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KNC Camp

Kids and teens love the Kalamazoo Nature Center summer camp in Kalamazoo, Michigan! Play outside with us while we step into fun adventures! Splash around in Nature’s Playground, explore the gravel pits and horse around with friends. Older campers will explore onsite at the Kalamazoo Nature Center with the chance for offsite adventures, team-building challenges, and more. We welcome kids of all abilities and will work closely with you to make sure your child has a great experience. Check out the summer camp themes below.

Coming Up Next

Summer Camp Registration Now Open
Weekly Camps begin June 8

Camp Open House

Register Here
Camps for All Ages, All Year!

School is OUT, and KNC Nature Camp is IN!  Join the KNC Camp staff for a day of fun while school is out for Kalamazoo Public Schools.  Each camp will offer hiking, outdoor adventure, arts and crafts, and visits from KNC animal ambassadors. Kids will meet at the Camp Barn for a day of fun and exploration in nature.

Read more & register >

Come explore the changes of the natural world at KNC Camp. Campers will engage in daily activities, hikes, and learn about seasonal topics.
Weekly Camps for Ages 4 - Grade 8
Each summer, we invite you to splash,
explore, and play in Nature’s Playground, roam the gravel pits, and have a blast with friends.
Contact Us

Tanequa Hampton
Camp Director
(269) 381-1574 ext 101
thampton@naturecenter.org

Registration:
KNC Registrar
269-381-1574 ext 2
register@naturecenter.org

Each summer, our campers will venture around the Kalamazoo Nature Center with opportunities for DeLano Farm adventures, team-building challenges, and exciting nature experiences. Our environmental education staff will facilitate fun and engaging science and discovery experiences each week.

Campers will develop a strong connection to nature and be inspired to care for our planet. They will find a sense of belonging while they make connections with counselors and peers. We welcome kids of all abilities and work closely with families to ensure every child has a safe, fun, and unforgettable camp experience. The Kalamazoo Nature Center Summer Camp in Kalamazoo, MI is the perfect place to send your kids and teens!

Financial Assistance is available. We believe in making camp accessible to everyone. To apply for financial assistance, please complete our Financial Assistance Application >

Check out the weekly themes below and get ready for a summer of adventure!

Weekly Themes

Junior Naturalists Camp: PreK-Kindergarten

If nature is your favorite playground, KNC Camp is the place to be! Explore fascinating habitats, learn about plants and animals, and practice fun outdoor skills. Sing songs, make crafts, and play games with new friends. Each morning is packed with exciting activities planned by our caring counselors, and special themed activities each session adds even more adventure. Come ready to play, explore, and make new discoveries!

9 AM–NOON MONDAY–FRIDAY | SNACK INCLUDED | $220.50 MEMBER, $245 NON-MEMBER

Session 1: June 8-12 | Habitat Sweet Habitat   Discover who lives where, as you explore the different habitats at KNC! Meet a live wildlife neighbor and learn what makes a thriving “nature neighborhood”! 

Session 2: June 15-19 | Sense-sational Art  Use all your senses to create! Paint with your hands, listen to the songs of musical birds, and hike through the outdoors to discover every color of the rainbow. 

Session 3: June 22-26 | Scales N’ Slime   Summer is for catching frogs and searching for turtles, but there’s more to these creatures than scales and slime! Meet a LIVE turtle and discover all the amazing things that make reptiles and amphibians so special. 

Session 4: July 6-10 | Water World I  Make a splash this summer by exploring ponds, streams, and rivers! Play fun water games and meet aquatic critters to discover the untold stories of their wet and wild lifestyle.   

Session 5: July 13-17 | Growl, Stomp, Roar!  It’s time for dinosaurs! Travel back in time at the Gravel Pit and hunt for fossils. Meet a modern relative of the dinosaurs and uncover their scaly secrets! 

Session 6: July 20-24 | Bug Heroes!  The Glowbug Guardian! Monarch Marvels! Captain Crunch Ant! Who are these tiny superheroes? Get up close with live insects and go on a bug safari to find their unknown lairs.   

