Summer Camps at the Environmental Education Center
In-Person Sessions
Registration
Registration begins Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 10:00am. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit somersetcountyparks.org or call 908.722.1200 Ext.5002 to register. Individuals with a hearing/speech impairment may call the Relay Service @711.
Payments/Refunds/Cancellations
- Full payment is due at the time of registration.
- Cancellations will receive an 80% refund only if the position is filled. A processing fee of 20% the total amount paid for each canceled session will be retained. There will be no refund if the position is not filled.
- Transferring camp enrollments to others if a child cannot attend a session, or a week, or a few days, is not permitted.
- A doctor’s note must be provided within 5 days of illness in order to request a medical refund.
- The Somerset County Park Commission reserves the right to cancel or modify all programs. Refunds will be provided if programs are canceled by the Somerset County Park Commission.
Eligibility
Participants must meet the eligibility requirements for each camp with which they enroll.
The Environmental Education Center welcomes everyone to participate in its programs. If you have individualized needs due to a disability, please call 908.722.1200 Ext.5324 and we will be happy to arrange reasonable modifications. Six weeks’ notice is required to ensure that appropriate modifications can be provided.
Come Prepared
Each group will have a designated indoor space for limited use and during inclement weather. Indoor bathrooms and hand washing will be available. Camp will take place rain or shine. Please be prepared to be outside in varying weather conditions. Please wear comfortable summer clothing, sturdy footwear that can get wet/dirty, and a hat. Bring a day bag with a complete change of clothes, sunscreen, bug spray, snack, lunch, water bottle, and towel.
Participant Expectations
The following expectations are designed to ensure a successful, positive experience for all camp participants.
- Arrive on time.
- Dress according to each day’s weather and activities.
- Be respectful to staff, peers, and the surrounding environment.
- Follow directions and rules as presented by staff.
- Keep cell phones and other electronic devices in backpacks or at home.
- There is zero tolerance for bullying, hitting, threats, etc. Police will be called if necessary.
Failure to meet these expectations may lead to a participant being removed from a program with a forfeiture of fees paid. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact the Naturalist(s) and/or management.
COYOTE KIDS
(Ages 4-6)
Hoooowl! Join the pack for a fun nature program full of outdoor exploration, activities, and more. Eight, one-week sessions are offered Monday through Friday, 9:00am-Noon. Session 1 (Section 40) has an adjusted fee of $160 due to the Independence Day holiday.
$200 per person
Activity Number: 51911
EEC-40 Monday, June 29– Thursday, July 2 (No Program July 3)
EEC-41 Monday, July 6 – Friday, July 10
EEC-42 Monday, July 13 – Friday, July 17
EEC-43 Monday, July 20 – Friday, July 24
EEC-44 Monday, July 27 – Friday, July 31
EEC-45 Monday, August 3 – Friday, August 7
EEC-46 Monday, August 10 – Friday, August 14
EEC-47 Monday, August 17 – Friday, August 21
For more information regarding Coyote Kids please contact Naturalist Rebecca Vermeesch at 908.722.1200 Ext. 5334 or rvermeesch@scparks.org.
ECO-EXPLORERS
(Ages 7-9)
Get ready to explore! This weekly summer program offers participants a fun-filled adventure in learning and discovery! Eight, variable nature and science-themed sessions are offered. Each week includes hiking, nature exploration, games, live animal presentations, science activities, art projects, and free play. Your child will be challenged with fun Jeopardy quizzes, teamwork activities, individual projects, and creative thinking. There is a possibility of canoeing if the park pond is available. Local off-site trips occur once each session via school bus. We are sure to have a fun and educational summer!
Creature Feature
Earth is home to a variety of amazing animals. Meet special animal guests and become an expert!
$320 per person Activity Number: 51910
EEC-40 Monday, June 29 – Thursday, July 2 (No Program July 3)
9:00am – 4:00pm
Swamp Scientists
Put on your lab coat and conduct fun, wacky experiments while finding out more about the science behind nature!
$400 per person Activity Number: 51910
EEC-41 Monday, July 6 – Friday, July 10
9:00am – 4:00pm
Aquatic Adventures
Learn about the properties of water and observe aquatic wildlife during this water-filled adventure!
$400 per person Activity Number: 51910
EEC-42 Monday, July 13 – Friday, July 17
9:00am – 4:00pm
Back in Time
Go back in time while we explore what Earth was like long ago!
$400 per person Activity Number: 51910
EEC-43 Monday, July 20 – Friday, July 24
9:00am – 4:00pm
Busy Builders
Kids, beavers, and woodland fairies have something in common; they enjoy creating and building, of course! Join us for a week of inspiration and ingenuity while learning, creating, and building our way through the week.
