A Week of Wonder

At the UUCMP Nature Camp, campers ages 6-12 will learn about how various species interact with each other and with humans, and are adapted to life in California’s diverse ecosystems. We’ll explore the natural world through walks on our lovely campus, engage in hands-on learning activities to understand the plants, animals, and fungi around us, make crafts, sing songs, and play games.

$325 ($295 UUCMP Members)- Mon-Fri 8:30-3:30

Sibling discount!  $150 for additional siblings

AN OVERVIEW OF OUR SUMMER DAY CAMP

Each day will feature a different nature theme, guiding our explorations and discoveries. 

Great Outdoors: We will take a welcome break from the boundaries of inside spaces and ceilings, learning through play and adventure by following our natural curiosities.  There will be times we are inside but the majority of the day will be spent learning, playing and exploring outside.  Please be sure to send your child with warm layers of clothing and sturdy shoes.

All Natural: We will be outside most of the day, immersing ourselves in nature. We take this immersion very seriously, climbing trees, digging, swinging, planting, observing and occasionally rolling around in grass or mud, so be prepared to give your camper a shower after a day of camp. We are not afraid to get dirty.

Local: Our curriculum and activities are focused on native species, flowing naturally out of the environment we are in. Our ratios are small enough to cater to the particular needs and curiosities of the group of campers in each camp.

A Typical Full Day at Nature Camp – Week of Wonder 

8:30 – 9:00 AM – Drop-off and free choice games

9:15AM – Morning circle and gratitude, introduction to the theme of the day

9:30AM – Move outside

10:15AM – Snack and sharing of nature story

10:30AM – Awareness games

11:25 – Special Topic (Introduction lesson: Tidepools, Bird watching, Native Plants and species, Habitats)

12:00PM – Lunch and story and play outside!

12:45PM – Eco Crafts or Primitive Skill choice

1:00 – Special Topics Continued 

2:20 PM – Sit spots and journaling

2:45PM – Sharing of stories of the day and closing circle

3:10 – 3:30 PM – Free choice play and pick up?

2024 Summer Camp at UUCMP

• Dates: Monday, July 7 – Friday July 11
• Time: 9am-3:30pm (Drop off starting at 8:45am)
• For kids entering grades 1-6 in the Fall of 2025
• Cost: See below for registration fee options
• Register campers here

We’re excited to share that our summer camp registration is open!
We only have 24 spaces for campers available, so register today!

OUR STORY

Nature Camp is a children’s camp focusing on the 7th principle of Unitarian Universalism– “We believe in caring for our planet Earth, the home we share with all living things.” The activities during the week will include art, crafts, community building, games, and community service, all focused on learning to care about nature and other humans. We believe humans can have a positive impact on each other, and on the natural world. Nature Camp is a time for campers to feel a part of the interdependent web of all life.

Beyond the activities, Nature Camp will encourage and help kids learn about themselves, each other, and the world around them, gaining a greater understanding and appreciation of all. We will focus on the importance of friendship and community, empathy and integrity, and respect and inclusivity in all we do. As a Unitarian Universalist affiliated summer camp, Nature Camp welcomes children of all and no faiths.

REGISTRATION AND ENROLLMENT DETAILS

A registration form is needed for each individual child. Thank you for taking the time to give us as much information as you can, enabling us to help each child have a great summer camp experience. If you have any questions along the way, email dre@uucmp.org

You will receive a detailed confirmation letter with more information in May.

Who: Elementary-aged children entering grades 1-6

When: July 7 – 11, 2025 from 9:00 am-3:30 pm

Drop off begins at 8:45am

Where: Drop off/Pick Up:

Unitarian Universalist Church of the Monterey Peninsula
490 Aguajito Rd.
Carmel, CA 93923
Find location information here.

COSTS

We would like our camps to be as accessible as possible. If the cost of summer camp is a barrier to participation for your family, please reach out to Shannon Morrison, Camp Director, for scholarship information. (You can call / text Shannon at 916-402-7401 or email dre@uucmp.org)

Our fees reflect best practices for equity and accessibility. Standard registration fee covers all camp costs, while requesting support participants receive some scholarship funds, and offering support helps to support our scholarship funds.

• Standard Camp Participant Registration fee – $325/child
• Requesting Support Camp Participant Registration fee – $150/child
• Sibling rate $150

The registration fee includes:

• T-shirt and supplies needed for activities
• Daily snacks

The registration fee does not include:

• Lunch

Refund & Cancellation Policy:

• Prior to May 31: Full refund.
• Cancellations from May 31 to June 22: $100 cancellation fee per camper.
• Cancellations after June 22: No refund.

PARENT/CAREGIVER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Parent volunteers are invited to attend and join during the week. All of our adults are background checked and receive onsite safety training for emergencies and abuse prevention. Please inquire for more details about volunteering.

COMMITMENT TO MULTICULTURALISM

UUCMP was intentionally established to raise children who are caring of all people and world-wise to the complexities, challenges, and joys of learning and living in multicultural, interfaith communities. We see this as a partnership with parents and a way to be responsive to the diversity in our community. While we may not always get it right, our commitment is steadfast that through the mission and values of UUCMP and our teaching and learning strategies, our community will be an accountable, knowledgeable, kind, and safe place for all students and families.

LGBTQIA+ STUDENTS

Although many acronyms may be used to refer to sexual and gender minority young people, we choose to use LGBTQIA+ as it represents the inclusivity of all marginalized sexual and gender identities. Our position is to support and validate the experiences of all youth with marginalized sexual and gender identities.

NEURODIVERSITY

Our programs welcome campers who are neurodivergent. We are committed to providing an inclusive educational environment that works for you. We strive to include a variety of activity and learning styles that may speak to different campers in important ways. Please help us by telling us more about your child, including ideas to help make our programs a place of belonging and learning.

QUESTIONS?

Email our Summer Camp Director Shannon: dre@uucmp.org