ECM Summer Nature Explorers cAMP

Outdoor 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 14 and 16 yr olds), as well as other Nature Explorers alumni, will be there as Counselors-In-Training?

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. Last year’s Summer program was a resounding success with families asking for the schedule as soon as they could in the New Year!

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 teacher 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!

We’ll offer before care and after care an hour before/after camp times.

Drop off location: Golden Gate Park (see FAQ for more info)

SESSIONS:

Session 1: Monday-Friday, July 27-31, 9am-3pm (Lead Teacher - Rebecca Walsh) - Register Here - Just a few spots left!

Session 2: Monday-Friday, August 3-7, 9am-3pm (Lead Teacher - Alexis Buckley or Mahroushka Papazian) - New session opened due to long wait list.- Register Here

Session 3: Monday-Friday, August 10-14, 9am-3pm, We opened a new session since the wait list was so long for the first! (Lead Teachers - Rebecca Walsh or Mahroushka Papazian) - Register Here

PRICING Per Session:

$675 per camper
Sibling Rate (after first camper is registered at $675) - $625

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
    *This schedule might change if there are outside factors like construction, park events, etc.

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.

Is there before/after care?

We’ll offer before care from 8-9am - $100/5 days or $25/day. After care will be 3-4pm - $100/5 days or $25/day.
You can register for this on the registration form or email info@earlychildhoodmatters.org for more info.

Supporting families on the road to connected and effective parenting.

parenting workshops * parent/toddler playgroups * presentations * private consultations

Email kellam@earlychildhoodmatters.org if you are interested in finding out about sliding scale tuition for our parenting series, mom’s groups, and playgroups. We are happy to help support parents who are in a situation where these courses might otherwise be cost prohibitive.

Our cancellation policy:

Full refund 30 days or more (less a 20% transaction fee), less than 14 days before the start of class a 40% refund will be granted, unless the participant finds a replacement to fill their spot, less than 7 days participants will be responsible for paying the full amount of the class/series price, unless they find a replacement participant to fill their spot. Please note that Summer camps are non-refundable.