NOTE: The Farm Trail at the Van Vleck Farm and Nature Sanctuary is temporarily closed.
In our popular summer camp series, children can explore nature, art, agriculture, and ecology in a fun healthy and stimulating outdoor environment. From farming fun to outdoor explorations, art adventures or creating cooking, Flanders’ summer camp offers more than 70 programs to keep children ages 3 to 13 entertained! Great spaces, great programs – for all ages!
CAMPERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES!
Flanders has been the beneficiary of generous donations in support of campership.
Please call Amber McDonald at (203) 263-3711 x 12. To apply, download instructions for applying
HALF DAY: 9AM–1PM or 1–5PM | ALL-DAY: 9AM–5PM
Did you know Flanders offers extended morning hours so that your child can enjoy an entire fun-filled day here? Our “Rooster Roll Call” Before Care runs from 8 to 9 AM. Child(ren) must participate in a morning summer camp program to attend. Parents can enroll when registering.
Little Explorers | Ages 3 – 5, Grades PreK – K | Location: Trail House
Outdoor nature-based programming for young minds and hearts awaits! The little explorers program encourages skill development, self-confidence, learning to care for nature and all its creatures, and opportunities to strengthen social problem-solving. Hands-on learning, age appropriate crafts and activities, and core daily routines provide safety and structure while encouraging child-directed and inquiry-based learning. Daily lessons and themes build a foundation of environmental awareness that last a lifetime.
Outdoor Adventures | Ages: 5 – 9, Grades 1 – 5 | Location: Sugar House
In our most adventurous summer camp, our future earth stewards engage in play, inquiry-based learning and adventure seeking in addition to theme-based learning and lessons. Exploration of diverse ecosystems and habitats, hiking, and discovering animal life cycles, forest ecology, Flanders’ wildlife enrich the daily themed-based lessons. Youth are encouraged in team-building, communication and developmental skills as they discover their strengths in a safe, fun hands-on learning environment.
Farming Fun | Ages: 5 – 9, Grades 1 – 5 | Location: North Barn
Children will love the hands-on experiences of a New England farm! The wonders of new life create joy as children hold fuzzy baby chicks or cuddle fluffy baby bunnies. Gathering chicken eggs, feeding and caring for barn animals, walking goats, calculating incubation times for poultry and practicing veterinarian skills will inspire and entertain! Youth engage daily in core barn routines and experience the joys of summer fun on hikes, arts & crafts, animal games and old-fashioned fun!
Amazing Art! | Ages: 5 – 9, Grades 1 – 5 | Location: The Studio
Nature inspires young artists as they examine shapes, forms and patterns of the ecosystems around them! Each diverse habitat discovery connects plant and animal life to artistic expression. New mediums, fascinating materials, and an array of colorful forms serve as a base for creations from theatre camp to world crafts to the traditional fine arts. Flanders Art camps have a focus on fun and supporting each other’s work as children develop new skills and are encouraged to expand their own unique, personal styles.
Kids in the Kitchen | Ages: 7 – 10, Grades 2 – 6 | Location: Van Vleck House
Young Chefs will be creative in the kitchen as they learn lifelong culinary skills. We use fresh ingredients to connect the “dish of the day” to the ground where it grows. Local food choices are mixed with a heaping scoop of wholesome fun to encourage kids to grow up healthy, strong in mind and body. Children enjoy learning about proper use of tools, new techniques, and safe food handling. Next generation young chefs will experience a meaningful connection to our earth home through food . . . from soup to nuts! Space is limited to 10. Materials fee $10.
Environmental Youth Leadership (E.Y.L) | Ages: 10 – 13, Grades 5 – 8 | Location: South Barn
Youth need hands-on projects and opportunities to contribute meaningfully! Our EYL camps cultivate young leadership as they discover the diversity of life in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Forest management, sustainability, natural resource conservation, survival skills, and invasive species management are part of their journey to become earth stewards. Opportunities to discuss findings, build lasting relationships with peers, and learn environmental ethics are built into the daily flow. Core elements include ample time to hike trails, search for wildlife and visit favorite places at Flanders!
Science, Art & Adventure Academies | Ages Vary | Location: Trail House Lab
Flanders is excited to offer science, adventure and art academies this summer. Academy programs offer a more structured day of formal scientific investigation and inquiry-driven learning that covers the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Programs go in-depth into topics, bringing to life the lessons they learned at school. Every day is filled both scientific process, adventure, discussion, team-oriented challenges and skill-building to encourage young minds to think like an ecosystem. Exploration of Flanders forests, wetlands, meadow and unique natural areas provide a rich outdoor classroom experience.
All-Day Campers must select the SAME camp program for AM & PM sessions
*Groups correspond to the grade your child is entering in the fall of 2026
When registering, you will be re-directed to our partner site, ACTIVE Works – Active Networks, LLC. Once in Active, choose either AM and/or PM session(s). If you would like to register for before-care select “Rooster Roll Call”. All-Day Campers must select the SAME camp program for AM & PM sessions. We require registration and health forms to be completed for each child. Flanders is following best practices as outlined by the CT Office of Early Childhood for Day Camp Operations
DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE
MEMBER DISCOUNT: Member families receive a discount on our program fees. To take advantage of the savings, you must hold, establish or renew a family membership ($75). Members enjoy discounts and special events all year.
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: register by May 1.
ALL-DAY DISCOUNT: Flanders is offering a discounted all day rate for your child. Receive $38 off per week per child when you sign up for a full day of fun!
REFUND POLICY
Full Refund: 100% refund minus 6.83% processing fee will be granted for cancellations made more than 4 weeks prior to your 1st day of your registered camp week
Partial Refund: 50% refund minus 6.83% processing fee will be granted for cancellations made between 3 – 4 weeks prior to your 1st day of your registered camp week
No refunds will be granted for cancellations made 21 days (3 weeks) or less prior to your 1st day of your registered camp week
Tuition Pro-rating: Program costs for the week are not pro-rated for days missed due to absence, withdrawal or illness
Behavior Dismissal: Campers who are dismissed from the program due to behavior concerns or disciplinary reasons will not be eligible for a refund
Camp Cancellation: In the unlikely event that the camp must cancel a session or make significant changes to the program, families will be notified immediately and offered a full refund or the option to transfer to another session
We are always looking for mature, self-motivated, young people ages 18+ interested in growing professionally to work with our campers. Counselors are responsible for implementing our environmental education curriculum, leading lessons, coordinating activities, guiding campers, and managing group dynamics.
We run a CIT program for young students ages 14 and 15 interested in hands-on counselor training through our camps. CIT’s must come in for an interview. Download, complete and send us your application to camp director to Julia Meurice at julia@flandersnaturecenter.org. Applications can be dropped off at Flanders office. Download an application today!
Disclaimer: At the end of the registration process, Active will ask you to “click yes” to make your registration refundable via Active Refund or join their membership for an additional cost. Flanders is not responsible for the additional fee.