Summer Camps-Spots still open- Open House June 14th 3:30-4:30 pm RSVP
Current Cancellation/Rescheduling Policy 2025
*If you need to cancel a camp, kindly let us know as soon as possible so we can release your space.
*If the need arises to cancel a registration, no refunds will be given at this time. However, you can change to a different camp BASED ON AVAILABILITY OR a credit will be issued for future programs. Please note, there may be a difference in price.
*IF YOU CANCEL:
- Three weeks of more. There is a $50 cancellation/admin fee
- Two weeks before the camp, there is a $100 Cancellation/admin fee
- Less than 1 week, there are no credits or refunds as you were taking up a spot and we sell out, unless we are able to cover your spot then we can give you credit minus $100 cancellation fee.
- If you miss the week - no credit or refunds are given. If you tell us ahead of time a make-up day will be given, if you do not tell us ahead of time you will forfeit the make up day. We thank you for your understanding.
- Make ups vs Credit: Eye for an Eye rule: If your child is sick or needs to miss a day of camp/class, they can make-up the day on another day of camp/class throughout the school year provided we have space availability. This is not credit to your account and must be used for the same program.
*Credits are good for one year from the date given
*There are a limited amount of credit spaces per camp. First- Come -First Serve basis. Please sign up by January in order to secure your spot with credit.
* Please note the camp may not be the same price and you may owe a balance. Discounts do not apply to credit except sibling discounts. Credit cannot be refunded and "make up days" will be given instead.
*Procedure for signing up for camps with credit:
Please let us know if you used credit for any program so we can check your account
Email us the name of your child(ren) and what camps you would like to use credit for this year. We will email you back with any remaining balances you have or if you owe as well as confirmation on registration by February 15th. First come first serve as credit spaces are limited.
*Camp listings and info on www.ecoadventures.org/summercamps
Inclement Weather cancellation:
Should there be any camp closings due to weather, you must make up the day during the following school year day camps. Please note this is NOT credit. It is a CAMP MAKE-UP day and it is based on space availability. Please email us to inquire.
CAMP 2025 Questions and Answers:
What are the new safety guidelines you will have in order to keep the children safe from Covid?
Eco Adventures will be operating under strict CDC guidelines, MD Department of Health, Youth Day Camp Act, as well as American Camp Association directives, to provide a safe and illness preventative environment for all participants. We feel that we have enacted a plan that not only ensures the safety and well-being of our employees and participants, but also allows for plenty of enrichment and fun for all campers.
*We ask your child to wear a mask should we see any signs of illness and will need a negative COVID test result in order to return back to camp. Campers can make up the days missed during the school year. See cancellation policy.
* Please note this can change at any time.
How will you deal with the extreme heat/inclement weather, etc ?
- We will have tents in the field and water coolers will be placed outside for water replenishment.
- Each station outside will have coverings and places to sit/rest in the shade or to get away from rain/sun We are prepared for rain or shine.
- Children will be required to carry water bottles and a cap/hat is recommended. Staff will be asking campers to hydrate after each station and has been first aid trained in identifying symptoms of dehydration and heat stroke.
- Should there be an extreme heat/code red days/air quality/or thunderstorms, we will take campers inside.
- We spray our outdoor areas for ticks. However, it may be an unusually bad tick season due to the mild winter. Please note that it may be helpful to spray your children with bug spray around their legs/shoes and apply sunscreen before camp.
What does the camp staffing look like? What is the capacity per group?
- Eco Adventures will be operating at normal capacity. This means we can have up to 6 groups of up to 15-17 kids. In addition, many stations will have additional supervision depending on the activities and age groups.
- All of our main staff is made up of trained professionals with backgrounds in herpetology, zoology, marine biology, environmental/natural sciences, conservation education, and more and/or hired staff that have had several years of experience working in this field or volunteering with Eco Adventures. We are conducting extra training, and preparations for camps to ensure a safe and fun learning environment. Supplemental Staff are high school-college students.
- There will be at least 1 instructor to up to 17 kids, 1 volunteer/intern, and one Jr. Assistant/volunteer per station. Campers will be rotating to different stations every 30 mins or so. In addition, we have additional 3-4 administrative staff supervising the camp and assisting with logistic and sanitation.
- Administrative staff will be indoors/outdoors roaming to help supervise activities as needed and facilitate the logistics of the camp such as drop off and pick up.
Can I make changes to camp dates?
- As soon as you know, please contact us and we can make the changes provided if there is space available. If you cancel a camp for any reason, a make-up day or credit will be given. We ask you to notify us ASAP so we can give your spot away. (Please see the cancellation policy below)
What is your refund policy?
-
Current Cancellation/Rescheduling Policy 2025
*If you need to cancel a camp, kindly let us know as soon as possible so we can release your space.
*If the need arises to cancel a registration, no refunds will be given at this time. However, you can change to a different camp BASED ON AVAILABILITY OR a credit will be issued for future programs. Please note, there may be a difference in price. Credit must be used within one year.
*IF YOU CANCEL:
-
Three weeks of more. There is a $50 cancellation/admin fee
-
Two weeks before the camp, there is a $100 Cancellation/admin fee
-
Less than 1 week, there are no credits or refunds as you were taking up a spot and we sell out unless we are able to cover your spot then we can give you credit minus $100 cancellation fee.
*If you miss the week - no credit or refunds are given. If you tell us ahead of time a make-up day will be given, if you do not tell us ahead of time you will forfeit the make up day. We thank you for your understanding.
- Make ups vs Credit: Eye for an Eye rule: If your child is sick or needs to miss a day of camp/class, they can make-up the day on another day of camp/class throughout the school year provided we have space availability. This is not credit to your account and must be used for the same program.
*Credits are good for one year from the date given
Please see the cancellation policy tab.
How will groupings work?
- Children will be pre-grouped based on age/gender/ allergies/special needs/friend/sibling requests. From experience, campers have the best time when they are grouped in their own age groups. However, we do understand anxieties etc so please make sure you give us these requests on the form filled out by SAWYER when registering or by June 1st.