Session 7: July 27- 31 | Mini Survival  Campers discover simple outdoor skills, and how animals use adaptations to survive, explore nature, build shelters together, and learn to camouflage. 

Session 8: August 3-7 | Water World II  Cool off before school starts by exploring ponds, streams, and rivers! Play fun water games and meet aquatic critters to discover the untold stories of their wet and wild lifestyle. 

Session 9: August 10-14 | Junior Detectives  Campers become nature explorers! As detectives, we’ll look for animal tracks, peek into cozy habitats, and discover surprising things about plants and animals. Every discovery is a nature mystery! 

Junior Farmers Camp

Get down on the farm and explore trails, tractors, gardens, and more at DeLano Farms! Make art, play games, enjoy nature walks, and listen to stories with friends at KNC Camp. Discover the farm, prairie, pond, forest, and Visitor Center with caring and creative counselors. Each session features age-appropriate farm and nature activities, highlighting the changes the farm goes through during the growing season. Grow new friendships, learn about life on the farm, and have a blast! Tuesday and Thursday drop-off and pick-up will be at DeLano Farms. 
9 AM – NOON, MONDAY–FRIDAY at KNC Camp and DeLano Farms
SNACK INCLUDED
$220.50 MEMBER, $245 NON-MEMBER   

Session 4: July 6-10 | Junior Farmers- 9am to Noon
Session 6: July 20- 24 | Junior Farmers- 9am to Noon  

Nature’s Way Preschool Camps are located at Nature’s Way Preschool, 4442 Oakland Dr, Kalamazoo.  
 
Nature’s Way Preschool Alumni Camp is open to students who attended Nature’s Way Preschool and are entering grades kindergarten through fifth grade. Return to Nature’s Way Preschool to visit your favorite hiking spots and participate in your favorite NWP activities. The staff at NWP is excited to welcome you back for some fun in our woods!
 
Nature’s Way Preschool Camp runs 9:00 a.m. – Noon, Monday-Friday. Fee: $245/Member
 
Session 1: June 8 – 12, 2026
Session 2: June 15 – 19, 2026
Session 3: July 13 – 17, 2026
Session 4: July 20 – 24, 2026

Explorers Camp: Grades 1-3

Become a Nature Explorer! Spend the day outdoors discovering the wonders of prairies, forests, and wetlands. Play fun games with new friends and awesome counselors, get creative in the Camp Art Room, cool off at the Water Tower Sprinkler, and explore the Nature Play Area and KNC hiking trails. Each camp session also features special themed activities to spark curiosity and adventure—come ready to explore and play! 
9 AM–4 PM, MONDAY–FRIDAY | $288 MEMBER, $320 NON-MEMBER

Session 1: June 8-12 | Habitat Haven  Wetlands, prairies, forests—oh my! Hike KNC’s grounds to explore different habitats and discover which animals each call home. Build forts in the forest, catch bugs with nets in the prairie, and uncover the magic of nature all around you!   

Session 2: June 15-19 | Crafting Critters  Animals are artists, just like you! Build nests, make tracks and design webs to unleash your inner animal artist! 

Session 3: June 22-26 | Reptiles and Ribbits   If you think turtles are terrific and frogs are fun, hop on over! Take a hike to see which critters are out and about, then get an up-close look at KNC’s animal ambassadors to discover what makes each one unique. 

Session 4: July 6-10 | Let’s Splash   Calling for summer fun in the water! Dive into the world of water by exploring ponds, streams, rivers, and more. Learn to read the sky, uncover hidden sources of water, and meet fascinating aquatic animals along the way!  

Session 5: July 13-17 | Paleo-Sleuths  Become a dinosaur detective! Unearth fossil evidence and follow clues from Earth’s history to learn all about prehistoric animals. Meet a modern dino relative and see how they compare with their ancient ancestors.   