$400 per person Activity Number: 51910
EEC-44 Monday, July 27 – Friday, July 31
9:00am – 4:00pm
Scales & Tails
What do Bearded Dragons, Ball Pythons, and dogs have in common? They are all pets! Meet a variety of pets and learn the importance of pet care while assisting with critter care.
$400 per person Activity Number: 51910
EEC-45 Monday, August 3 – Friday, August 7
9:00am – 4:00pm
Art of Nature - NEW
Unleash your child’s creativity and connect them with the beauty of the natural world in our adventure where the forest, meadow, and stream become our studio and inspiration.
$400 per person Activity Number: 51910
EEC-46 Monday, August 10 – Friday, August 14
9:00am – 4:00pm
Bugtastic
Fly, crawl, hop, and buzz through the week while learning all about bugs and their amazing characteristics!
$400 per person Activity Number: 51910
EEC-47 Monday, August 17 – Friday, August 21
9:00am – 4:00pm
For more information regarding Eco-Explorers please contact Naturalist Vanessa Darras at 908.722.1200 Ext. 5335 or vdarras@scparks.org.
A parent handbook is also available at www.somersetcountyparks.org.
AWESIM KIDS
(Ages 10-13)
Animals, Wetlands, Environment, Science, Imagination, Minds, Knowledge, Interdependence, Discovery, and Solutions!
Three, two-week sessions of fun await your child. Each morning, drop your child off at 9:00am for a day of fun, friendship, and learning. Pick up is at 4:00pm. Each session will include unique activities and trip day destinations.
Each session will also have a Double Day of camp, where drop-off will be at 8:30am and pick-up will be by 10:30pm. The day will include a field trip and a unique evening, swamp-based activity. Dinner and evening snacks provided.
Swampology
An “-ology” is a subject of study - let’s make our study about the Great Swamp! This session will have a special focus on all things freshwater - the park’s wetlands, ponds, and the Passaic River. From black bears to wooly and water bears, with the help of microscopes we will attempt to observe it all! Double Day: Thursday, July 9
$800 per person
Activity Number: 50102
EEC-68 Monday, July 6 – Friday, July 17 (No Program July 10)
9:00am – 4:00pm
Flora & Fauna
The Great Swamp is a unique habitat full of plants & animals. Trails through the park’s 500+ acres offer a fantastic opportunity for exploration! This session will focus on the land; how we learn from it, use it, and conserve it. Daily hikes searching for sources of food, animal tracks, and other signs of wildlife in the park, will help us learn about the rich biodiversity of this natural community.
Double Day: Thursday, July 23
$800 per person
Activity Number: 50102
EEC-69 Monday, July 20 – Friday, July 31 (No Program July 24)
9:00am – 4:00pm
YUM!
Let’s grow it, gather it, and eat it! Develop your culinary skills and interests in food through fun cooking challenges. This session will focus on pollinators, edible plants from the garden, and summertime fun.
Double Day: Thursday, August 6
$800 per person
Activity Number: 50102
EEC-70 Monday, August 3 – Friday, August 14 (No Program August 7)
9:00am – 4:00pm
For more information regarding AWESIM KIDS please contact Naturalist Christa Wood at 908.722.1200 Ext. 5337 or cwood@scparks.org.
A parent handbook is also available at www.somersetcountyparks.org.
AWESIM TEENS
Animals Wetlands Environment Science Imagination Minds
Teambuilding, Education, Engagement, Natural Study
(Ages 13-16)
Join us for nine exciting days as we explore the beauty of the Great Swamp in Lord Stirling Park. With over 500 acres, the trails will be our classroom to learn about ecology, conservation, and stewardship. Each day we will work to create an AWESIM Teens community through hikes, group and individual projects, and shared snacks.
AWESIM Teens will leave a lasting impact on the park by completing two stewardship conservation projects. This year, we will work on a tree planting project to offset the damage done to the forest community by the Eastern Beech Leaf Disease and to support the forests resilience to climate change impacts. This disease is responsible for the die-off of many native beech trees in the park. Participants will photograph, video, and document their experience.
A limited number of participants will be selected on a rolling basis through an application process.
$720 per person upon acceptance to the program
Monday, June 22 – Thursday, July 2 (No Program June 26 and July 3)
Monday, June 22, Tuesday, June 23, and Wednesday, June 24
9:00am – 4:00pm
Double Day: Thursday, June 25
8:30am – 11:00pm
Monday, June 29, Tuesday, June 30, and Wednesday, July 1
9:00am – 4:00pm
Early Day: Thursday, July 2 5:30am – 1:00pm
Drop-in Open House dates:
Saturday, March 21 9:30am – 11:00am
Saturday, April 11 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Download an AWESIM TEENS Application
To request an application, additional information regarding AWESIM TEENS, or to attend an Open House, contact Naturalist Christa Wood at 908.722.1200 Ext. 5337 or cwood@scparks.org.