- Friend requests: Keep in mind they will probably be in a mixed age group with other requests. If you give us grouping requests last minute (after groups are set), there may NOT be a guarantee that your child will be placed with your request as there are MANY considerations when doing groupings. Upon registering, you will receive a “ What to Expect” email with detailed information and one week prior.
How will “drop off and pick up” work?
- Drop off for regular camp hours will be starting at 8:45 am-9:15am. Car drop off only. No parking allowed. If there is a special request- please contact us. Please say your goodbyes ahead of time and have children ready so you don’t hold up the line. Upon arrival, please lower the windows so we can talk to you and sign in your child for you.
- Pick up will be starting at 3:45-4pm. You will receive a colored piece of paper with your child’s name that corresponds with your child’s group color during morning drop-off. We will call campers on walkies for dismissals where Jr. assistants will be escorting them to the car. If there is someone else picking up your child, we must have a picture of the pick-up pass OR ID so we know you are authorized for pick-up. After 4:10 pm we will take kids inside for after care where an additional fee of $15 will be collected for aftercare if not prepaid.
What about Before Care and After Care?
- Before care starts at 8:00am and after care ends at 5:00pm ($15 per day for each) with our administrative staff. Campers will be inside watching a movie. Please park and drop off/retrieve your child at the front desk.
- Extended Aftercare is available until 5:30pm for an extra fee ($20).
What activities will my child be involved in?
- Each day campers will participate in daily animal interactions or animal care chores, field games, snack time, crafts, experiments or activities depending on the theme.
Each week, campers will do a fossil dig, water Fun Friday where campers will play “team” Field Games and "Mr. Rob" will come in that afternoon with snow cones. We will also have a fossil/gem dig outside with our ECO Sluice running and look for fossils, gems, and shark teeth. Guest entertainers/speakers will join in the excitement and fun! From Magicians, scientists, Fidos for Freedom dog trainers, DNR wildlife officers, divers, and more!
What about the field trips?
- We will conduct certain Specialty Field Trips for ONE DAY CAMPS ONLY and Walk on the Wildside (4 day camp). If there is a short hike local field trip, we will let parents know.
- Friday Field Trips: Select Fridays we will have a special outing for a small group of campers, that correlated with the theme of the camp. Campers must be 7+ to register. Space is limited!
What if my child requires medications?
- Parents must administer medications that are non-life-saving.
- For Life-Saving medication (Epi-Pens and Inhalers) Parents must have filled out the medication form before camp with a doctor’s signature. The child must be made aware of their medications and how they are administered- The Camp Director will supervise any medication administration.
What about reapplying sunscreen? Can you assist my child?
- Yes- we sure can and we ask that the child bring SPRAY sunscreen ONLY. We cannot touch your child with cream one.
What if my child has general health concerns and behavioral or psychiatric needs?
- If your child has special needs that need extra “special attention” whether it is physical or behavioral, we trust that you have made a decision based on your child’s needs to attend camp this year. It is important to let the staff know of any allergies, special needs, or behavioral problems that the child may have BEFORE the camp. If they have a plan in school, you should continue to adhere to the recommendations for the plan during summer. Please note we do not have the flexibility of adding extra staff to be able to address behavioral or special needs situations. Any serious or consistent behavioral issues will result in parent pick-up without a refund. We encourage you to schedule a tour so we can help you decide if ECO Camps are right for your child as it is a fast-moving, full of activities camp and may not be a good fit for all children.
What forms/waivers will be needed?
- You can fill out the forms when you register under your account in Sawyer online.
- A medication administration form is available (if needed)
What about snacks?
- We ask that parents pack one snack and a lunch. We feel the kids deserve a little cooling off and a break at the end of the day. As a result, we will be providing a daily afternoon "ice pop" for kids to cool off. Should you not want this, please make sure you pack two snacks. As always, let us know if your child has allergies. For Wizarding World Camp, we will be giving "Butterbeer". Fridays- Mr. Rob will be coming with SNOW CONES!
Are you a peanut-free facility?
- We can no longer say we are peanut-free as some of our newest animals eat nuts. However, we do ask all campers NOT to bring in peanuts in their lunches. Please let us know of any allergies before camp begins. Snow cones and ice pops are nut-free- please feel free to check if your child is highly allergic.
Where will lunches be?
- Lunches will be starting at 12:00pm. Groups will rotate through the week between inside and outside. Inside we will show a movie until lunch is over.
What if someone gets sick during camp or camp ended and someone got diagnosed with COVID? Will the former camper families be notified of illness?
- If a child is exhibiting any sign of illness, we will have a separate triage area away from the campers to tend to. We have to be very strict about ANY sign of any illness we will have to call parents right away for pick up. We trust parents will let their child stay home after that should they still exhibit signs of illness no matter how slight. They cannot come back without a negative test result and can make up days later.
- Campers must be fever or vomit free for 24hrs before they are able to return to camp.
Can children purchase something from the gift shop?
- Children will have time at the end of the day on Thursday to go into the gift shop to make purchases one group at a time. Items are from $.50-$25+. Please no piggy bank coins will be accepted.
Summer Camps -2nd place WINNER -Best Summer Camps-2021!
Experience the Extraordinary!
Each of our award-winning specialty camps are themed and designed to get kids excited about our natural world.. Whether it's providing campers with a once in a lifetime experience with an endangered species, learn new skills from an expert, discover newfound confidence from one of our knowledgeable instructors, or simply make new friends in a safe and stimulating environment. From Animal Caretakers and Training, Marine Biology, Art camp, Out of this World, and even Wizarding Worlds...At Eco Adventures, we believe in kids "doing" not watching. Whether it's through a hands-on encounter with one of our live animal ambassadors, an experience in our simulated rainforest, an activity in our outdoor classrooms, wild crafts, games/competitions, fossil dig, or a demo by visiting scientists...let your child ignite their passion for the outdoors! Let your kids "Go Wild" this summer....
