10:00 –11:00 am, open time for campers to do suggested activities from 11:00 am –2:00 pm and then ending the day with another group Zoom call from 2:00 – 3:00pm.
We offer virtual camps for campers entering 3rd through 5th grades.
Each virtual camp is $75 per child. This cost includes a t-shirt and necessary supplies for each camp.
Would you like to make a difference for the planet? This camp is for budding change-makers to explore things you can do to help. Discover approaches that scientists, engineers, and architects use to create a healthier planet for us all. Discover how plants and animals are also shaping the world and what we can learn from them! In this camp you will explore incredible natural structures, then design and build your own to make the world a better place. This four-day camp is aimed at 3rd through 5th graders and includes online group sessions, activities, projects and challenges you can do outside!
Schedule: Camp is Monday through Thursday with a group Zoom call from 10:00 –11:00 am, open time for campers to do suggested activities from 11:00 am –2:00 pm and then ending the day with another group Zoom call from 2:00 – 3:00pm.
Art is not only fun, it’s a way of understanding and communicating your thoughts and ideas. In this camp, you’ll explore nature in your community and together, we’ll creatively express what you’re seeing and learning. We’ll use natural materials (things you can find outside!), as well as watercolor paints. This four-day camp is aimed at 3rd through 5th graders and includes online group sessions, an outdoor scavenger hunt, poetry, comics, and making masks, mobiles and leaf prints!
Schedule: Camp is Monday through Thursday with a group Zoom call from 10:00 –11:00 am, open time for campers to do suggested activities from 11:00 am –2:00 pm and then ending the day with another group Zoom call from 2:00 – 3:00pm.
Regardless of where you live, natural wonder is always there. Are you curious about the plants and animals that live outside your window? Take your observation skills to the next level as you explore the nature in your own neighborhood. Learn what life is like for different organisms and create your own field guide in this camp for budding biologists. This four-day camp is aimed at 3rd through 5th graders and includes both online group sessions and activities and projects you can do outside!
Schedule: Camp is Monday through Thursday with a group Zoom call from 10:00 –11:00 am, open time for campers to do suggested activities from 11:00 am –2:00 pm and then ending the day with another group Zoom call from 2:00 – 3:00pm.
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 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 Mary Meier, Community Education Manager at marym@islandwood.org.
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 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 Mary Meier, Community Education Manager at marym@islandwood.org.
For more information, including application materials, contact Mary Meier, Community Education Manager at marym@islandwood.org.
Grand Adventure Overnight Camp (SOLD OUT!)
Share adventures with your Grandparent or special loved one and make lasting memories during this special overnight camp. Explore the forest, wetlands, and pond as you visit magical treehouses, cross the suspension bridge, and climb the canopy tower. Enjoy family camp classics like capture the flag, a s’more roast and a nocturnal owl prowl. Enjoy a night together in one of our beautiful lodges and be nourished by our inspired cuisine.
Register for Grand Adventure Camp
August 10th and 11th, 2020 – SOLD OUT!
Family Package: $350
- The Family Package includes 1-2 adults, plus 1 child
- $50 per additional child
- This package also includes:
- Multi-day programming with our experienced educators
- Lodging in a bunk room (2 queens, 2 twins), private bathroom
- Mid-day field snacks
- Lunch on Day 1
- Dinner on Day 1
- S’mores at the Friendship Circle
- Breakfast on Day 2
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