*NEW:  Thanks to the generosity of our members and supporters, we are able to hold the line on camp prices this year AND institute a new multi-week discount.  For any camper enrolled in 3 or more weeks, please deduct 5% from your total tuition.

Camp Scholarships

Through the generosity of community organizations and individual donors, we are able to offer full and partial scholarships to those in with economic or other hardships.  The deadline to apply for a camp scholarship is May 15.  Recipients are notified on or about May 22.  Please call the office for scholarship application forms. Scholarships depend on your donations.  Please help out if you can with a contribution in any amount. (There is a check-off for contributions on the registration form.)

Click here for a printable summer camp scholarship application:  <<scholarship form>>.

ABOUT OUR CAMP

Our summer ecology programs serve nearly 400 children annually, and we look forward to an exciting, fun and rewarding summer for 2009! This year, our summer camp will be seven weeks long.  Each week an exciting theme will provide a focus for our experiments, nature observation hikes, games, stories and adventures.  Children can participate in multiple weeks of nature appreciation, with varied activities all summer.  Every week features live animal encounters, crafts and challenges for each age group.

Our Chickadee group emphasizes using all five senses to explore nature in indoor and outdoor activities. Our Cardinal, Eagle and Owl groups range progressively farther afield and dive deeper into each of our natural habitats.  Each week, campers will tackle a new science experiment and learn from a fun and exciting expert guest presenter such as Wind Over Wings, Dinosaurs Rock or Snakes 'N Scales.

The Counselors-in-Training (CITs) receive leadership training, hands-on natural history study, conservation, outdoor living skills, overnight camping and field trips to unique habitats. CITs must sign up for two weekly sessions beginning with Session 2  (no CIT session during Session 1).  CITs have a Thursday Night Camp Out at the Rye Nature Center in even-number sessions, and a field trip in their second week.

Registration Procedures and Policies

How to Register: 
We cannot accept your registration without ALL of the following:
p Registration Form
p Emergency/Medical Form
p Immunization Record (use Emergency/Medical Form or attach photocopy from your pediatrician)
p Full payment by check payable to “Friends of Rye Nature Center”

Changes/Cancellations
Changes and additions are allowed as space permits. All requests to change or add sessions must be made in writing one week prior to the start of the session. We cannot honor change requests during Monday check-in at the start of a session. For cancellations requested in writing by June 1st, 2009, the camp fee less $100 will be refunded. After June 1st, no refunds are available.

Health and Safety Policies:

Our camp is licensed and inspected by the Westchester County Health Department.  Therefore, we cannot admit a camper without a record of certain immunizations.  Use the space on the Emergency / Medical Form or attach a photocopy of the record provided by your pediatrician. 

A physical examination is not required to attend camp.

The Rye Nature Center Summer Camp operates in accordance with permit requirements of the Westchester County Health Department.  Inspection reports and required plans are filed at 145 Huguenot Street, New Rochelle, NY, and are available for your review at the camp office.

Camp counselors will not apply insect repellent. Repellent must be applied prior to arriving at camp. 

Other Policies:

All photos/videos taken at camp may be used at the discretion of the Friends of Rye Nature Center.

We will include your name, address and phone number in our "Camp Family Directory" that is distributed only to camp families to facilitate carpooling (and play dates) unless you notify us in writing.

In every even-numbered session during camp we host a "Parent Coffee Hour" attended by our Director, board members and parents to address any concerns, comments or suggestions that you have.  You are always free to call the staff with concerns, comments and suggestions at any time.