Activities and programs vary depending on the environmental camp your child attends. One camp may focus on conserving a certain animal species, while another may dedicate its programs to teaching about recycling and waste reduction. Others provide outdoor activities like hiking, wildlife observation, canoeing and environmental photography to let children explore and study the environment more effectively. Parents have the option between same sex and coed environmental camps. Most of these camps are offered during the summer season.

Highlights: Many environmental camps provide an educational program. They allow children to engage in outdoor habitat exploration, laboratory activities and creative arts that pertain to conservation. In camps that focus on wildlife conservation, participants can volunteer in animal hospitals to feed, care for and clean animal species. Hands-on wilderness survival training is provided in wilderness awareness camps.

Regional Considerations: Environmental camps have various types of educational offerings. For example, if you want your child to learn more about coastal conservation or protection of marine animals, check out environmental camps that are located in coastal regions.

What to Pack: Since most of these are environmental summer camps, you can expect that your child will be outdoors even during the hottest hours of the day. Protect your child by including high SPF sunscreen. Heat protective gear like hats and sunglasses may be required. Your child will probably need a pair of binoculars for wildlife observation and other survival tools as indicated by the camp personnel.