Children's Learning Center Summer Camp

Explore the Animal Kingdom through Art and Nature

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.

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 — 2026

June 29–August 28 (Monday–Friday)

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

Camp Rates — 2026

Full Day: 8:00am–4:00pm, M–F

$300/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

$200/week per child
Limited Before Care and After Care; additional fee

2 Days per Week, 8:00am–12:00pm, M–F

$150/week per child
Limited Before Care and After Care; additional fee

Other Fees

Before/After Care: $20/child per session, per day
Registration Fee (per camper): $50 (non-refundable)

Registration fee waived if child is enrolled by April 1, 2026.

Camp Themes — 2026

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

SESSION I: June 29–July 24

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.

CLC CLOSED: July 27–31

SESSION II: August 3–August 28

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.