Skip to content

Summer Nature Camp Information 2024

We know summers can be hectic and it’s helpful to plan ahead. Here is some information about White Memorial’s Summer Nature Camp 2024. Registration for all camps will open April 1 for members and April 15 for non-members. When that time comes, visit https://whitememorialcc.org/public-programs-for-children/ and click on the program you are interested in. If you are not a member, or need to renew your membership, you can do so at any time – https://whitememorialcc.org/join-renew/

Wonder Nature Camp
For Ages 4 & 5 (we cannot make exceptions)
Wednesdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31, and Aug. 7

9:30am – 11:30 am

These are weekly 2-hour programs on Wednesdays that take place both outdoors and in the Nature Museum. Activities such as hikes, story-time, games, and crafts will introduce young ones to the wonders of nature. Sign up either by session or for the whole series. Meet in the Nature Museum’s Children’s Corner. Wonder Camp is designed to be a drop-off program. However, if parents/grandparents would like to stay, please call to let us know.

Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Space is limited! Members: $15/session, Non-members: $25/session. Financial aid is available on a first-come, first-served basis – inquire by calling. Refunds will only be issued if a cancellation is made 2 weeks in advance of the program you booked. Upon registration, you will be mailed a confirmation letter and a permission slip. Please review this mailing closely and return the permission slip.

Discovery Nature Camp
Entering Grades 1 & 2 (we cannot make exceptions)
J
uly 8-12
July 15-19
July 22-26
July 29-Aug. 2 (added a 4th week!)
9:30am – 3:30pm each day


These are week-long sessions featuring outdoor adventures on the grounds of White Memorial, as well as games, books, songs, and crafts that help kids learn more about the natural world around them. Sign up by week or for multiple weeks. 
Meet on the lawn of the A.B. Ceder Room. 

Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Space is limited. Members: $150/week. Non-members: $210/week. Financial aid is available on a first-come, first-served basis – inquire by calling. Refunds will only be issued (minus a $20 processing fee per registration) if a cancellation is made 2 weeks in advance of the program you booked. 

Upon registration, you will be mailed a confirmation letter along with 4 important documents: a permission slip, a blank physical form, a medication authorization form, and a list of Policies and Procedures. Please review this mailing closely and return the necessary paperwork. Please be aware that each child must have an updated (within 36 months of camp date) physical in order to participate. We do not keep physicals on file from previous years your child was enrolled in camp.

Exploration Nature Camp
Entering Grades 3 & 4: July 8-12 & July 15-19
Entering Grades 5 & 6: July 22-26 & July 29 – Aug. 2
Entering Grades 7, 8 & 9: August 5-9
(We cannot make exceptions to stated grade ranges)
9:30-3:30pm each day

Kids entering grades 3 – 9 can join us for week-long sessions that immerse them in nature! All-day adventures will take us to unique parts of White Memorial property AND offsite to natural areas throughout northwestern CT. Activities include hiking trails, climbing mountains, learning to identify wildlife, collecting rocks, investigating aquatic life, exploring different ecosystems, and more. Meet in the A.B. Ceder Room.

Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Space is limited! Members: $180/week, Non-members: $240/week. Financial aid is available on a first-come, first-served basis – inquire by calling. Refunds will only be issued (minus a $20 processing fee per registration) if a cancellation is made 2 weeks in advance of the program you booked. 

Upon registration, you will be mailed a confirmation letter along with 4 important documents: a permission slip, a blank physical form, a medication authorization form, and a list of Policies and Procedures. Please review this mailing closely and return the necessary paperwork. Please be aware that each child must have an updated (within 36 months of camp date) physical in order to participate. We do not keep physicals on file from previous years your child was enrolled in camp.

THE 1934 OLD TOWN CANOE RAFFLE! MARCH 1 - 23, 2024

The Story of the Canoe:

The Conservation Center is in need of a beautiful new bird blind that (with permit approval) will grace the back of Ongley Pond. As fate would have it, Bunker Snyder formerly of Litchfield and now living in Colorado, had no need for his Grandfather’s 17′ 1934 Old Town Canoe! Bunker graciously donated the boat to White Memorial. The boat has a serial number and Foresters Mike Berry and Jody Bronson wasted no time researching the vessel. What was uncovered online was the original build sheet for the boat. Old Town began building the boat in 1933. It was shipped on April 2, 1934 to iconic outfitter Abercrombie & Fitch in New York. Bunker’s Grandfather purchased it there. The rest is history.

The Refurbishment:

Although in excellent used condition, the boat was in need of minor refurbishment. It was sent to restoration expert Frank Christinat in Norfolk for a minor facelift including newly caned seats, freshly sanded and varnished interior, and a fresh coat of paint.

The Raffle Package:

This exquisite boat is outfitted with two 57″ Shaw & Tenny varnished Penobscot ash paddles (donated by the White Memorial Foundation), a Frost River Vintage Pack (donated by Gerri Griswold),  and an Antique Cleopatra Seat (donated by Jody Bronson). The total value of this package is $3300.00.

Raffle Details:

Only 500 tickets are available. Each ticket is $20.00. The tickets go on sale at 12:00 a.m. March 1. The drawing will take place before our Full Flower Moon Hike, on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. Online ticket sales end May 21. You need not be present to win the Old Town Canoe Package. All proceeds from the raffle will help us build a gorgeous and very badly needed bird blind.

Click here to purchase your tickets online beginning March 1. 1934 Old Town Canoe Raffle Tickets

Tickets can also be purchased in the Museum or by phone by calling 860-567-0857.

Thanks so much for your support and Good Luck!

The 42nd Annual Family Nature Day is September 28, 2024!

Special Events/ Summer Camp Info