summer Camp 2024

My summer camp program is based on the idea that children need the opportunity to learn and play in an outdoor setting.  Through 15+ years of experience leading outdoor based summer camps I have seen how the chance for a child to not only spend time outside, but have the chance to thrive in the outdoors can make a huge impact on a child's life.  We interact with nature through games, art, science and farm animals.  

A typical day will start with a couple of games relating to the week's theme to get the mind and body moving.  From there we will get right into the theme of the week.  After a quick snack we will continue our theme time, where we explore more in depth the topic of the week, be it aquatic life, wildflowers, art, or farm animals. We will then have lunch and after lunch move to a period of free play time, which will of course include creek time where we explore, play in and build along Tilden Metcalf Creek. After free play time we will clean up and have our second snack before it is time for camp to end.

Summer Camp will be held at the Chestnut Mountain Property, with over 150 acres of meadows, forest, springs, and trails to explore. I am grateful for the opportunity to run the summer camp program at this location.

This summer we will be operating with masks optional. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this feel free to call or email for more details.

Camp will run with a max 1:9 ratio staff to campers.

Our themes for the summer 2024 are: 

• Explore - We will explore the property learning about the different natural features and zones. Water, forest, meadows will be our learning places. (June 3 - 7)

• Our Past - We will learn about the recent and distant history that is a part of the farm. From the Native Americans to the arrival of the Metcalf family. We will dig for artifacts, learn about the differences in the barns, and find old markers in the field and forest that tell us about the human history of the land that has been going on for over 10,000 years. We will be getting dirty this week. (June 10 - 14)

• Earth and Sky - We will focus on the earth and the wind. Rocks, minerals, sun and wind will all be explored through rock hounding to kite making. (June 17 - 21)

• Farm Animals - Our focus this week will be on the different farm animals here at Sunny Truth Farm. We will learn about and spend time with goats, sheep, and chickens. (June 24 - 28)

• Water Week - As the title suggest, we will spend this week focused on water. The water cycle, watersheds, what should and does live in the springs and creeks on the farm, the effects of animals and development on water, and lots of time getting wet. (July 8 - 12)

• Skills Week - We will learn some primitive skills, both through exploration and hands-on activities. Highlight of the week is making a primitive bow and arrow. (July 15 - 19)

• Nature Art - There are many materials and inspirations that come from nature that help us make art. We will explore a wide range of topics including, color, clay, paint rocks, shape, and shadow. (July 22 - 26)

• Games Week - This week we will focus on all types of games. From active to quiet, we will play and learn all sorts of games. We will also develop our own games that will be used in future camp sessions. (July 29 - Aug 2)

• Wild Week - Our final week brings a collection of our favorite activities to a final week. Art, animals, water, games, it’s all here. We close the summer with a wild and fun week! (Aug 5 - 9)

Summer camp is for children ages 5-11 years old.  The camp runs from 8:30a-3:00p. 

Cost for the camp is $150/week (early registration before March 1) or $170/week (March 1 until all spots taken). Full payment must be made for the first week of camp before you can put a deposit for additional weeks. If you are signing up for more than one week you can click the deposit link and do a deposit of $40 for additional weeks you are interested in.

If you would like to register your child click the Summer Camp Registration link under Programs, or if you have any questions, please email sunnytruthnsm@gmail.com or call 828-384-3003