*We will continue to follow COVID precautionary safety protocols as we are known as one of the safest camps around! Schedule a tour today.
Important Camp Information BELOW
CAMP HOURS:
*All camps are 9am-4pm
*Before Care begins at 8 AM and Aftercare ends at 5 PM ($15 per day, or $150 for both BC/AC per week )
* Extended after care is available until 5:30pm for an extra fee, please inquire (not online option)
AGE GROUPS:
Campers will be divided into groups:
Nature Nuts (ages 5-6)
Trailblazers (ages 7-8)
ECO Explorers (9-11)
Counselors in Training (ages 12+)
Each week is different depending on theme. Daily camps are $110 per day unless otherwise noted.
DISCOUNTS and CODES:
SAWYER REGISTRATION SYSTEM ONLY TAKES ONE DISCOUNT AT A TIME!
* Early Bird Discount use code EB15: $15 off your total order for FULL week camps (5 days), or $5 off your total order for day camps, use code EB5. Expires 03/01/25
*Open House Discount: Take $30 off each week of camp using code OH30. Siblings must register separately. Offer only available 1/24/25
* Sibling discounts (starting 3/2/25) only apply when two (or more) children are being registered for the exact same class at the exact same time. Sibling discounts do not apply when you register for different classes.
*IF you sign up for 9 weeks of camp (FULL SUMMER) it is $410/week * NO other discounts apply- email to set up.
*Please note NO discounts can be applied after the purchase of camps.
*For any questions please email: ecoadventureslydia@gmail.com
| Date | Camp Theme | Price |
|---|---|---|
| June 9th - 13th | Fun in the Sun | $110 daily/ $460 weekly |
| June 16th-20th | Eco Sampler 1 | $460 |
| June 23rd-27th | Adventure Quest & Animal Caretakers- ADDED | $460 |
| June 24th-27th | Walk on the Wildside | $480 |
| June 30th- July 3rd | Wilderness Explorer: Survivor Challenge | $370 |
| June 30th-July 3rd | Art of the Wildside | $370 |
| July 7th-11th | Eco Sampler 2 | $460 |
| July 14th-18th | Animal Caretakers 1: Animal Play | $460 |
| July 21st-25th | World of Wizardry: Order of the Phoenix & Animal Caretakers Added | $460 |
| July 28th-August 1st | Would You Rather? Challenge Camp & Animal Caretakers Added | $460 |
| August 4th-8th | Marine Biology: Oceana "Kai" & Animal Caretakers Added | $460 |
| August 11th-15th | Animal Caretakers 2: Creature Careers | $460 |
| August 18th-22nd | Eco Sampler 3 | $475 |
| August 25th-29th | End of Summer Fun: Kindergarten Camp | $110 daily/ $385 weekly |
Let your kids "Go Wild" this summer at Eco Adventures!
Fun in the Sun Camp!
June 9th-13th
Full Week $460 or daily $110/day
Start your summer off with a bang, and see firsthand why we won the local: Best Summer Camp Award! Kids will soak in the early summer sun and unwind from their busy school year at ECO. Every day will include exciting games, crafts, activities, and best of all…live animals...and lots of them! Participants will get to splash around in our Wild West gold panning sluice sprinkler, dig around in our fossil pit, and explore all that nature has to offer on the wild side! This one fills up fast so get after it!!
NEW! Animal Caretakers & Training Weeks
You asked and we added more weeks! Limited Spaces Available for our most popular camp!
June 23rd-27th July 21st-25th July 28th - August 1st August 4th - 8th
$460
Weekly Themed Summer Camps 2025
Eco Sampler 1
June 16th-20th
$460
I know....I know..... we hear it all the time...it's impossible to choose just one camp from our fabulous lineup! Well, your prayers have been answered, because campers will get to explore all we have to offer during this unique special week. Each and every day is a different theme, selected from our award winning , most popular camps across our summer line up. ! It's what we call the Eco Sampler, and what you're sure to call GREAT!!! There is way more fun than we can list here, but the week will be stuffed full of more fun than you imagine, including crafts, games, guest speakers, entertainers, and of course, and amazing, live animals! Experience all we have to offer and sign up now for Eco Sampler!
Daily Themes: Animal Caretakers, World of Wizardry, Marine Biology, Pokemon, Enchanted Forest
Adventure Quest
June 23rd-27th
$460
Pull up your boots and hold on tight for this week's camp, because this isn't just any ordinary offering. Adventure Quest is all about the journey. Journeys that will daily send campers in search of magical creatures, mythic beasts, and cryptid legends. The search will take campers to the extraordinary. Mermaids, fairies, trolls, unicorns, Bigfoot, and dragons, will all be on the agenda. But, this camp isn't just about the payoff, it's all about epic journeys and mysterious destinations that make it so thrilling. Whether the quest takes campera to Shangri La, Atlantis, El Dorado, or the Forbidden City, in search of our magical creature/cryptids, there will be plenty of excitement along the way, because to successfully navigate to each of the daily destinations, campers will have to become proficient in finding clues, working together, deciphering codes, reading maps, and avoiding pitfalls! There's a reason these beasts are hard to find! Muster up your can do attitude, and teamwork mojo, to pull back the curtain on all the mysterious creatures out there in this week's offering. Note: No magical creatures will be allowed home with campers...except maybe Bigfoot!
Wilderness Explorer: Survivor Challenge
June 30th-July 3rd
$370
Yikes...you've just found yourself in the wilderness…with a group of strangers!!...what next? Don’t sweat… This camp will teach participants how to handle all that nature can throw their way! Teamwork is the name of the game! Each team will learn the ins and outs of staying safe and surviving tough situations. They will learn how to pitch a tent, make a shelter, how to build a fire, determine compass directions using the sun, how to find food, build a raft, and much more. Campers will work together in teams for some friendly competitions where they will work on daily challenges, run obstacle courses, play animal trivia, and compete in physical challenges to gain rewards or get “immunity idols" to help each survival team along the way. If you want to survive what nature throws your way sign up now before the next storm blows in!
