Nature-Focused Youth Summer Programs In & Around Baltimore City – 2023
Information was compiled by the Baltimore Office of Sustainability from web sources and is current as of May 1, 2023. Listing does not imply an endorsement. To suggest corrections or additions, please email: sustainability@baltimorecity.gov.
Located in Baltimore City
Backyard Basecamp Summer Camp
Operated by: Backyard Basecamp
Description: Backyard Basecamp was founded to introduce, educate, and connect families in Baltimore, especially People of Color, to local outdoor spaces. Join Backyard Basecamp this summer for a nature-based outdoor day camp experience for kids, running daily from 9am-2pm. Snacks and lunch provided, before and aftercare provided at an additional cost, scholarships available. Priority registration for families in the 21206 zip code.
Ages: 5-13
Dates: 7/5-21 and 8/2-18
Location: BLISS Meadows Farm (5105 Plainfield Ave, Baltimore, MD 21206)
Cost: Sliding scale, $450-750
Registration: https://backyardbasecamp.campbrainregistration.com/
B’More Summer Fun Camp [waitlist only]
Operated by: Baltimore City Department of Recreation & Parks
Description: The B’More Summer Fun program is a predominantly outdoor program for youth ages 5 to 12 and is hosted at 6 sites citywide. Kids can get excited for games, nature exploration, STEM activations, pick-up sports, crafts, and more. The Summer Fun program will have 7 total swim days but please note, there are no field trips associated with this program.
Ages: 5-12 (waitlist only)
Dates: 6/26-8/18 (waitlist only)
Location: Various recreation centers.
Cost: $25
Camp Baltimore [some locations available, some waitlist only]
Operated by: Baltimore City Department of Recreation & Parks
Description: Baltimore City Recreation and Parks’ Camp Baltimore offers a variety of affordable and enriching summer camp activities at a wide variety of locations! Campers can look forward to a summer filled with enrichment, field trips, nature outings, sports and swimming. The camp will have 7 total swim days and an additional 7 field trip days. The camps will feature specialty personal development and enrichment programming presented by local community partners.
Ages: 5-13
Dates: 6/26-8/18
Location: Various recreation centers. Spots available at Curtis Bay, Lakeland, Morrell Park, Middle Branch, and Samuel F.B. Morse recreation centers; other sites are waitlist only.
Cost: $150
Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School Classic Summer Expeditions
Operated by: Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School
Description: Breathtaking wilderness settings coupled with challenge, adventure, and an amazing new group of friends, students can’t help but gain new confidence. Classic-style courses are the original Outward Bound program. These expeditions are based in the outdoors and teach students technical skills like navigation, camp craft, the basics of backpacking or rock climbing and much more. As students learn these skills in challenging situations, they also learn the value of teamwork, compassion for others and the pursuit of excellence. Offerings include Chesapeake Bay Sea Kayaking, Appalachian Trail Backpacking & Rock Climbing, Potomac River Canoeing, and more.
Ages: 12-18
Dates: Varies depending on the program, courses range from 8 to 12 days
Location: Starts and ends in Baltimore City
Cost: $2,400-$4,000
Registration: https://www.outwardboundchesapeake.org/programs/classic/
Cylburn Arboretum Friends’ Nature Camp [spots still available, but limited]
Operated by: Cylburn Arboretum Friends
Description: Cylburn Arboretum Friends’ Nature Camp teaches children knowledge of and respect for the nature that surrounds them. Campers will explore our 200+ acre park with staff who will teach them about the plants, animals, fungi, and habitats they encounter. They will spend their days at camp hiking the trails and partaking in environmental education lessons, activities, art, and group games. Our goals are to nurture a sense of wonder and curiosity about the natural world and to help children learn to be good stewards of their environment.
