About Summer Camp at Gilbert Nature School
Our Vision
At Gilbert Nature School, our Summer Camp vision is to be the leading provider of outdoor-based summer camp in the East Valley. We aim to create a community of budding outdoor enthusiasts who share our passion for creativity, nature, exploration. Through our summer camp program, we hope to inspire students of all backgrounds to explore the great outdoors and develop a lifelong love of fresh air, sunshine, and the natural world.
This year , our Summer Camp themes celebrate the local traditional heritage of the Sonoran Desert.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
As an outdoor school, we understand the importance of protecting the environment and preserving natural resources for future generations. That's why we're committed to operating sustainably and minimizing our impact on the environment. From using eco-friendly products to implementing waste reduction measures, we're always looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint.
Our Expert Instructors
At Gilbert Nature School, we're proud to have a team of expert guides and instructors who are passionate about outdoor learning and dedicated to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for our students. Our guides are trained in first aid and CPR and have years of experience in leading students of all ages. Taking the lead from well established scientific evidence supporting child-led exploration, we encourage students to take safe risks, exercise decision making, and engage with the world as a living science experiment.
Summer Camp Adventures at Gilbert Nature School Await You
Week 1: May 27-31
FULL Week 3: June 10-14
FULL Week 2: June 3-7
Immerse your child in the wonders of the desert with our "Discovering Our Desert Home" week! Through hands-on activities and guided nature walks on our property, children will explore the unique flora and fauna of desert ecosystems, learn from indigenous wisdom about desert survival, and engage in creative arts inspired by the beauty of the desert landscape.
FULL Week 2: June 3-7
FULL Week 3: June 10-14
FULL Week 2: June 3-7
Join us for "From Seed to Table" week and watch your child's curiosity blossom in our garden adventures! Through planting, tending, and harvesting in our on-site garden, children will learn about indigenous gardening practices, the importance of sustainable agriculture, and the joy of connecting with nature through food. Culinary delights await as we harvest garden-fresh produce for delicious and healthy snacks.
FULL Week 3: June 10-14
FULL Week 3: June 10-14
FULL Week 3: June 10-14
Dive into "Life in the River" week and discover the wonders of aquatic ecosystems right in our backyard! From hands-on water quality testing to creating mini-rafts for imaginary river adventures, children will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of water, guided by indigenous teachings about the sacredness of rivers and the interconnectedness of all life.
FULL Week 4: June 17-21
FULL Week 4: June 17-21
FULL Week 3: June 10-14
Explore the hidden treasures of our neighborhood in "Creatures of the Neighborhood" week! Through guided nature walks and hands-on wildlife observation activities, children will discover the beauty and diversity of urban wildlife, while learning from indigenous perspectives about the significance of animals in our lives and cultures.
FULL Week 5: June 24-28
FULL Week 4: June 17-21
FULL Week 5: June 24-28
Reach for the stars in "Sun, Moon, and Sky" week, where children will embark on a celestial journey right from our own backyard! With daytime skywatching sessions, storytelling about celestial myths and legends, and hands-on crafts inspired by indigenous astronomy, children will marvel at the wonders of the sky and deepen their connection to the universe.
FULL Week 6: July 8-12
FULL Week 4: June 17-21
FULL Week 5: June 24-28
Embark on a thrilling adventure during "Desert Explorers" week as children learn essential survival skills from indigenous wisdom right in our neighborhood setting! Through hands-on workshops and guided nature hikes, children will develop resilience, resourcefulness, and respect for the desert environment while honing traditional skills such as fire-making, shelter-building, and plant identification.
FULL Week 7: July 15-19
FULL Week 7: July 15-19
FULL Week 7: July 15-19
Join us for an unforgettable journey through "Diversity in Nature" week, where children will uncover the rich tapestry of life in our local ecosystem! From biodiversity surveys to indigenous storytelling about the interconnectedness of all living beings, children will deepen their appreciation for the natural world while learning about traditional ecological knowledge and indigenous conservation practices.
Week 8: July 22-26
FULL Week 7: July 15-19
FULL Week 7: July 15-19
Conclude the summer with a celebration of outdoor adventures and indigenous cultural heritage during "Nature's Playground" week! With traditional games, crafts, and storytelling inspired by indigenous traditions, children will experience the joy of connecting with nature while honoring the wisdom and resilience of indigenous peoples. Join us for a week of exploration, creativity, and community as we bid farewell to summer camp with gratitude and inspiration.
We Are Growing!
100% Screen-Free education. Hands on project-based Montessori-inspired learning in the fresh air with highly qualified educators. Learning as nature intended!