Art on the Wildside
June 30th-July 3rd
$370
Get ready to unleash your expressive side and go wild...because it's ART on the Wildside at Eco Adventures!! In this popular camp participants will get to paint with our pythons, craft with our chameleons, and sculpt with our parrots! If it’s wild and it's art, it's fair game. And this isn't just a boring old crayon camp, (no way!) participants will be utilizing watercolors, sketching, 3-D sculpting, and more to create their masterpieces. Eco's live animals will give the artists up close and personal hands-on encounters, and be the perfect inspirations to get our art on!
Eco Sampler II
July 7th-11th
$460
I know....I know..... we hear it all the time...it's impossible to choose just one camp from our fabulous lineup! Well, your prayers have been answered, because campers will get to explore all we have to offer during this unique special week. Each and every day is a different theme, selected from our award winning , most popular camps across our summer line up. ! It's what we call the Eco Sampler, and what you're sure to call GREAT!!! There is way more fun than we can list here, but the week will be stuffed full of more fun than you imagine, including crafts, games, guest speakers, entertainers, and of course, live animals, live animals, and more live animals!!! Experience all we have to offer and sign up now for Eco Sampler!
Daily Themes: Animal Caretakers, Marine Biology, Super Mario, Finding Bigfoot & Wild West
Animal Caretakers 1: Animal Play
July 14th-18th
$460
If working with animals has been your dream, then this is the camp for you! In this really popular offering, campers will get to experience a very familiar and important aspect in animals’ lives! PLAY TIME!! Playing is a form of enrichment that mentally and physically challenges animals- AND KIDS! Campers will learn all the ins and outs of working and playing with animals up close and personal, as experts in the field will pull back the curtain and show participants what's really involved. Campers will get to make enrichment toys for different types of animals such as Macaw, armadillo, gators, lizards, and even snakes! Then present your cool toys and play with them! But wait- there’s more! Who wouldn’t want to play with… puppies and bunnies?? And interact with petting zoo animals? There will also be plenty of hands-on animal interactions all along the way, even animal care chores such as bathing hedgehog and feeding gators and turtles. We will also make sure campers get some good ole’ fashion playing time as well!
World of Wizardry: Order of the Phoenix
July 21st-25th
$460
Welcome recruits to the training center for the Order of the Phoenix. New recruits will be tested on their spell casting, enchantments, potions, and knowledge of dark magic! We are seeking hidden dark relics that may lead us to finding Horcruxes! Upon arrival witches and wizards will receive their own personalized wands, be sorted into teams and jump right into learning spell casting and dueling! Join our potion masters to brew up some liquid luck, Veriteserum, polyjuice potion and more! At the Eco Adventures branch we offer a special Magical Creatures course where recruits will learn how animals can help them in the hunt for dark artifacts and get hands-on experience! Bow to hippogriffs and seek shiny treasure with nifflers! Keep your eyes peeled for dark magic users, dark artifacts and Horcruxes!
NEW! Would You Rather: Challenge Camp
July 28th - August 1st
$460
Which is worse…Falling into a pool of piranhas or electric eels? A Great White Shark bite or a Nile Croc bite? Getting pooped on by an elephant or a hippo? In this all new camp, kids will be presented with two terrible choices and must decide which is worse!Need help making your decision? Campers will get hands-on encounters with loads of animal ambassadors, animal facts, learn the ins and outs of caring for these animals to help them make their choice. Face challenges and dares to see who is the bravest by playing Fear Factor! Would you rather be kicked by a mule or an ostrich? Sprayed by a skunk or vomited on by a buzzard?? Only our campers will get the insight into which animal scenarios are ACTUALLY worse! (And it may not be what they suspect!) We have all the answers at Eco Adventures, and fun awaits for this crazy new offering. This is a camp full of teamwork and challenges, facts and trivia, meet animals, create experiments, race through obstacle courses and create crafts to prove…which is worse?
*Based on Scholastic Book by Dr. Brady Barr coming soon!
Marine Biology: Oceana "Kai"
August 4th-8th
$460
“Kai” is sea in Hawaiian. The earth’s elements: land, air, and “Wai” (water) are celebrated in polynesia’s culture. In this camp, we will journey through the world of our amazing oceans and discover the amazing culture of the Hawaiian islands and polyenesian South Pacific! Start your week and learn from a native Polynesian dancer the culture, musical instruments and learn a dance they will practice throughout the week! Each day, we focus on a unique habitat starting with Surf’s up… dude or “Nalu” (waves) that bring much life into the tide pools! These tide pools house in a micro-community of organisms such as hermit crabs, urchins, octopus, sea stars and other animals that can survive air and water! Then go underwater deeper into the islands and the colorful world of Pacific coral reefs full of fish, eels, crabs, and manta rays! Dive deeper into the open ocean where kelp beds hide otters and seals from the great white sharks that lurk in the darkness! Learn about the biggest animals in our sea- whales and the gentle “Honus’ or sea turtles that glide though the oceans. In this Sea Camp, young marine biologists will also learn about fisheries and famous researchers in search for answers. It’s action packed full of marine bio labs with live invertebrates, meet live animals, fossil digs, experiments, test your balance with surf games, shark lab and shark dissection, cultural crafts, and even design your own eco friendly “Fishery Trap”.