Ages: 8-13
Dates: 7/10-21 (ages 8-10) and 7/24-28 (ages 11-13)
Location: Cylburn Arboretum (4915 Greenspring Ave, Baltimore, MD 21209)
Cost: $415-$715
Registration: https://cylburn.org/programs-events/nature-camp/
Great Kids Farm & Forest Camp
Operated by: Great Kids Farm – Food & Nutrition Services, Baltimore City Public Schools
Description: Great Kids Farm and Forest Camp offers BCPSS students the opportunity to engage with nature and their food system in ways that reinforce scientific concepts from the school year, spark connections with the environment, and promote social and emotional well-being. Students will spend most of their time outdoors, exploring the 33 acres of forest, fields, and stream at the district-owned Great Kids Farm. Students may only enroll in one session.
Ages: Rising 3rd-5th graders enrolled in non-charter Baltimore City Public Schools
Dates: Session 1: July 10 – 13 (bus hub: Dallas F Nicholas); Session 2: July 17 – July 20 (bus hub: Dallas F Nicholas); Session 3: July 24 – July 27 (bus hub: Maree G Farring); Session 4: July 31 – August 3 (bus hub: Holabird Academy); Monday – Thursday, 8:45am – 3pm; Free aftercare from 3pm-4:30pm
Location: Great Kids Farm (6601 Baltimore National Pike, Catonsville, MD 21228); free/optional bus transportation offered from a district school hub each week
Cost: FREE, including meals, optional bus transportation, and optional after-care
Registration: https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/summerlearning
Masonville Cove’s Summer Science & Nature Programs
Operated by: Masonville Cove Environmental Education Center
Description: Located in South Baltimore, Masonville Cove is the nation’s first Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership, home to a green building nature center and beautiful waterfront public trails. Learn, make new friends, and experience nature with us at Masonville Cove in Living Classroom Foundation’s exciting summer programs. Three options are available – Exploring the Chesapeake Bay (7/31-8/4 and 8/14-18, grades 1-5), Nature’s Superheroes (8/7-11, grades 1-5), and Ecology of Estuaries (8/14-18, grades 6-8, includes a sail on the Historic Skipjack Sigsbee).
Ages: 5-14
Dates: 7/31-8/14, 8/7-11, 8/14-18
Location: Masonville Cove Environmental Education Center (1000 Frankfurst Ave, Baltimore, MD 21226)
Cost: $300-$350
Registration: https://www.masonvillecove.org/educationprograms
Sacred Space Summer Camp
Operated by: Temple X Schools
Description: Temple X Schools cultivates learning spaces and provides a variety of educational tools that support children’s experiential learning. Join Temple X Schools for a free summer program including project-based learning, literacy enrichment, and nature education within a play-based structure, hosted at four locations throughout Baltimore City. This is 6 a week long, in-person, 4 days a week (Mon-Thurs) summer program for rising K-3rd graders. Drop-off is 7:45 am-8:30 am and pick up is 3-3:30pm.
Ages: 4-8
Dates: 6/26-8/11
Locations: Ark Church (1263 E North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21202), Bilingual Christian Church (6000 Erdman Ave, Baltimore, MD 21205), Liberty Grace Church of God (3400 Copley Rd, Baltimore MD 21215), and Sweet Hope Free Will Baptist Church, (3925 Dolfield Ave, Baltimore, MD 21215)
Cost: FREE!
Registration: https://medium.com/temple-x-schools/summer-camp-registration-4c3e864761dd
Summer Nature Camp at Carrie Murray Nature Center [some sessions available, some waitlist only]
Operated by: Baltimore City Department of Recreation & Parks
Description: Located in the largest urban forested park east of the Mississippi, our nature camp provides fun outdoor learning experiences! Join us for active exploring and hands-on play as we make new friends and discover the natural treasures of Gwynns Falls Park. Stream studies, insect investigation, creative arts and games are all part of the fun! This is an all outdoor camp. If there is inclement weather (forecast of heavy thunderstorms and/or high winds) camp will be cancelled that day. Otherwise the camp is rain or shine. We give children frequent water breaks and cool down times on hot days, but children should be prepared to hike at least 1 mile from day 3-5.