Session 6: July 20-24 | Insect Impossible   I spy with my little eye…insects! Play games that mimic bugs’ super skills and embark on a bug safari to find their hidden “hideouts.” Get up close with live insects and discover why these tiny creatures would make the best secret agents on Earth! 

Session 7: July 27- 31 | Adapting to Survive  Learn how to live in the woods from master survivalists—animals! Discover the special tools animals use to thrive outdoors, then try out your own outdoor skills, like building shelters, to see what works best in nature. 

Session 8: August 3-7 | Last Splash  Last call for summer fun! Dive into the world of water by exploring ponds, streams, rivers, and more. Learn to read the sky, uncover hidden sources of water, and meet fascinating aquatic animals along the way! 

Session 9: August 10-14 | Mystery in the Woods  Campers follow clues, investigate plants and animals, and solve little mysteries in the great outdoors! Uncover nature’s secrets. 

Wild Child Camp: Grades 4-5

What could be better than spending a full day exploring the coolest parts of KNC? Hike the trails and see where they lead, make new friends, and connect with our amazing counselors while living out your favorite adventures. Explore the DeLano Homestead, practice outdoor skills, shoot arrows at archery, create art, and cool off with water fun! Each camp session also features special themed activities to keep the excitement going—come ready to play, discover, and make memories!

9 AM–4 PM, MONDAY–FRIDAY | $288 MEMBER, $320 NON-MEMBER

Session 1: June 8-12 | Wild Homes  Get ready to dig into the wild world of habitats! From forests and fields to ponds and streams, campers will discover how plants and animals work together to make each habitat unique. We’ll explore what living things need to survive — and how we can help protect their homes. 

Session 2: June 15-19 | A Heart for Art   Does nature inspire you? Let KNC be your canvas! Whether you love to paint, draw, write, play music, or weave, this is the week for you. Use the sights, sounds, and colors of nature as your guide and watch your creativity soar! 

Session 3: June 22-26 | Cold-Blooded Creatures   Slither, hop, and crawl into the world of reptiles and amphibians! Campers will discover what makes these animals so unique as they explore habitats, compare scales and slime, and learn how cold-blooded creatures survive in different environments. Let’s uncover the secrets of these animals. 

Session 4: July 6-10 | Wade Right In    Get ready to splash and explore as we dive into the wonders of our most precious resource—water! Learn to fish, explore KNC’s ponds, streams, and rivers, study the pond ecosystem, and meet LIVE aquatic creatures up close. 

 Session 5: July 13-17 | Tracking History   It’s time to peek into the past to see the future! Begin with dinosaurs on a hike to the Gravel Pit, then discover other ancient animals. Follow the trail of history to learn how people have worked alongside animals and explore what these lessons mean for our future. 

 Session 6: July 20-24 | Buggy Site   Let’s search high and low for insects in KNC’s diverse habitats! Take part in a Citizen Science project by tracking sightings of Monarch Butterflies. Build a bug hotel to create a cozy home for insects near you. It’s sure to be a fun and buggy week! 

 Session 7: July 27- 31 | Wilderness Survival   Do you have what it takes to survive in the wild? Campers will learn real outdoor skills like building shelters, navigating using nature, and finding safe water sources—all while discovering how animals rely on their own survival strategies every day. Adventure, problem-solving, and nature exploration await! 

Session 8: August 3-7 | Wade Right in Again   Get ready to splash again and explore as we dive into the wonders of our most precious resource—water! Learn to fish, explore KNC’s ponds, streams, and rivers, study the pond ecosystem, and meet LIVE aquatic creatures up close. 

Session 9: August 10-14 | Eco Detectives   Become a detective of the outdoors! Follow animal tracks, explore different habitats, and solve nature’s mysteries. Along the way, you’ll sharpen your observation skills, uncover hidden clues, and make exciting discoveries about the plants and animals that call the outdoors home.

