Our 2025 Summer Camp is currently at capacity. To be added to our waitlist please call 860-701-5348. (as of 4/9/25)

Explore the Animal Kingdom through Art and Nature

Summer Camp 2025: June 30–August 22

Nature meets the arts in this thoughtfully designed summer camp! Designed for children ages 3 to 5 (eligible for enrollment at 2 years, 9 months), the Arts & Nature Camp at the Mitchell College CLC in New London blends the arts with science and the natural setting of woods, pond, and shoreline through thematic exploration in one of the most creative camps you will find in the region.

This year our summer curriculum will explore the Animal Kingdom through eight animal groups: Mammals, Fish, Birds, Rodents, Reptiles, Amphibians, and Bugs. During each week of camp we will explore multiple concepts within these classes of the animal kingdom through play, art, and nature. Your child is invited to join us for Arts & Nature Camp: The Animal Kingdom this Summer!

You must register for the full eight (8) weeks of camp this year to be enrolled.

COVID-19 Statement

As the health and safety of our school and summer camp community is of paramount importance, and due to the evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, all plans and dates are subject to change. COVID-19 protocols for our 2024 Arts & Nature Camp will be posted on this webpage as they are developed.

Camp Philosophy

We believe that children are partners in their learning and that learning should be driven by each child’s unique curiosity. Your child’s unique interests will help shape the camp experience in this hands-on program. Throughout the summer your child will be exposed to new and exciting nature experiments, arts appreciation, exploration, and science.

Camp Dates — 2025

June 30–August 22 (Monday–Friday)

This year child(ren) must be registered for the full 8 weeks of camp. Discounts available.

Camp Rates — 2025

Full Day: 8:00am–4:00pm, M–F

• $285/week per child

• Before Care (7:00–8:00am); additional fee

• After Care (4:00–5:00pm); additional fee

Half Day 8:00am–12:00pm, M–F

• $190/week per child

• Limited Before Care and After Care; additional fee

Other Fees

• Before/After Care: $15/child per session, per day

• Child Not Fully Potty Trained: $10/week

• Registration Fee (per camper): $50 (non-refundable)

Registration fee waived if child is enrolled by April 1, 2024.

Camp Themes — 2025

NOTE: You must register your child for the full 8 weeks of summer camp.

Week 1: Forest Explorers

Focus: Forest ecosystems, trees, and wildlife.

• • Build fairy houses or animal shelters using natural materials.
  • Leaf and bark rubbings for art projects.
  • Guided hikes to identify local trees, plants, and animals.
  • Storytime featuring books like The Giving Tree or We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.
  • Create “tree journals” to track observations over the week.

Week 2: Water Wonders

Focus: Exploring ponds, rivers, and oceans.

• • Water play stations (streams, splash zones, and DIY water walls).
  • Pond dipping to examine aquatic life.
  • Beachcombing and seashell identification.
  • Experiment with floating and sinking objects.
  • Create ocean art with watercolors and salt to mimic waves.

Week 3: Bug Bonanza

Focus: Insects, spiders, and other tiny creatures.

• Build a bug hotel using natural and recycled materials.
• Guided “bug safaris” with magnifying glasses and bug catchers.
• Craft antennae headbands or insect masks.
• Read books like The Very Hungry Caterpillar or Beetle Busters.
• Learn about pollinators and plant a butterfly garden.

Week 4: Garden Gurus

Focus: Gardening, plants, and food cycles.

• • Plant seeds in a group garden or individual pots.
  • Explore composting and soil health with hands-on experiments.
  • Harvest herbs or vegetables and create simple recipes like herb butter.
  • Make botanical art using pressed flowers and leaves.
  • Discuss the role of bees, worms, and other garden helpers.

Week 5: Sky Seekers

Focus: Weather, the sky, and celestial wonders.

• • Create DIY kites and fly them on windy days.
  • Observe clouds and make a “cloud diary.”
  • Learn about the sun and UV rays with shadow art.
  • Explore stars and planets with a mini planetarium experience.
  • Craft constellations using marshmallows and toothpicks.

Week 6: Wild and Free

Focus: Animal habitats and wilderness survival.

• • Build a pretend campfire and practice “safe” fire-building.
  • Learn basic survival skills like knot tying and shelter building.
  • Go on an animal track scavenger hunt.
  • Read books like Owl Moon or My Side of the Mountain.
  • Create animal masks and act out their movements.

Week 7: Eco Heroes

Focus: Environmental stewardship and conservation.

• • Lead a nature cleanup around the camp area.
  • Create art using upcycled or found materials.
  • Learn about reducing, reusing, and recycling through hands-on activities.
  • Host a “tree planting day” or similar community event.
  • Explore the concept of “leave no trace” during outdoor adventures.

Week 8: Nature’s Artists

Focus: Creativity inspired by the natural world.

• • Nature weaving using sticks and grasses.
  • Paint with natural pigments made from berries, soil, and leaves.
  • Design mandalas with rocks, flowers, and other outdoor materials.
  • Storytelling circles inspired by nature-based prompts.
  • Create a collaborative nature mural to display at the end of camp.