Ages: 6-11 (waitlist only) and 12-14 (spots available)
Dates: 7/10-14 (waitlist only), 7/17-21 (waitlist only), 7/31-8/4 (waitlist only), and 8/7-11 (spots available)
Location: Carrie Murray Nature Center (1901 Ridgetop Rd, Baltimore, MD 21207)
Cost: $200
Located outside of Baltimore City
Camp Puh’tok
Operated by: Camp Puh’tok
Description: Sixty-seven pristine acres surrounded by hundreds of acres of parklands, brimming with all the wonder nature has to offer. Your child will delight in clear running streams, majestic forests, critters of all shapes and sizes, and green grassy meadows. We promise an experience that is all too rare these days – a sense of awe produced without screens, consoles, or speakers – just pure nature. Both day camp and overnight camp options are available, as well as a horse camp. Transportation is available for an additional fee from the Towson Y.
Ages: 5-16
Dates: Many sessions offered, ranging from 6/26-8/18
Location: Puh’tok in the Pines (17433 Big Falls Road, Monkton, MD 21111)
Cost: $445-$1,654
Registration: https://www.camppuhtok.com/parents
Full Moon Farm Summer Camp
Operated by: Full Moon Farm
Description: Campers will discover the wonderful world of horses and farm life! Campers enjoy daily riding, horse care lessons, guest speakers, horse-related crafts, nature hikes, games, and more- all during a week-long horse adventure! Riding groups are formed by age and previous riding experience, so everyone gets the most out of their daily lessons. Ample assistance is provided for “new horse people”.
Ages: 5-12
Dates: 6/26-30, 7/24-28, 8/21-25
Location: Full Moon Farm (4326 Louisville Road, Finksburg, MD 21048)
Cost: $485
Registration: https://fullmoonfarm.com/services/summer-camp/
Genesee Valley Summer Camp [some sessions open, some waitlist only]
Operated by: Genesee Valley Outdoor Learning Center
Description: Genesee Valley is an educational non-profit that provides experiential education to adults and youth. Our summer day camp offers campers the opportunity to explore the outdoors, step outside their comfort zone, and build relationships with others. Our highly trained counselors foster a nurturing environment to allow campers to discover their highest potential and be themselves! Girls Lacrosse Camp (for 2nd-8th grade, 6/19-23) and Senior Camp (8th-9th grade, 6/12-7/28) have openings available; other camps are waitlist only.
Ages: 5-16
Dates: 6/12-8/18
Location: Genesee Valley Outdoor Learning Center (1717 Rayville Rd, Parkton, MD 21120)
Cost: $390-400
Registration: https://www.geneseevalley.org/summercamp
Maryland Natural Resources Conservation Careers Camp
Operated by: Maryland Forestry Foundation
Description: Join high school students from across Maryland at this week-long camp in Garrett County to explore careers and college studies in natural resources. This partnership with Allegany College of Maryland and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources-Forest Service offers high school students a co-educational opportunity to learn from industry professionals and develop contacts that could lead to future employment and a career in natural resources.
Ages: 14-18
Dates: 7/23-29
Location: Hickory Environmental Education Center (604 Pride Parkway, Accident, MD 21520)
Cost: $500, includes lodging and meals. Scholarships are available for city students through the Baltimore City Forestry Board. To request a scholarship, email Erik Dihle (erik.dihle@gmail.com) and CC Amanda Cunningham (ahc819@gmail.com), Sandra Sparks (srsparks@verizon.net), and Matt Rescott (mattrescott@gmail.com).
Registration: https://marylandforestryfoundation.org/index.cfm?event=nrcc
Tiyul Adventure Camp
Operated by: Adamah
Description: Through immersive nature adventures – swimming in the creek, exploring meadows, hiking in the forest, working the rich soil on our farm – Adamah’s Tiyul Adventure Camp cultivates compassionate, and Jewish relationships with nature. An amazing crew of talented farmers, wilderness experts, and fun-loving educators facilitate hands-on activities and immersive nature experiences. Campers explore the forest and the farm, swim, creek-walk, build fires, climb, share stories, sing songs, play games, and seek adventure while creating a community. Offerings include a day camp for rising 1st-8th graders, an overnight camp for rising 4th-9th graders, and an advanced-skills overnight camp for ages 13-17.