Animal Caretakers & Training II: Creature Careers
August 11th-15th
$460
Back by popular demand! If working with animals has been your dream, then this is the camp for you! In this really popular offering,campers will get to experience different jobs that relate to working with our animal friends. Learn what it takes to be a veterinarian, taking care of sick or injured animals, or a park ranger, watching over wild beasts. How about learning about being a biologist? Entomologist? Marine biologist? A herpetologist? What about any other -ologist that calls to you. And of course, we couldn’t skip talking about being a zookeeper. Campers will learn all the ins and outs of working with animals up close and personal, as experts in the field will pull back the curtain and show participants what's really involved in these exciting careers. There will be plenty of hands-on animal interactions all along the way, even animal care chores such as bathing a tortoise or a hedgehog, making toys for a kinkajou, and feeding gators and crocs. Sign up today and get a head start in these amazing creature careers!
Eco Sampler III
August 18th-22nd
$475
End your summer with a medley of the best themes each day! Each day may include crafts, challenges, experiments, and games and of course- our one of a kind animal interactions! ...Dig deep for gold in our fossil dig on Monday. Look for Treasure Scavenger hunt on Tuesday and meet a pirate! Train gators, turtles, monitors, birds and more on Wednesday. Sink your fangs into adventure on Thursday. Learn about colossal squid and dissect one and play with water games on FUN Friday! Sign up now so you don’t miss out on this fun-filled week!
Daily Themes: Spy Camp, Animal Caretakers, World of Wizardry, Journey through Time & Minecraft
End of Summer Fun: Kindergarten Camp
August 25th-29th
$110 Daily or $385 Full Week
*Price includes staggered day back
End your summer with a sizzle and take advantage of the last week before Kindergarten begins! Instructors will encourage kids to get ready for kindergarten with fun books, tips on teamwork, kindness, making friends, and listening games teachers may already use. Every day will include exciting games, crafts, activities, and best of all…live animals! Bring your bathing suits for our Field Games Days where we have fun with a variety of different water games, and explore our Eco Mining Company water feature, where campers can mine for fossils and gold, then cool off in our sluice and sprinklers while cleaning their finds.
*Designed for kindergarten staggered entrance days. Can sign up per day or week.
Specialty Summer Camps
Registration NOW OPEN!! SPACE IS LIMITED! Go...go...go!
Turtle-tacular Field Trip Camp
July 11th
8:30am-3:30pm
$120 Ages 7+
Space is Limited!
"Walk on the Wildside" Field Trip Camp
June 24th-27th
8:30am-3:30pm
$480 Ages 7+
Space is Limited!
Take a breath of fresh air and get ready for some good old fashioned outdoor fun! This week campers will leave civilization and the building behind to take a walk on the wildside and explore the great outdoors. We will get the ins and outs of navigating trails, using a compass, identifying animal tracks, scavenger hunts, crabbing, seining, fishing and more! Campers will venture into nature each day to look for wildlife and bond with nature! Transportation will be provided in the snake van with limited space to 8-12 campers (depending on Covid). Sign up now and by the end of the week the kids might not want to come back in from the outdoors!
*Field trips to Patapsco State Park, Sandy Point and Severn River
**Field trips subject to change at anytime
Patapsco Valley Field Trip Camp
July 22nd
8:30AM - 4:30PM
Ages 7+
$120
Space is limited!
Join the Eco team in partnering up with Patapsco Heritage Greenway to help our planet! Our campers will be lead by an experienced PHG naturalist to explore the Patapsco Valley and participate in cleaning up our water ways, learning about healthy water quality and exploring the aquatic world! Meet invertebrates, fish and maybe even a turtle or frog on this awesome day of exploration!
Fossil Beach Trip- St. Leonards
July 31st
8:30AM - 4:30PM
Ages 7+
$120
Space is limited!
Join our team of fossil hunting rock hounds as we climb aboard the world-famous Eco Adventures Snake Van!!! Our paleo-campers will head out to the renowned fossil hotspot in St. Leonards Md, where there are more relics than you can shake a stick at! Campers will put their skills to the test, and excavate, uncover, and unearth, fossils from the ancient world of the Chesapeake Bay! Following the fossil dig, campers will get to examine living marine life, by taking part in seining activities. Cooling off in the water at this point is an added bonus! Fossil hunting is hard work and is sure to build up an appetite, so we will be having a delicious BBQ lunch overlooking the Chesapeake! Spaces are limited to 12.
Don’t be an old fossil and miss out on this dynamic camp, sign up right now!!
BBQ Lunch is optional: Hot dogs, chips, watermelon, juice box $5 extra
Sandy Point Field Trip Camp
August 8th
8:30am-3:30pm
$120 Ages 7+
Space is Limited!
Animal Keeper Apprentice
Every Tuesday, Thursday & Friday in the Summer
Ages 7+
10 AM - 1 PM $85
10 AM - 4 PM $110 Full day on Fridays only
Wonder what it is like to be a zookeeper? Led by one of our animal keepers, this in-depth experience is for older students who are serious about learning animal husbandry and medical care of animals. Students will get to tour around the facility and learn specific information and needs of our animal collection. Students will get to not only encounter animals in our behind-the-scenes animal room, but also assist with animal care, food prep, training, & cleaning. This is a very hands-on experience like no other! If you want to stay all day and join the water fun- bring your suit and towel and join our campers and play field games, get wet, join the fossil dig and sluice, and cool off with a snow cone!
FRIDAYS ONLY FOR ALL DAY.
**Spaces is very limited to six participants per day!! Perfect for aspiring Jr. Assistants
Camp Policies
Please let us know of any allergies in advance. Child must have Doctor's form filled out for any EpiPens or medications. We can only administer life saving medications. Parents must administer any non-life saving medicines.
*Please note that we do have some animals that eat peanuts/nuts but will not be around any human eating areas.
Parents MUST notify us upon registration, prior to the camp, if your child has ANY general health concerns, behavioral or psychiatric needs (ADHD, autism, or any physical or behavioral problems), allergies, or any other special requirements so we can be prepared and staffed appropriately.
Although we have had experience with some minor special needs, we are not trained professionals. Please note that this high energy camp may not be for everyone. Our rotations may switch thirty minutes at a time. Children with difficulties in making transitions, noise, high stimuli, may not respond well to this camp. We recommend to continue school routines/programs with your child: If your child has ADHD medication (parents must administer any non-life saving medications), a weighted vest, or is in a program at school we recommend you continue the routine.