Adventure Skills: 6th- 8th Grade   

Campers will build outdoor skills, learn to aim on the archery range, and leadership and teamwork experience through “low ropes” challenge initiatives, and KNC service projects when available. Each session also includes special themed activities to enhance the experience. Note: Participants should be able to carry a 30-pound pack, walk two miles each day, and learn to use backcountry bathroom techniques if facilities are unavailable. 

ADVENTURE SKILLS RUNS 9 AM–4PM, MONDAY–FRIDAY
$288 MEMBER, $320 NON-MEMBER   

Session 1: June 8-12 | Habitat Investigators  Step into the role of an ecologist as we uncover the science behind habitats and the species that call them home! Campers will explore how ecosystems function and investigate real-world environmental challenges. Together, we’ll learn how small changes can impact an entire habitat — and what we can do to protect these vital ecosystems. 

Session 2: June 15- 19 | Natural Artistry  You’ve drawn and painted—now it’s time to try something new! Make your own sculptures using materials from nature, experiment with clay, explore photography as a shutterbug, and discover creative mediums you might not expect. Practice the classics while letting your imagination run wild! 

Session 3: June 22-26 | Adaptations in Action  Take a closer look at the fascinating world of reptiles and amphibians! Campers will explore the science behind these cold-blooded species — from unique adaptations and life cycles to their vital roles in ecosystems.  We’ll investigate where they live, how they survive, and what we can do to protect them and their habitats.

Session 4: July 6-10 | In the Deep  Water is life! Go fishing at Source Pond, test water quality with fun experiments, and search for macroinvertebrates. Wade in Trout Run while painting with watercolors, then cool off with a splashy water war with friends. 

 Session 5: July 13-17 | Prehistoric World  Step back in time and uncover the secrets of Earth’s ancient past! Campers will explore how paleontologists study fossils to learn about dinosaurs and the ecosystems they once ruled. Dig for fossils and conduct scientific investigations. Get ready to think like a scientist and uncover the mysteries of the Mesozoic Era! 

 Session 6: July 20-24 | Bugged Out   Get ready to dig deeper into the world of insects! Explore KNC’s diverse habitats to uncover how bugs survive, adapt, and thrive. Contribute to real science by tracking Monarch Butterfly sightings as part of a community science project and designing your own bug hotel to support local pollinators. It’s a hands-on week of discovery that’s buzzing with adventure! 

Session 7: July 27–31 | Survival Master  Test your instincts and learn to thrive in the wild! Campers will dive into advanced outdoor survival skills—building shelters, purifying water, safely starting fires, and navigating with maps and natural clues. Along the way, discover how both people and animals adapt to survive in challenging environments. Adventure awaits! 

 Session 8: August 3-7 | In the Deep II  Water is life! Go fishing at Source Pond, test water quality with fun experiments, and search for macroinvertebrates. Wade in Trout Run while painting with watercolors, then cool off with a splashy water war with friends.  

Session 9: August 10-14 | Secrets of the Wild  Put on your detective hat and get ready to solve the mysteries of the natural world! Campers will investigate puzzling tracks, hidden habitats, and curious animal behaviors while honing their observation and critical thinking. Hunt for clues and uncover the secrets of forests, streams, and wildlife, learning how every piece of nature is connected. 

Neurodiversity Naturalists Camp: 7-10 years old  

This camp is designed to support campers with special needs, providing experiences that allow all children to learn, explore, and find joy in nature. Search for water creatures, draw, and identify insects along with the plants they depend on. Dig into the underground to discover grubs, slugs, and other soil-loving critters. 

Each day is filled with wonder, exploration, sensory-friendly play, nature art, hands-on activities, and learning how different aspects of the environment work together. Led by experienced staff, this camp maintains a 1:3 adult-to-child ratio to provide individualized attention. 

All youth are welcome to register for any KNC program. This session is specifically designed for children with unique learning needs. Questions are encouraged to help determine if this is the right fit. Please bring lunch if a snack is not enough. If your child prefers a smaller crowd, join the alternative Open House on Saturday, June 6th, 9–10 am. 

