Does your camper love being outside? Then they’ll love these outdoor, hands-on camps surrounded by nature! Let them explore the fun of summer…OUTSIDE!
ART IN NATURE CAMP
Ages: 7-11. Where: FACE @Twelve Oaks, Ocean Springs. https://www.thefriendsoface.org/summer-camp-2023
Got an outdoors and art lover in your house? This art in nature camp could be a great option for them. They will gather objects from nature trails to use as drawing and painting tools, create eco prints using natural pigments from leaves and fruits, make handmade paper, hike the nature trails, and keep a (provided) sketchbook inspired by the world around us. A fantastic (and fun!) way to integrate the local flora and fauna into art education.

DISCOVERY SUMMER CAMP ⭐️
Ages: 5-14
Grades: K-8th Where: Pascagoula River Audubon Center, Moss Point
https://pascagoula.audubon.org/programs/discovery-camps
Campers will explore the natural world through discovery and guided hands-on activities. Themes and activities revolve around the Pascagoula River and local bayou ecosystem. Each camper will receive a summer camp tee shirt and take home a sack filled with memories and artifacts!
SECRET GARDEN
Ages: 4-6 Where: Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, Gulfport www.lmdc.org/summer-camps
Collect pebbles, twigs, mosses and feathers from outdoors to create miniature environments for gnomes, elves and sprites. This week will be a magical adventure for any camper with an imagination!
YOUTH CONSERVATION CORP. ⭐️
Ages: 15-18 (must not reach 19 before the program ends) Where: Gulf Islands National Seashore, Ocean Springs www.nps.gov/guis/getinvolved/youth-conservation-corp.htm
The YCC is an opportunity for youths from all segments of society to spend the summer working, learning, and earning together by doing projects on public land.
Key responsibilities include brush clearing on trails, repairing trail tread surface, installing signs, replacing missing bricks, dry lay and wet lay of missing bricks on historic fortifications, vegetation removal on historic fortifications, and installing and removing sand fencing.
SUMMER SAFARI CAMP
Ages: 7-15
Where: Wild Acres, McHenry
https://www.wildacresms.com/?fbclid=IwAR3ufdzKcSuBYd1i7gMkpxOIGUFvhtq4dQYcq8RFR0aqiS-g_cr7M8MMmLs
Campers will embark on a wild adventure with a unique theme and curriculum. During Wild Acres Safari Camp, your little camper will play, explore, create, and get an in-depth opportunity to learn about our natural world through hands-on interaction! Classes include botany, hands-on animal interaction, arts and crafts, zoology, and helping.
NEED MORE CAMP IDEAS?
Check out our Ultimate Summer Camp Guide! We have gathered all the camp resources for moms on the Gulf Coast!
Please note: MGCCC, Lynn Meadows, Rock U2, and Walter Anderson, and F.A.C.E. have other summer camp options that may not be included in the guide. Please check out their websites for more info!