Like so many outdoor experiences, opportunities for kids to connect with nature at summer camp are more important than ever. That’s why Learning Landscapes Design is excited to give the American Camp Associations Cascadia Conference a tour of the recently built Oxbow Nature Playground.
We think nature play and summer camps are a perfect fit. Nature connections already happen so easily at camp. Our memories from summer camp include walking along a forest paths from the cabin to the bathroom each morning, playing with a stick in the dirt while sitting near the camp fire and sing songs, sleeping out under the stars, learning to make fire, swimming or boating in a lake, nature themed arts & crafts and so much more.
We know that today’s campers arrive at summer camp even more removed from the natural world and often are experiencing “wilderness” for the first time. Nature playgrounds and programming are an excellent tool for helping campers engage with the natural world and make even more memories at camp.
Making Memories at Camp through Nature Playgrounds
Working together to build forts of sticks and fabric or weaving walls of twigs and grasses.
Creating mud pies from the sensory garden and nature kitchen and selling your wares at market.
Mimicking animals you’ve learned about like squirels or eagles.
Water play interacting with flow and building dams.
Finding Nature Play at Camp
A nature playground can be designed and built as a central feature of camp acting as a memorable landmark. A designed nature playground can also have the added benefits of addressing accessibility needs, environmental issues like drainage, and wayfinding.
Existing natural features are great locations for nature play; along a trail, under the canopy of trees or large shrubs, on boulders or near a water source. By simply designating an existing area of nature for “playing”, you can provide a new kind of camp experience. Add loose parts to the area for imaginative play and you’ve enhanced camper interactions even more.
