Entering 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th GrADE

weeklY Themes

Each week at Play Frontier summer camp will be a mix of planned themes mixed with following your child’s interests.

Some of the Themes we will be exploring (And so much more):

Forest Fun

  • Focus: Trees, plants, and forest ecosystems

  • Activities:

    • Nature walks to identify trees and plants

    • Leaf pressing and tree rubbing crafts

    • Building small forts or shelters in the woods

    • Scavenger hunts to find forest creatures and plants

    • Learning about forest conservation and wildlife

Animal Tracking & Wildlife

  • Focus: Animals and their habitats

  • Activities:

    • Learning how to track animals by footprints or scat

    • Birdwatching with binoculars and creating bird feeders

    • Building animal homes, like birdhouses or bug hotels

    • Interactive discussions on animal behavior and survival strategies

    • Nature hikes to observe local wildlife

Water Wonders

  • Focus: Rivers, and streams

  • Activities:

    • Pond dipping to discover aquatic life (insects, frogs, etc.)

    • Water filtration experiments

    • Learning about ecosystems like wetlands and the importance of clean water

    • Water-based games like water balloon toss

4. Bug Bonanza

  • Focus: Insects and the small critters that help nature thrive

  • Activities:

    • Insect hunts (with magnifying glasses) to observe bugs up close

    • Butterfly gardening and making pollinator-friendly plants

    • Creating bug houses from twigs and cardboard

    • Crafting bug masks or wings

    • Learning about the roles insects play in pollination, decomposition, and food chains

5. Survival Skills in Nature

  • Focus: Learning basic survival skills and outdoor safety

  • Activities:

    • How to build a shelter with natural materials

    • Fire-making demonstrations (with safety measures, of course)

    • Knot-tying and basic first aid

    • Orienteering (using a compass and map) or simple navigation games

    • Cooking simple meals over a campfire (s’mores, hot dogs, etc.)

6. Nature’s Colors and Patterns

  • Focus: Exploring the beautiful colors and patterns found in nature

  • Activities:

    • Leaf and flower printing/ painting using natural pigments

    • Nature scavenger hunts based on colors and patterns (e.g., find something green, something with stripes)

    • Drawing or painting patterns observed in nature (e.g., animal markings or plant veins)

    • Creating patterns with natural materials (stones, leaves, sticks)

    • Studying the role of colors in camouflage and nature’s survival strategies

7. Rock & Soil Science

  • Focus: Geology, rocks, and soil ecosystems

  • Activities:

    • Rock hunting and learning to identify different types

    • Soil experiments to understand how different types of soil affect plant growth

    • Making rock art or gemstone necklaces

    • Learning how the Earth’s layers work through fun hands-on activities

    • Studying erosion and how rocks shape landscapes

WhAt to Expect

Play Frontier Summer Camps hope to bring children out into nature during the best season of the year for woodland adventuring - SUMMER! All camps will follow the same daily rhythm, with the freedom to explore and create based on the interests of each group and the weekly theme.

Campers will bring a hearty snack and packed lunch, along with weather appropriate clothing, sturdy outdoor shoes for the theme, backpack, water bottle, and sun protection. Each camp will have it’s unique set of requirements (creek walking needs different things than blackberry bramble bushwhacking), so please consider weather and plan accordingly.

Play Frontier is an “outdoors rain or shine” kind of school. We will be outdoors 100% of the time for camp, please plan and pack accordingly. Restroom facilities and hand washing will be available.