NEURODIVERSITY NATURALISTS CAMP RUNS 10 AM–1 PM, MONDAY–FRIDAY | SNACK INCLUDED   

$243 MEMBER, $270 NON-MEMBER   

Session 4: July 6-10 | Uniquely You   Each day follows the same schedule but has different activities based on the campers’ interests that register for the week.   

Neurodiversity Adventure Camp: Ages 11-15

This camp is designed to support campers with unique learning needs. Explore the wilderness with compass and mapping skills, uncover history in the rocks, journey through the solar system, and discover why we have seasons. Counselors will work closely with registered participants to select weekly themes, starting with these ideas. 

Led by experienced staff, this camp maintains a 1:3 adult-to-child ratio to ensure individualized attention. All youth are welcome to register for any camp program. Questions are encouraged to determine if this is the right fit. If your child prefers a smaller crowd, join the Open House alternative on Saturday, June 6th, from 9–10 am. 

 “NEURODIVERSITY ADVENTURE CAMP” RUNS 10 AM–1 PM, MONDAY–FRIDAY | SNACK INCLUDED   Please bring lunch if a snack is not enough for your child.  

$243 MEMBER, $270 NON-MEMBER  

Session 7: July 27-31 | Uniquely You   Each day follows the same schedule but has different activities based on the camper’s interests that register for the week. 

Register Here
Details & Registration
children holding fresh garlic on a farm

How to Register

  • Register online >  Online registration lets you register, pay, and receive confirmation. Instructions on how to fill out and return forms will be included in the registration page description and confirmation email.  
  • Register by mail  Complete a form for each camper you are registering, then mail it with payment to: Kalamazoo Nature Center 
    7000 N. Westnedge Ave. Kalamazoo, MI 49009-6309

Questions? Call us at (269) 381-1574 ext. 24.

Participation in KNC programs is open to everyone. KNC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, veteran status, height, weight, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or political affiliation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few of the often asked questions about registering for Camp. Our goal is to make sure your child has a great experience. Please contact us with any questions, and we look forward to seeing you this summer!

Registration Discounts

  • KNC Member Discount: Become a member and get the best value when signing up for camp. Your family membership includes discounted camp rates and free admission to the Kalamazoo Nature Center all year! Just fill out the membership section on the camp registration form and then apply for the membership discount to all your children’s camps.   
  • Early ONLINE Registration: Register for camp online before December 31st and receive $10 off each week-long program in addition to member discounts!   
  • Financial Assistance: To apply for financial assistance, please complete our Financial Assistance Application >

Refund and Cancellation Policy

We are grateful for all families and children getting outdoors, learning and exploring nature with KNC Camp.  We understand life can hold unexpected changes.  In hopes of offering quality programs with sustainable support, the following policy will guide KNC’s Camp refund practices.   

Please notify us as soon as possible if you decide to cancel your camper’s enrollment in any session so we can open the spot to waiting campers. Please send in writing (email or mail) your name, the camper’s name and the session you are cancelling.  

Camp Registration Deadline:  

  • Each session’s registration closes the Wednesday 5PM before the camp start date. This includes registration for the camp session and bussing.
  • We are not able to make exceptions if families miss the deadline. This allows staff to prepare all necessary paperwork related to the safety and health information for each camper.  

Registrant Cancellations  

  • We understand some parts of life cannot be planned for. We have worked hard to balance a refund policy that considers your needs and helps us sustain our summer camp offerings.
  • Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
  • Payments must be made in full, 30 days prior to your session beginning.
  • Registrants who cancel more than 30 days before their camp session start date will receive a full refund, minus the camp deposit
  • Registrants who cancel 14 to 29 days before their camp session start date will receive a 50% refund, minus the camp deposit
  • Registrants who cancel within two weeks of their session’s start date will not receive a refund.
  • Cancellations due to camper illness, homesickness, injury, or other emergency, provided the camper is unable to attend an alternate session, will require a physician’s written verification before a refund, minus the camp deposit, will be issued.
  • Cancellations due to personal reasons will not be refunded.
  • Session fees will not be refunded if a camper is sent home due to behavioral or health issues.

