Summer Camp

Summer Nature Program (3-12 Years)

Drop-Off Program
June–August | Half and Full Day Options

At The Wild School, summer is a season for growth, discovery, and joyful learning.

Children ages 3 to 12 are invited to spend their days immersed in nature — building real outdoor skills, exploring local ecosystems, and reconnecting with the rhythms of the natural world through hands-on, play-based education.

Half-Day Camp (Ages 3-5)
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Tuesday-Thursday​
Weekly enrollment required.

Full-Day Camp (Ages 6-12)
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Monday-Friday
Weekly enrollment required.

Schedule
Summer Camp

Half Day Camp Details

Ages 3-5 | Tuesday–Thursday | 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
Multiple locations | Themed by location | 10 weeks available

Who Can Join?

  • Ages 3-5 (Must be potty trained)

Locations

  • The Heights (Central Houston)
  • The Woodlands (North Houston)
  • Katy (West Houston)

What to Bring:

  • Large snack & full water bottle
  • Extra change of clothes
  • Backpack
  • Sunscreen and bug spray
  • Rain boots or sandals with straps
  • Weather-appropriate layers
  • Towel for water play

What to Expect:

  • Weekly themes like bugs, birds, mud, water, and reptiles
  • Nature walks, bug hunts, water play, and fort building
  • Sensory activities using sand, mud, leaves, and natural materials
  • Simple nature skills like building shelters and basic safety
  • Nature art, songs, and storytelling
  • Plenty of free play and child-led discovery
  • Small group setting with nurturing instructors
  • A playful mix of rhythm, structure, and freedom

What They’ll Gain:

  • Stronger motor skills
  • Emotional confidence in new environments
  • Improved social skills through collaborative play
  • Early nature literacy and observation skills
  • Independence and problem-solving ability

Half Day Camp Weekly Themes by Location

Each location follows its own rotation of themes — allowing families to sign up for multiple weeks with fresh experiences every time.

The Heights

  • Week 1 (June 3–5): Animal Tracks & Trails
  • Week 2 (June 10–12): Birds & Nests
  • Week 3 (June 17–19): Water Wonders
  • Week 4 (June 24–26): Bug Explorers
  • Week 5 (July 1–2): Nature Art & Colors (Short Week)
  • Week 6 (July 8–10): Survival Basics Week 7 (July 15–17): Mud Week
  • Week 8 (July 22–24): Build & Shelter
  • Week 9 (July 29–31): Reptile Adventures
  • Week 10 (August 5–7): End of Summer Party & Mammals & Wildlife

Katy

  • Week 1 (June 3–5): Reptile Adventures
  • Week 2 (June 10–12): Animal Tracks & Trails
  • Week 3 (June 17–19): Birds & Nests
  • Week 4 (June 24–26): Water Wonders
  • Week 5 (July 1–2): Bug Explorers (Short Week)
  • Week 6 (July 8–10): Nature Art & Colors
  • Week 7 (July 15–17): Survival Basics
  • Week 8 (July 22–24): Mud Week
  • Week 9 (July 29–31): Build & Shelter
  • Week 10 (August 5–7): End of Summer Party & Mammals & Wildlife

The Woodlands

  • Week 1 (June 3–5): Build & Shelter
  • Week 2 (June 10–12): Reptile Adventures
  • Week 3 (June 17–19): Animal Tracks & Trails
  • Week 4 (June 24–26): Birds & Nests
  • Week 5 (July 1–2): Water Wonders (Short Week)
  • Week 6 (July 8–10): Bug Explorers
  • Week 7 (July 15–17): Nature Art & Colors
  • Week 8 (July 22–24): Survival Basics
  • Week 9 (July 29–31): Mud Week
  • Week 10 (August 5–7): End of Summer Party & Mammals & Wildlife

Full Day Camp Details

Ages 6-12 | Monday-Friday | 8:00 AM–2:00 PM
Multiple locations | Weekly Focuses | 10 weeks available

Who Can Join?

  • Ages 6-12

Locations

  • The Heights (Central Houston)
  • The Woodlands (North Houston)
  • Katy (West Houston)

What to Bring:

  • Large lunch & full water bottle
  • Backpack
  • Sunscreen and bug spray
  • Extra change of clothes
  • Rain boots or sandals with straps
  • Weather-appropriate layers
  • Towel for water play days

What to Expect:

  • Survival skill-building: fire, shelter, knife safety, navigation
  • Plant and wildlife identification
  • Team games, challenges, and tracking missions
  • Outdoor problem-solving and wild exploration
  • Story-driven learning and free play
  • Immersive learning that builds each week
  • Real tools, real adventure, and real accomplishment

What They’ll Gain:

  • Competence in outdoor settings
  • Respect for nature and its systems
  • Teamwork, grit, and leadership skills
  • Emotional resilience and confidence
  • A summer full of meaning and momentum

Full Day Camp Weekly Themes

Each location follows its own rotation of themes — allowing families to sign up for multiple weeks with fresh experiences every time.

Week 1: June 2–6
Animal Tracking & Wildlife Observation
Campers learn how to move like trackers, read animal signs, and observe wildlife in the field.

Week 2: June 9–13
Birds of the Wild
Discover the lives of birds—observe local species, build nests, and learn how birds survive in the wild.

Week 3: June 16–20
Exploring Water Ecosystems
Investigate streams and ponds, meet aquatic creatures, and learn about water’s role in survival.

Week 4: June 23–27
Bug & Insect Discovery
Hunt for insects, study pollinators, and explore the world of bugs through games and field study.

Week 5: June 30–July 2(Short Week: Mon–Wed)
Nature Art & Outdoor Creativity
Use natural materials to make beautiful, meaningful creations while learning about patterns and textures in nature.