Failure to do this or improper/unmanageable behavior during camp can result in cancellation of your child's registration WITHOUT a refund as your child has taken up a spot. Thank you for your understanding.
- If you child has medications, a parent must administer them before, during, or after camp as we do not administer medications other than life saving medications such as EpiPens.
If your child is exhibiting any cold-like symptoms, nausea, or fever, please keep your child home. If your child is fever/symptom/vomit-free after a full 24 hrs, (and all family members are not sick), he/she may return. If symptoms continue, since we do not know if it is a cold, stomach bug or COVID, we would need for your child to sit out for 5 days from the first sign of symptoms OR bring us negative COVID test results.
If your child or family member has tested positive, please contact us ASAP.
There are no credit/refunds applied to your account but your child can make up the week of camp during the school year if space is available. Please note: there may be a price difference.
Thank you for your understanding and your honesty.
Current Cancellation/Rescheduling Policy 2025
*If you need to cancel a camp, kindly let us know as soon as possible so we can release your space.
*If the need arises to cancel a registration, no refunds will be given at this time. However, you can change to a different camp BASED ON AVAILABILITY OR a credit will be issued for future programs. Please note, there may be a difference in price. Credit must be used within one year.
*IF YOU CANCEL:
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Three weeks of more. There is a $50 cancellation/admin fee
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Two weeks before the camp, there is a $100 Cancellation/admin fee
- Less than 1 week, there are no credits or refunds as you were taking up a spot and we sell out unless we are able to cover your spot then we can give you credit minus $100 cancellation fee.
- If you miss the week - no credit or refunds are given. If you tell us ahead of time a make-up day will be given, if you do not tell us ahead of time you will forfeit the make up day. We thank you for your understanding.
- Make ups vs Credit: Eye for an Eye rule: If your child is sick or needs to miss a day of camp/class, they can make-up the day on another day of camp/class throughout the school year provided we have space availability. This is not credit to your account and must be used for the same program.
*Credits are good for one year from the date given
Please see the cancellation policy tab.
*There are a limited amount of credit spaces per camp. First- Come -First Serve basis. Please sign up by January in order to secure your spot with credit.
* Please note the camp may not be the same price and you may owe a balance. Discounts do not apply to credit except sibling discounts. Credit cannot be refunded and "make up days" will be given instead.
*Procedure for signing up for camps with credit:
Please let us know if you used credit for any program so we can check your account
Email us the name of your child(ren) and what camps you would like to use credit for this year. We will email you back with any remaining balances you have or if you owe as well as confirmation on registration by February 15th. First come first serve as credit spaces are limited.
*Camp listings and info on www.ecoadventures.org/summercamps
Inclement Weather cancellation:
Should there be any camp closings due to weather, you must make up the day during the following school year day camps. Please note this is NOT credit. It is a CAMP MAKE-UP day and it is based on space availability. Please email us to inquire.
We have a new registration system called Sawyer.
Registration closes on the Thursday before the week of camp begins. If trying to register for a camp after the Thursday before, please call 410-987-1300 for space availability.
If possible, we ask that you please register at least two weeks in advance so we can make the appropriate staff/materials/supplies preparations. We do take last minute registrations but know that it is based on space availability.
Eco Adventures 2025 Cancellation/Rescheduling Policy- see top of the page and click on the button
Current Cancellation/Rescheduling Policy 2025
*If you need to cancel a camp, kindly let us know as soon as possible so we can release your space.
*If the need arises to cancel a registration, no refunds will be given at this time. However, you can change to a different camp BASED ON AVAILABILITY OR a credit will be issued for future programs. Please note, there may be a difference in price.
*There is a $50 cancellation/admin fee if you cancel over 3 weeks out.
*If you cancel less than 3 weeks before the camp, there is a $100 fee.
*If you cancel less than 1 week, there are no credits or refunds.
*If you miss the week - no credit or refunds are given. If you tell us ahead of time a make up day will be given, if you do not tell us ahead of time you will forfeit the make up day. We thank you for your understanding.
- Make ups vs Credit: Eye for an Eye rule: If your child is sick or needs to miss a day of camp/class, they can make-up the day on another day of camp/class throughout the school year provided we have space availability. This is not credit to your account and must be used for the same program.
*Credits are good for one year from the date given
*Before Care starting at 8 am Or After Care until 5pm
Price is $15/day (please inquire)
Both Before AND After Care is $150 for the week.
Extended after care is now an option until 5:30pm for an additional fee - please inquire as it is not an option online....email us ecoadventureslydia@gmail.com
* This will be indoors. A movie will be provided
Our TAX EIN # 80-0921094. Your registration email receipt can be used for tax purpose and has our tax ID number.
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Why Eco Adventures Camps? We are UNIQUE and like no other. Here is why:
Meet Eco Adventures staff! From the owners who just so happen to be world-renowned explorers from National Geographic scientist and marine biologist to our expert instructors made up of naturalists/researchers, educators with advanced degrees and environmentalists! We are professional, trained educators. This is what we love...this is what we do! The Executive Director has 35+ years of experience with conservation education, research/eco travel and leading, organizing, and developing camps from the Miami Seaquarium, Parrot Jungle and Gardens, National Audubon Society, to the National Aquarium and more!
We also have mentored many previous campers/Junior Assistants and have now HIRED them to lead camps as counselors! Not only do they KNOW camps, but they are a FUN and important part of your child's camp experience. We pride ourselves on our training from animal safety to first aide/CPR certifications and are certified with NO violations from the MD Dept. of Health Camp Association. Lastly, all of our staff has been additionally trained on the new CDC safety guidelines and COVID safety procedures for preventing illness.