Switching Sessions

  • Before session registration closes, there is no fee for switching to another available camp session for the same price once. If the new session price is higher, the registrant will pay the difference. If the new session price is lower, the difference will be refunded. Requests to switch sessions after registration has closed will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and are subject to session availability.

 

KNC Camp Cancellations

  • If KNC cancels one or more camp sessions due to circumstances beyond our control and the camper is unable to attend an alternate session, all fees will be refunded (or prorated if a camp session was in process).
  • In the event of inclement weather, KNC will provide prorated credits only if there are 2 or more camp days canceled due to weather. Cancellations made after 12:30 pm will not count towards the 2-day minimum. No credits will be otherwise provided due to weather cancellations.
  • All refunds will be issued in the same manner as payment. If the payment was made in cash, then a check will be issued.

We are grateful for our camp families. Thank you for your trust and support!

Ride the Bus to Camp!

Save fuel by riding the KNC Camp Bus! Pick the stop that works best for you and register your child(ren) for the KNC Camp Bus along with their Camp session. The fee for AM and PM pickup is $30 per session.  If you only need AM or PM the cost is $15 per session.  We offer convenient stops throughout Kalamazoo and Portage, both to and from camp, Monday through Friday, as referenced in the schedule below.  

  • Buses only run to and from KNC from the scheduled stops and at the scheduled times. Please arrive at least 5 minutes early at your stop. 
  • Buses will not leave campers unsupervised at bus stops, unless you have indicated on the registration form that they will walk home. If no one is at the stop to meet non-walkers, campers will be returned to the KNC Camp Barn, where an authorized person will need to pick them up. 
  • Please keep in mind that there is no middle-of-the-day bussing. If you have a half-day camper in the Jr. Naturalist or Jr. Farmer group, there is only one-way bussing available. AM groups can ride the bus to camp but must be picked up at noon on-site. There are no bussing options for Neurodiversity camps as their start and end times do not align with our bus schedule.  

Bus Schedule (Monday through Friday)  

Please arrive at least 5 minutes early to your stop. MORNING BUSES WILL LEAVE THE STOP AT THE TIMES BELOW. Afternoon buses arrive at the times below, will wait 5 minutes, then depart.  

Bus Stop Leaves Returns 
West Main Street: Maple Hill Mall (Parking lot in front of Burlington, 5022 West Main Street, Kalamazoo)7:40 am 5:20 pm 
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (Rear parking lot, 1747 W Milham Ave, Portage)  7:55 am 5:05 pm 
Parkwood-Upjohn School (Park Street side, near parking lot, 2321 S Park St, Kalamazoo) 8:10 am  4:50 pm 
Bronson Park (St. John’s Place, next to First Presbyterian Church steps on South Street, 200 S Rose St, Kalamazoo) 8:20 am 4:40 pm 
Kalamazoo Eastside Neighborhood Association (front parking lot, 1301 E Main St, Kalamazoo) 8:30 am 4:30 pm 
Lincoln Elementary (by front parking lot, 912 N Burdick St, Kalamazoo) 8:40 am 4:20 pm 
Interfaith Homes (By the sign outside of the main driveway, 1037 Interfaith Blvd, Kalamazoo)    8:50 am 4:10 pm
Explore More

Nature's Playground

Open year-round; water features run during Visitor Center hours
April – September (weather permitting)

Relax as you watch your kids play in the stream, build forts, and wander through the natural play areas. Better yet, join in the fun! 

Nature’s Playground, located in the KNC Arboretum, is included in regular KNC admission and FREE to Members!

Plan Your Visit

Programs & Events

At KNC, we invite people of all ages to reconnect with the natural world through hikes, programs, special events, and more. From Preschool Explorers to Silver Maples, there’s something for everyone and every interest. Check out the calendar for upcoming programs!

Calendar of Events

Step into Nature, Leave Wilder!

Become a Member