Week 6: July 7–11
Fire & Shelter Building
Master fire-starting basics, build shelters from natural materials, and practice staying safe outdoors.

Week 7: July 14–18
Wild Edibles & Plant Identification
Learn to recognize edible, medicinal, and poisonous plants and how humans have used them for generations.

Week 8: July 21–25
Navigation & Wilderness Mapping
Use compasses and landmarks to navigate trails and design your own wild maps. Week 9: July 28–August 1 Safe Tool Use & Woodcraft Practice knife and tool safety while working on real bushcraft projects like carving and constructing.

Week 10: August 4–8
Mammal Tracking & End of Summer Survival Challenge
Apply all your skills in team challenges, track local mammals, and celebrate a summer of adventure!

All three locations run on the same theme schedule.

choose Your Location below TO Register

The Heights

Proctor Plaza Park and Community Center

The Heights offers a unique opportunity to engage with nature in an urban setting. This location challenges children to discover the beauty, adventure, and resilience of nature in everyday spaces.

Click below to register

3-5 Year Olds

6-12 Year Olds

The Woodlands

George Mitchell Nature Preserve

A 1,800-acre forest preserve has waterways, dense woods, and abundant wildlife. Campers will enjoy Wildlife tracking & plant identification, Shelter-building & forest exploration, Nature connection activities, and much more!

Click below to register

3-5 Year Olds

6-12 Year Olds

Katy

Magnolia Ranch

A vast urban park featuring a beautiful pond, wildflower garden, and paved trails. This location is perfect for Birdwatching & nature walks, Observing pond life & insects, and Exploring the wildflower garden.

Click below to register

3-5 Year Olds

6-12 Year Olds

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the instructors?

Our summer camps are led by experienced outdoor educators who are passionate about nature-based learning. Each instructor is trained in child-led outdoor education, risk management, and nature skills, ensuring a safe and engaging experience for every child.

What is the camper-to-instructor ratio?

We maintain a 1:6 ratio to ensure that every child receives individualized attention, support, and guidance throughout the camp experience. This allows for safe exploration, deep engagement, and meaningful connections with nature.

What happens in bad weather?

Camp runs rain or shine! We embrace light rain as part of the experience, but in the case of severe weather (thunderstorms, extreme heat, or unsafe conditions), we may modify activities, take extra shade breaks, or cancel the camp session for safety reasons. We will communicate any cancellations or delays as soon as possible.

What should my child bring to camp?

Your child should come prepared for outdoor play with:

  • A full change of clothes and shoes
  • Half-Day Campers (Ages 3-5): Large snack & water bottle
  • Full-Day Campers (Ages 6-12): Lunch, snack & water bottle
  • Extra clothes, socks, and sturdy closed-toe shoes
  • Rain boots for mud play
  • Towel for drying off
  • Weather-appropriate layers (camp runs rain or shine!)

Do you provide snacks or lunch?

No, campers should bring their own nut-free snack for half-day camps and a nut-free lunch and snack for full-day camps.

What are the camp hours?

  • Half-Day Camp (Ages 3-5): 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Tuesday-Thursday
  • Full-Day Camp (Ages 6-12): 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Monday-Friday

Can I choose specific days for my 3-5-year-old?

Yes! Our half-day camp allows for flexible scheduling. Families must choose at least two days per week but can select up to four days.

Can I attend for fewer than five days in the full-day (6+) camp?

We allow this on a case-by-case basis. Please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to inquire about availability.

Are there any short weeks?

Yes!

Week of July 1-3 (Monday-Wednesday) – No camp on July 3rd or 4th.

Can I drop my child off early or pick them up late?

No, we do not offer extended care. All drop-offs begin no earlier than 7:50 AM, and pick-up must be promptly at 12:00 PM (half-day camp) or 2:00 PM (full-day camp).

Does my child need to be potty trained?

Yes, all campers must be fully potty trained to attend camp.

How are campers grouped?

For our half-day (3-5 year old) camp, all campers participate together in small group, play-based activities.

For our full-day (6-12 year old) camp, groups may be split based on age, experience, and skill level to allow for appropriate challenges.

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

  • Cancellations made at least 14 days before the camp start date will receive a full refund, minus a $25 processing fee per camp week.
  • Cancellations made within 14 days of the camp start date will receive a 50% refund unless we can fill the spot from the waitlist.
  • No refunds for cancellations made less than 7 days before the start date.

Do you allow makeups?

We cannot guarantee a makeup spot, but you can always reach out to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to check availability for another date.

What if my child is sick?

If your child is sick, please keep them home! We do not offer refunds for missed camp days, but if space allows, we may be able to offer a makeup day at another location.

How do I register?

Visit our Summer Camp Page Here and select your preferred location and age group to begin registration.

Do you offer a sibling discount?

Yes, we offer 10% off for siblings.

Do you offer financial aid?

At this time, we do not offer financial aid.

What if I need a camp in South Houston?

We are considering Friendswood, Clear Lake, Sienna, and Sugar Land as potential locations based on demand. Email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we may open a camp in your area if demand is high enough!

What About the Heat?

We embrace the heat within safety. Our teachers are trained to recognize signs of heat stress and work proactively to keep campers cool. We incorporate:

  • Water play & cooling activities throughout the day
  • Cold wet towels & frequent hydration breaks
  • Maximizing shade for more than 85% of camp time
  • Adjusting activities to calmer play when heat peaks
  • Both camps finish before the hottest part of the day
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At The Wild School, we believe that immersing children in nature from an early age is not just beneficial but essential for developing a lifelong love of learning and a robust foundation for personal success.

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