DelNature Summer Camps

Nature, Friends, and Adventure All Summer Long

Children carrying a log together outdoors.

Get Out in Nature with DelNature Summer Camps!

Summer at Delaware Nature Society is filled with exploration, creativity, and outdoor fun. Campers hike trails, meet wildlife, play games, and build lasting friendships while learning through hands-on adventure.

Camps are offered at:Camps are offered at:

  • Abbott’s Mill Nature Center (Milford)
  • Ashland Nature Center (Hockessin)
  • Coverdale Farm Preserve (Greenville)

Delaware Summer Camp FAQs

  • Members: February 2 at 8:30 AM
  • Non-members: February 9 at 8:30 AM

Membership isn’t required, but members save 15% and get early registration access. Sign up for membership here.

Camps are available for children who have completed kindergarten through grade 9.
Leadership roles are available for high school students.
Preschool Summer Fun programs are offered for ages 3–5.

Extended care is offered at Ashland only:
Before Camp: 7:30–8:30 AM ($60/week)
After Camp: 3:00–6:00 PM ($100/week)

Lunch, water, snacks, and clothes suitable for outdoor play. Full packing lists are available in the Parents Corner below.

Yes. See Summer Camp Scholarships below.

Registration & Membership

Membership Benefits

  • 15% off camp tuition and extended care
  • Early registration access
  • Free admission to preserves
  • Year Round Discounts on programs for all ages
  • Spring Native Plant Sale Members Day
  • Discounts on birthday parties and facility rentals
  • Exclusive Members Only programs
  • Member perks at The Market at Coverdale
  • Discounts at select Retail Partners
  • Reciprocal Admission to select nature centers nationwide through The Association of Nature Center Administrators (ANCA)
  • Support DelNature’s efforts to preserve and protect our environment

Summer Camp Scholarships

We believe every child should have access to outdoor learning. Scholarship funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Camp & Public Program Scholarships

Support is based on household size, income, and program availability. Applicants will be notified after review.

For scholarship inquiries, contact:
Glynne Nagle

Parents Corner – Learn About & Prepare for Camp

Camp Season & Hours

Camp runs early June through late August.

Regular Camp Hours: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Grown-Up & Me: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Pre-K Summer Fun: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Extended Camp (Ashland only):
Before: 7:30 – 8:30 AM
After: 3:00 – 6:00 PM
(Not available final week of camp.)

Once registration opens, Extended Camp can be added when selecting sessions on the Activities Calendar. Members receive a 15 % discount.

What to Bring & Wear

All Campers:

  • Backpack with lunch, water, and snacks
  • Change of clothes and shoes
  • Non-aerosol sunscreen and insect repellent
  • Closed-toe shoes
  • Weather-appropriate clothing

Specialty Camps:

  • Kayak/Canoe: Waterproof bag, water shoes, towel, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, full water bottle
  • Cooking: Closed-toe shoes, hair tied back, containers for food samples

Core Policies & Safety Information

DelNature Behavior Policy: 

  • Absence: If your child will miss a day, please notify staff early using the contact listed in your Camp Letter.
  • Non-Parent Pick-Up: Add authorized pick-up people during registration or through the front desk. Photo ID is checked daily.
  • Inclement Weather: Campers will be kept in safe, dry areas during storms. Pick-up may be delayed.
  • Lunch & Snacks: Families provide all food; refrigeration not available. Bring a cold pack if needed.
  • Health & Allergies: All allergies (food or other), emotional, physical, and behavioral exceptionalities, restrictions, or medical needs must be listed on your child’s registration form, so that we can ensure they have a safe and quality camp experience. Bring any medications labeled and in a Ziploc bag when you drop off your child. Medications must be accompanied by a Parent Permission Form for Medication. Medications must be handed to a staff member at check-in on Monday morning.
  • Sick Policy: Please screen your child daily for illness. Campers showing symptoms will be sent home.
  • Photo Release: By consenting at registration, you allow DelNature to use photos/videos in support of its mission.
  • Refunds & Transfers:
    • Before June 1: Full refund if the spot can be filled from the waitlist (otherwise $100 cancellation fee).
    • After June 1: Fees are non-refundable.
    • Two transfers allowed; $35 fee for additional changes.
  • Vaccination Requirements: Two MMR and one DPT shot required at registration.
  • Potty Training: Staff are not equipped for diaper changes.

Early Childhood Summer Programs

Preschool Summer Fun (Ages 3–5)

Hours: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Drop-off: 8:20 – 8:45 AM
Pick-up: 11:45 AM – 12:00 PM

Bring:

  • Small backpack with snack and water
  • Change of clothes
  • Labeled sunscreen and insect repellent

Wear:

  • Comfortable, weather-ready clothes
  • Closed-toe shoes

Notes:

  • Water play may occur (families notified in advance)
  • Screen for illness daily
  • Staff cannot provide diaper changes

Grown-Up & Me (Ages 3–4)

Hours: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Bring:

  • Small backpack with snack and water
  • Change of clothes
  • Labeled sunscreen and insect repellent

Wear:

  • Comfortable, weather-ready clothes
  • Closed-toe shoes

Notes:

  • Screen for illness daily
  • Water play may occur

Camp Locations & Daily Logistics

Ashland Nature Center

Drop-off: 8:20 – 8:45 AM (Main Lot)
Pick-up: 2:45 – 3:15 PM
Extended Care Available

Coverdale Farm Preserve

Drop-off: 8:20 – 8:45 AM
Pick-up: 2:45 – 3:00 PM

Abbott’s Mill Nature Center

Drop-off: 8:20 – 8:45 AM
Pick-up: 2:45 – 3:15 PM

Day-Off Camps

When school is out, nature is in session.
Children in grades K–6 spend the day exploring wildlife, playing outdoor games, and working on seasonal science projects.

Location: Ashland Nature Center
Time: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Meet Our Staff

Our experienced educators and program leaders make every camp week unforgettable. They are trained in outdoor safety, environmental education, and youth leadership.

Our Summer Camp and Program Team Leaders

Portrait of Katie Fisher

Katie Fisher

Ashland

Portrait of Malinda Alexander-Rosario

Malinda Alexander-Rosario

DEEC

Portrait of Mindy Brown

Mindy Brown

Coverdale

Portrait of Wendy Scott

Wendy Scott

Abbott’s Mill

DelNature is proud to be a Beau Biden Foundation Shield of Protection Partner, committed to the safety and well-being of every child.

Join Our Camp Team

Each summer, DelNature hires passionate educators, college students, and teen leaders to help bring camp to life.


Camp Instructor (18+)

First Aid/CPR certified, background-checked.


Summer Education Intern (18+)

Supports education programs for ages 3–15.


Camp Counselor (16+)

Leads activities for children ages 5–12 and builds teamwork.


Environmental Leaders
(In Grades 9-12)

Assist with camp programs and continue leadership work year-round.