Nature Day Camps

My daughter loves this camp because she learns so much about local birds and the staff are so knowledgeable and kind.” –Camp parent, 2021

Contacts for Information

General Camp Questions: Trude Hurd, Project Director of Education email
Fledgling Camp: Deborah Brin, Camp Co-coordinator, email
Marsh Camp: Deborah Brin, Camp Co-coordinator, email
Coastal Camp: Deborah Brin, Camp Co-coordinator, email
Advanced Bird Camp: Mary Ellen Wynn, Camp Committee, email

How To Enroll on Eventbrite

Registration for each camp is through Eventbrite. Eventbrite links for each camp are on the current Nature Day Camp flyer below.

Nature Day Camp flyer for 2025
Camp Enrollment Form for 2025 (for scholarship applicants only)

Description of Program

Sea and Sage Audubon has offered exciting nature camp programs for children since 1993. Children love our camps so much that they return year after year, starting at age 7 and continuing until they graduate high school. They even volunteer to help with younger camps!

Each week-long day camp helps children increase their nature-watching skills. They will take daily walks, keep a nature journal, create age-appropriate art, and do research projects while taught by enthusiastic naturalists. Enrolling in camp begins a life-long friendship with nature for your child! We hope that your family will join us this summer.

Nature Day Camps General Information

Types of Camp Offered

Fledgling Bird Camp for ages 7-8 introduces youngsters to familiar backyard birds and birds of freshwater marshes.

Marsh Bird Camp for ages 9-10 covers all aspects of marsh bird life.

Coastal Bird Camp for ages 11-12 focuses on shorebirds of freshwater and saltwater marshes.

Advanced Bird Camp for ages 13-16 explores more advanced topics, specific bird families, and habitats.

About the Site

The San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary is a 300-acre freshwater wetland owned by the Irvine Ranch Water District which provides incredible opportunities to discover nature up-close. Camp children will encounter a diversity of birds, lizards, butterflies, dragonflies, native plants and more as they walk around the ponds and riparian areas.

Dates and Times

Camps are Monday through Friday – see the flyer for start and end times as each age group may be different.

Camp Staff and Group Sizes

Camps are Monday through Friday – see the flyer for start and end times as each age group may be different.

Daily Agenda

A typical camp day is a morning nature walk with nature journaling, Mystery Bird poster, and a lesson or art project. Some camps include guest speakers or local off-site trips.

Snack

Campers provide their own snacks. Peanut-free or gluten-free lunch areas can be arranged.

Expectations

We expect everyone participating in camp to treat all children, naturalists, wildlife, and property with respect and kindness at all times.

Safety During Pandemic

Because of the on-going pandemic, we consider the safety of all participants and volunteers as a high priority. Standards may include wearing masks for everyone, vaccination for naturalists and teen helpers, maintaining physical distancing, and not sharing materials. Because protocol may change with time, we’ll let you know if there are any specific requirements about masking and vaccination prior to camp. Ask us if you have questions.

Program Fee

See current camp flyer for current fee and enrollment procedure.
We offer a special discount for Audubon members.
A limited number of confidential, partial scholarships are available; ask our Camp Coordinators for details.

What Participants Say

“My daughter loves this camp because she learns so much about local birds and the staff are so knowledgeable and kind.” Camp parent, 2021.
“[My son] enjoyed being around other people who love birds and wildlife as much as he does.” Camp parent, 2021.
“He started bird camp several years ago and the whole experience has made a wonderful impact on him. The great memories he has will stay with him all his life.” Camp parent, 2021.
“I liked the nature walks because we saw a lot of different birds and we saw different parts of the marsh.” Camp child, 2021.

Photography by Trude Hurd