Registration for 2026 Nature Discovery Summer Camp Opening April 15
The Silver City Watershed Keepers program is hosting the fifth-annual Nature Discovery Summer Camp in June 2026!
This free summer camp, open to rising 4th-6th graders, features experiential outdoor lessons and field trips that lead children toward a positive, confident relationship with nature. Three week-long sessions will be provided, each running 9am-3pm, Monday-Friday.
Nature Discovery Summer Camp is a week-long outdoor adventure that helps students solidify skills such as reading, writing, and logic in the context of exploring their local environment. Whether your child already loves the great outdoors or they are curious to take their first field trip to the Gila River, this camp is a fun, safe, and educational place for them to dip their toes in the water, literally! Campers gain confidence and skills as they spend their days playing outside, exploring nature, and learning from local educators.
This engaging and educational camp offers a broad curriculum of hands-on experiences in nature journaling, wildlife observation, environmental science, and cultural heritage. Campers will investigate local ecosystems, study water, soil, and air quality, and learn about outdoor safety and Leave No Trace principles. Exciting field trips to the Mimbres Culture Heritage Site, Mimbres River, and Gila River will provide insights into stream ecology and watershed health. Campers will also reinforce literacy skills by engaging in short readings and interpreting their findings through journaling and art!
Camp Details:
- Session 1: June 1-5, 2026, 9am-3pm, at Big Ditch Park in Silver City
- Session 2: June 8-12, 2026, 9am-3pm, at Big Ditch Park in Silver City
- Session 3: June 15-19, 2026, 9am-3pm, at Bayard Public Library in Bayard
- Cost: Free (includes registration and transportation, as well as lunches and snacks*)
*students with dietary allergies will need to provide their own lunches and snacks for safety - Eligibility: Incoming 4th-6th graders of all backgrounds and abilities
- Registration Dates: April 15-May 21, 2026
Participation is capped at 20 campers per session. This summer camp is designed and delivered by professional educators to provide campers with a connection to nature through discovery and exploration. We will have adult supervision of at least 1 adult per 5 children.
Camp lessons are delivered by professional educators with training in Wilderness First Aid, ensuring a safe and enriching environment. Campers should bring a hat, water bottle, sunscreen, and water shoes or sneakers that can get wet. Parents or guardians will be notified of any additional items required via email before the camp session begins.
Want to learn more? Watch this camp highlight video to see what kids think of the camp!
Email silvercitywatershedkeepers@gmail.com with any questions.
This program is made possible by the generous support of the Outdoor Equity Fund grant from the New Mexico Economic Development Department’s Outdoor Recreation Division and the Lineberry Foundation. Transportation and lunches are provided through collaboration with Silver and Cobre Consolidated School Districts.