We will be splitting up campers into age-appropriate groups of 15-17 or less. Each station will have at least one instructor, one intern, and one Counselor in training or Junior Assistant. We try to accommodate sibling requests and friend requests when needed. They will rotate from station to station every 30 minutes (crafts, games/activity, animals, snacks, inside air-conditioning downtime). Instructor's aides and admin staff/interns/volunteers will also assist in the stations.
We also have administrative staff to supervise and assist in between stations as needed. Lastly, the Director and Camp Director will be there to oversee the camp logistics and the safety of the camp.
What to Expect- Eco Adventures Camp 2025
We’re on our way to a FUN week! Here is additional information and reminders you need to know:
CAMP HOURS, BEFORE CARE AND AFTERCARE
• *REGULAR CAMPERS: 9am-4pm
• CITS: 8:30AM-4:30PM - DROP OFF AT THE DOOR
• Before & After Care: We offer before care beginning at 8am and after care until 5:00pm *OR extended care until 5:30pm for an extra fee. Cost is $15 per day for one or the other or $30 per day for both. * Extended care - email us with what day(s) you will need. They will go inside to watch a movie. Drop off and pick up at the door. Show pick up pass.
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DROP OFF AND PICK UP PROCEDURES
• CHECK IN/DROP OFF: Each morning we are implementing outside CAR drop off & pick up through a drop off line. PROCEED TO THE SECOND ENTRANCE BY AMERICAN CEDAR & MILLWORK THE KITCHEN AND TURN LEFT. LOOP BEHIND OUR BUILDING. Staff will be outside directing you. Please do not have your child get out of the car until a staff member has been by to perform the daily screening and cleared him/her to join their group.
• In order to have drop off be as smooth and efficient as possible, please roll your windows down ahead of time when we arrive at your car and make sure you camper is READY TO GO with backpack, water bottle, ALREADY applied sunscreen etc so you do not hold up the line.
• DROP OFF TIMES MON- 8:40 TUES-FRI- 8:50
• PICK UP: Starts at 3:45 pm- 4:00pm. You will be given a colored piece of paper with your child’s group color and name on the first day. Place in your RIGHT hand side window or dash board for BOTH morning and afternoon ALL WEEK. This will speed up the process. We will have staff members/CIT’s/volunteers outside escorting your child to your car. In order to minimize exposure risk, we ask that parents remain in their car during drop off and pick up. If you have another person picking up, please supply them with a photo of your pick up pass to show.
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CAMP SAFETY AND COVID PROTOCOLS
• COVID UPDATES: Please note all of our staff (16 and over) has been vaccinated. Masks are optional but will practice 2ft social distancing whenever possible. We have extra ventilation, HEPA filters in the rooms, sanitize and open the doors for fresh air throughout the day.
•General Health Concerns, Behavioral or Psychiatric Needs/ALLERGIES/MEDS: Please let us know BEFORE camp of any special needs so we can be prepared and better assist your child and remind us during drop off time. Any medications must be administered by a parent unless it is a life-saving medication such as an epipen. You must have a medical authorization form filled out and signed by pediatrician.
• Tick season: Although we spray for ticks and mosquitos professionally, please spray your child with bug repellant each morning and perform a tick check each evening.
• Groups: Groups will be PRE-ASSIGNED before the first day of camp. This year, different aged siblings will be placed in their appropriate age group, unless it is absolutely necessary and requested to be together by the parent. If your child wants to be paired with a friend or relative, you must have requested it during registration on your SAWYER Profile. Groups are made at least two weeks in advance. After that there are no guarantees and sibling/friend requests will probably be with an mixed-age group.
*Each group will receive a group color and will be competing for the most points throughout the week. Show your spirit and earn points for your team! _________________________________________________________________________________________
The OTHER “411”:
•WHAT TO BRING: Apply sunscreen and bug spray before camp every day. Can wear cap/hat, sneakers. (no flip flops) Bring a small backpack with a water bottle, peanut-free lunch and snack, and spray sunscreen if needed. They will be given ice pops as an afternoon snack every day, if you wish your child to have something different please pack a second snack as well.
•CRAZY HAIR DAY /HAT DAY WED
FUN FRIDAYS: WEAR TEAM COLOR SHIRT-We will be playing field games and games in which the kids may get wet. Wear a bathing suit underneath, if desired, wear shoes they can get wet in/water shoes. Pack a small towel/change of clothes/shoes in case they are needed. Campers can not go barefoot. Cool off with Mr. Rob’s snow cones on Friday (no $ needed) .
• Please do not bring any toys, electronics, or valuables. Please LABEL everything with your child’s name on it and remember to pick up crafts daily. Any lost and found items after 2 weeks will be donated.
• JUNGLE SHOP: At the end of the day on THURSDAY , we will announce jungle shopping, you may bring $ for small souvenirs items are $1-$20 Please label $ in a zip lock bag with your child’s name. We will give those kids that do not bring anything something from the treasure box. Social distancing will be maintained during shopping time. We have Dr. Brady Barr (co-owner) Nat Geo books that he can also sign and personalize $7-$15. Tee shirts $15. If you would like to purchase a white ECO logo tee shirt, please let us know what size Youth XS, S, M, L, XL or Adult sizes. **NO PIGGY BANK COINS**
• Who’s who: We have added extra staff administrators to assist with registration, camp administration, boo boos, behavior/special needs/allergies,/anything parents need as well as camp rotations, sanitation, and supervision. Tie dyed shirts are instructors, white shirts are junior assistants/CIT’s/volunteers. Polo shirts are administrative staff.
• Behavior Policy: As stated in the forms, just a friendly reminder of this policy that if my child(ren) does not consistently follow the safety rules and rules of conduct, the child may be expelled from the program without a refund.
* If your child is absent/sick, late, or need to picked up early, it is your responsibility to please call or email us to let us know.
• If you would like to sponsor an animal, make a donation, or donate produce/items from our wish list, please see our website. P.S. We always need newspaper!
CIT’S (Counselor in Training) INFORMATION
•CAMP HOURS FOR CIT’S: 8:30am-4:30 pm. Please drop off at the door.
