ECM Summer Outdoor Nature Explorers cAMP FOR AGES 3-5yo
Did someone say Explorers’ Summer camp with your favorite ECM teachers Alexis and Rebecca? Did someone say Maggie and Joey (Rebecca’s 13 and 15 yr olds) will be there as Counselors-In-Training? And assistant teacher Fifi who is a recent Psychology and Child Development grad from SF State? This sounds like a Summer to remember!
This camp was created when Rebecca noticed a gap in summer programming in SF with her own kids: free exploration in nature! Even camps that aimed to be nature camps seemed to be overly structured in practice, with a lot of shuffling of kids from one place or activity, to another. Mornings will begin with a hike, snack time, and then true free exploration in nature. Children will be given time to look for bugs and worms, imagine, create, discover and explore together! After lunch we will provide a quiet time of read aloud stories and an opportunity to rest. The afternoons, when brains and bodies are a little tired, is a good time for a little more structure. The day will conclude with a choice between nature art or dungeon and dragons role playing games and/or music class with guest teacher Dan Fabricant!
What else sets our camp apart? Low student to child ratio: With our experienced teachers, an assistant teacher, and 2+ counselors in training, the ratio will be 3:1 or less to ensure each child is engaged and having the time of her life! The camp size will be capped at 10 per session.
Drop off location: Golden Gate Park
Week of July 14: M-F July 14-18, 9am-3pm with Rebecca Walsh
REGISTER HERE
Week of July 21: M-F July 21-25, 9am-3pm with Rebecca Walsh REGISTER HERE Only 1 spot left!
Week of August 11: August 11-15, 9am-3pm with Alexis Buckley
JOIN THE WAITLIST HERE
Frequently Asked Questions – Early Childhood Matters Summer Camp
How will my child benefit from this camp?
This is a great opportunity to offer your 3-5 year old consistent peer socialization, facilitated by expert Early Childhood Educators, before or while they begin preschool. Through play-based learning in nature, children will build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and develop independence in a safe and nurturing outdoor environment.
Who leads the camp groups?
Each group will be led by Alexis Buckley or Rebecca Walsh, expert Early Childhood Educators with extensive experience in outdoor learning and child development. Learn more about them here.
What is the counselor-to-child ratio?
Our camp maintains a small group size with an excellent counselor-to-child ratio of approximately 3:1. Each group will have a lead teacher (Alexis or Rebecca), another counselor/teacher, and two counselors-in-training (CITs) to ensure individualized attention and a safe, engaging experience for all campers.
Will counselors-in-training be on their phones?
No. Our teachers and CITs will not be using their phones while working with campers. Their focus will be on engaging with the children and supporting the lead staff in creating a fun and immersive camp experience.
Where is drop-off and pick-up?
Drop-off and pick-up will take place in Golden Gate Park at different locations depending on the day:
Monday & Tuesday – Rose Garden
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday – Chain of Lakes
Further details and exact meeting points will be provided before camp begins.
Do children bring their own food?
Yes, campers should bring their own snacks and lunch each day. Please pack food that does not require refrigeration or heating. Please also send your child with a full water bottle.
What are the bathroom options for campers?
Campers will have the option to “nature pee” or use a portable potty with a liner, which is especially available for bowel movements. Our staff will ensure a clean and sanitary setup for all restroom needs. Please note: Participants must be potty trained to attend this camp as we do not have the correct ratio of teachers to support diaper changes.
Will there be a nap time/rest time?
After lunch children will be broken into group by age to do quiet reading aloud and resting time. If parents would like their children to try to nap outside, they can bring sleeping bags, but we cannot guarantee that children will actually sleep.
What if my child is sick? Can I get a refund?
Summer camp is non-refundable but is transferable if you need to offer the spot to a friend or if you come to a separate arrangement with someone on our waitlist.