Ages: 4-17
Dates: 6/26-8/11 (grades 1-8), 6/25-7/2 and 7/5-7/16 (grades 4-9), 6/25-7/2 and 7/5-10 (ages 13-17)
Location: Pearlstone Retreat Center (5425 Mt Gilead Rd, Reisterstown, MD 21136)
Cost: $440-$2,150
Registration: https://adamah.org/for-youth-families/summer-adventure-camp/
The following camps have closed registration for this year, but keep an eye out for these offerings for next year!
Located in Baltimore City
Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School Scholarship Expeditions
Operated by: Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School
Description: Every summer we run two heavily-funded scholarship courses: Get Out And Lead for students ages 12-14, and Youth Leadership Corps for students ages 15-17. Admission to these courses is highly selective and includes an application, essay, and two letters of recommendation. Open to residents of Maryland, DC, Virginia, and West Virginia. Get Out And Lead (GOAL) is an Outward Bound scholarship program that has been developed to cultivate budding leaders through the unique challenge of a 8-day wilderness expedition. Students learn the skills that are critical to success and often not learned in the classroom- leadership styles, communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and decision making. The ideal GOAL applicant is a Maryland, DC, Virginia or West Virginia student who is 12-14 years old and shows natural leadership abilities. The Youth Leadership Corps (YLC) is an Outward Bound scholarship that has been developed to cultivate budding leaders through the unique challenge of a 12-day wilderness expedition. Students learn the skills that are critical to success and often not learned in the classroom– leadership styles, communication, critical thinking, and decision making. The ideal YLC applicant is a Maryland, DC, Virginia or West Virginia student who is 15-17 years old and shows natural leadership abilities.
For more information: https://www.outwardboundchesapeake.org/programs/scholarship-expeditions/
Henry Hall Summer Scholars Camp Program
Operated by: The National Aquarium in Baltimore
Description: The National Aquarium’s Henry Hall Summer Scholars camp program offers immersive week-long summer camp opportunities that bring aquatic science to life through hands-on experiences in different aquatic habitats around the United States. The program provides exciting excursions focused on educational and career opportunities for students interested in marine and environmental science. Baltimore City Public Schools students in good standing rising into grades 5 through 12 and 2023 graduates may apply to take part in these endowment-funded opportunities at no expense to their families. Prior participation does not guarantee applicant acceptance. Priority may be given to applicants demonstrating need or limited access to other affordable camp options. Before beginning your application, please review the camp descriptions available for your grade level and select your first and second choice camp programs. Students who participate in Henry Hall camps may also be eligible for one-year $1,000 scholarships as they progress to college-level studies in biology, engineering, environmental science and aquatic science.
For more information: https://aqua.org/education/programs/henry-hall-summer-scholars-camps
Located outside of Baltimore City
Cromwell Valley Park Summer Camp & Nature Education Programs
Operated by: Cromwell Valley Park Council
Description: Cromwell Valley Park is located just north of Baltimore City in Parkville and features 426 acres of fields, woods, gardens, and orchards. The park offers summer programs including Wee Wanderers Nature Camp for ages 4 and 5, Outdoor Discoverers Nature Camp for ages 6 to 7, Young Naturalists Nature Camp for ages 8 to 10, and Natural Wonders Earth Skills and Art Camp for ages 11 to 13.
For more information: https://cromwellvalleypark.org/summer-programs/
Irvine Nature Center Summer Nature Camp
Operated by: Irvine Nature Center
Description: Summer Nature Camp at Irvine is THE place for kids who love being outdoors, are naturally inquisitive, learn best through hands-on experiences, and like to have fun! We have 211 acres of extensive woodlands, streams, meadows, and wetlands to explore and over 8 miles of trails to hike. In our daily excursions, we immerse ourselves in the sights, sounds, textures, and smells of the natural world around us. Each weeklong camp session focuses on a unique, creative theme; activities in all sessions take place almost exclusively outdoors. We hope your child will join us for a truly enjoyable summer of learning about the diversity of habitats and the cool critters that dwell within the Maryland Piedmont through environmental games, nature crafts, animal encounters, mud-mucking, stream searching, and more!
For more information: https://www.explorenature.org/classes-camps-programs/summer-nature-camp/