Camp WIldrock
Summer 2024 ReGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
Welcome to Camp Wildrock, a nature camp near Charlottesville and Crozet, Virginia!
Ages: We have several weeks of camp for 6-10 year olds and one week for 11-14 year olds.
Location: Our camp programs take full advantage of Wildrock’s idyllic landscape designed for free play and exploration. Nature provides endless opportunities for engaging the imagination, creating art with natural materials, investigating streams and forests, and making up games with friends.
Daily schedule: All sessions run from 9am to 3pm. The majority of the day will be outside. Campers spend joyful days on the forest trail, learn to care for Wildrock’s animals, and partake in collaborative skill-building workshops. Each day includes nature exploration, free play, and maker-space crafts. We do not offer extended day options.
Staff: Wildrock is staffed by experienced educators and counselors. All staff are focused on supporting children’s social and emotional development through the joys of nature immersion experiences.
Values: Camp Wildrock emphasizes the values of kindness, inclusivity, cooperation, and care for the natural world. Expectations can be found here.
Transportation: Round trip transportation to Wildrock is available. Spaces are limited. You may click here once you have registered your camper for their session. (You will also receive a sign up link via email once you have registered your camper for their session!)
Cost: $365 per week. Limited need-based summer camp scholarships are available. To apply, please fill out the application here. Year of Play Members receive 10% off one week of camp if requested.
Registration closes 30 days before the session begins.
Summer Day Camp
For Campers Ages 6-10
Animal Adventures
Did you know rabbits feel love, fear, insecurity, jealousy and a range of other emotions? Why do goats chew all the time? Honey bees communicate through dance! Wildrock’s animal ambassadors cannot wait for Animal Adventures week! Campers will meet and learn about several species including rabbits, turtles, snakes, honey bees, goats and more! There will be burrow building activities, hikes to find habitats, paw print crafts and MORE!
Sessions: July 15-19, July 29-August 2
Wilderness Skills
Do you know how to navigate with a compass or how to purify water from a stream? Can you identify wildlife from footprints or scat? Can you build a shelter from branches or set up a tent in a hurry? These are just some of the many skills campers will hone during Wildrock’s Wilderness Skills Camp! This session will emphasize collaboration and caring for each other. We welcome campers with all camping and wilderness experience levels– from zero to kiddo expert!
Sessions: June 17-21, August 5-9
Edible Wilderness
We hope you’re hungry— for more Wildrock Camp! During the Edible Wilderness session campers will learn some fun camping recipes, practice identifying edible fungi and plants for humans and other animals. They’ll have plenty of time to use their imagination and cook up more fun in the Mud Kitchen! Yum!
Sessions: June 24-28
Nature Art
Use natural materials and get in tune with the beauty of nature during this week long Nature Art Camp at Wildrock! Campers need no artistic experience but should be prepared to get their hands dirty and have FUN exploring their creative side! Installations created by campers will be on display for all to see the following weekend. As always, campers will also have ample opportunities for play on the playscape. Activities may include creating sculptures from foraged materials, mud painting, exploring natural dyes, shadow art and more!
Sessions: June 10-14, July 8-12
FOr campers 11-14
Explore Wildrock and neighboring Patricia Ann Byrom Forest Preserve to understand the landscape from the perspective of animals. Learn about animal needs and daily experiences living in the Blue Ridge foothills and explore how people can be strong advocates to make animal habitats healthier. Participants will learn about local ecology, wildlife management, outdoor skills, and conservation advocacy. The camp includes nature exploration and visits from local experts.
Session: June 17-21
Still Have questions?
Summer internship program for ages 15-19
Camp Cancellation Policies
Summer camp registrants who cancel before April 1 may receive a full refund minus a $50 administration fee. Registrants who cancel between April 1 and 30 days before the start of camp can receive a refund minus $150 fee. No refunds are given within 30 days before the start of camp.
Wildrock camps are exempt from licensing under the Code of Virginia Section (22.1-289.030 A1).