*If your CIT would like to stay until 5pm to work with animals Wednesdays. Please let us know.
Tee shirts are included this year. Extra tee shirts are for sale $15 per shirt. All other information above also pertains to the CITS except the drop off times and procedures.
We realize these past years has been very difficult for all- including your children during the pandemic. We are REALLY looking forward to making this the best, safest, most fun camp experience- as they truly deserve it! We also thank you for trusting us with your kids as we would not be here without our supporters. Feel free to contact us with any concerns or questions or feedback. We look forward to a great week of camp!
THANK YOU!
See you later...Alligator!
Mei Len Sanchez-Barr Director and Lydia Egolf Camp Director
410-987-1300
www.ecoadventures.org EcoAdventuresmd@gmail.com
Ecoadventureslydia@gmail.com
Please note procedures can change with new Covid protocols.
For ages 12+ . Does your child have a high interest in animals, assisting with children, developing real-world skills, (teamwork, leadership, responsibility), and learning about creature careers? We open up limited spots for each camp and pair them up with an ECO Jr. Assistant that will help mentor them. Each CIT and Jr. Assistant will assist the Lead instructor in a group rotation. CITS will also participate in all the activities such as snack, craft, games, interactions etc while assisting with the group. Do you have what it takes? This is requirement for aspiring Jr. Assistants. Fee is the same as the themed camp. Call to inquire.
Must attend a meeting training prior to camp on TBA 5:30pm-7:00pm. MUST be 12 years old or older.
* Included in price is training and tee shirt given on training day. Extra tee shirts are $15.
Each of our AWARD WINNING specialty camps are themed and designed to get kids excited about our natural world. Our expertise is a hands on, up close and personal, interactive approach to learning. At Eco Adventures we believe in kids "doing" not watching. Whether its through a hands-on encounter with one of our over one hundred live animal ambassadors, an experience in our simulated rain forest, an activity in our outdoor classroom, wild crafts and games, fossil dig, a demonstration by a visiting scientist, or guided lesson by one of our professional staff members, will all ignite your child's senses and passion for our natural world. Let your kids "go wild" this summer, at a rainforest near you...Eco Adventures...they may never come home!
This is an indoor/outdoor camp. Campers are not outside for more than 1 hr at a time.
*This year we are committed to making this summer- EXTRA special, EXTRA FUN for the kids! They deserve and need it! On top of the weekly themes, we will have friendly competitions between groups/teams to encourage spirit, fun, and following the new rules such as social distancing. Teams/groups can gain points for good behaviors, following rules, spirit, and teamwork, but can also get deducted points for not following rules (such as social distancing). Perhaps this will encourage them to try! Winners get gold medals at the end of the camp and a picture with their group and trophy to post winners on our FB page.
* We will be bringing in some FUN entertainment, whether it is a Magician, Training/DNR/park ranger guest speakers, Rescue Dogs, and more!...
*Fridays will be FIELD Days- where kids can play fun, outdoor field games and have Mr. Rob's Famous Snow cones!
*Campers will experience the ECO Mining Co. a “Wild West Water Stop” feature just out back of the ECO Bunkhouse, where we have our sluices set up and the ore is rich (we hope…). Prospectors will learn all about gold/silver mining, how to prospect, pan for gold and look for fossils, how to use a sluice, introduction to critters we may run into in the wild west, different ways to excavate, and even how to identify precious gems and real fossils!! At the end of their shift, the lucky miners (everyone) will get to weigh their findings at the Gold Dust Gulch Trading Post, where they can swap their nuggets for something they can actually take home!! The sluice boxes are a little leaky and the old Water Stop is unpredictable at best, so on this day, bring your swim suits and prepare to get wet!!
*ECO Oyster Reef! Participants will putting on their waterman hats and tonging for Oysters at the Eco Oyster Reef! Utilizing, age old techniques and tools, campers will test their skill at bringing up oysters, shark teeth, and other fossils with their tonging skills. Many of our oysters contain pearls, so if campers get lucky, you will find an oyster with a pearl! Learn about how it makes this precious jewel and learn about its anatomy!
*We ask that parents pack one snack and a peanut-free lunch. We feel the kids deserve a little cooling off and break from the norm. As a result, we will be providing a daily afternoon "ice pop" for kids to cool off. Should you not want this, please make sure you pack an extra snack. As always, let us know if your child has allergies.
*What's a camp without games? Our dynamic and fun games encourage cooperative learning, physical activity, and team-building skills. We provide outdoor relay games and obstacle courses, creative games, as well as trivia games for the mind all while social distancing. Campers will be put in a colored group (we will provide colored bandanas) where they will compete with the other groups by gaining points throughout the week for good behavior, team spirit, chants, challenges, and more! The winners get to take a picture with the infamous trophy and their picture posted on Facebook.
*At Eco Adventures, kids are encouraged use their imagination and allow their inner Picasso to shine as they create crafts, art projects, and experiments to take home. We try to encourage recycled materials for crafts. The Art Camp provides them to get more in-depth with various mediums of art forms. All crafts are related to the theme.
DISCOUNTS and CODES:
SAWYER REGISTRATION SYSTEM ONLY TAKES ONE DISCOUNT AT A TIME!
* Early Bird Discount use code ECO15: $15 off your total order for FULL week camps (5 days), or $5 off your total order for day camps, use code ECO5. Expires 03/01/25
*Open House Discount: Take $30 off each week of camp using code OH30. Siblings must register separately. Offer only available 1/24/25
* Sibling discounts (starting 3/2/25) only apply when two (or more) children are being registered for the exact same class at the exact same time. Sibling discounts do not apply when you register for different classes.
*IF you sign up for 9 weeks of camp (FULL SUMMER) it is $410/week * NO other discounts apply- email to set up.
*Please note NO discounts can be applied after the purchase of camps.
*For any questions please email: ecoadventureslydia@gmail.com