Summer Nature Camps

Hop, crawl or swim your way around Leight Park at one of our summer camps for kids ages 5-15. Paddle the watery world of Otter Point Creek, explore the forest habitat, track down the wild and green things that live around us, and investigate the mysteries of nature in our science lab. Dare to venture outdoors and see what fun nature exploration can be!

For more information, call the Center 410-612-1688 or email aclec@harfordcountymd.gov.

Campers bring a lunch and refillable water bottle each day (no glass)

All camps require registration. Space is limited so early registration is recommended.

HARFORD COUNTY SUMMER EXPLORATION NATURE CAMPS

Go to www.harfordcountymd.gov/225/Parks-Recreation and click the "County Program Registration" button

Chesapeake Canoers

Tues.-Fri., June 25 - 28 Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Ages: 11 - 15 Fee: $120.00

Float along the waters of Harford County with a canoe paddle in hand. Dive into summer with games and activities by boat while investigating the plants and animals that call this place home.

Aquatic Adventures

Mon.-Wed., Fri., July 1-3,5 Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Ages: 11 - 15 Fee: $120.00

Explore the watery world of Leight Park and beyond. Dare to adventure with canoeing, fishing, kayaking, wading, paddleboarding and other fun outdoor activities.

Estuary Exploration

Tues.-Fri., July 9 - 12 Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Ages: 8 - 11 Fee: $110.00

Delve into the amazing world of estuary life. Learn about the creatures and plants that thrive in this environment while playing games and wading in the water. A canoe trip is scheduled on the last day.

Critters at the Creek

Tues.-Fri., July 23 - 26 Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Ages: 8 - 11 Fee: $110.00

Get up close and personal with the animals of the estuary, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and zooplankton! A canoe trip is scheduled on the last day.

Kayak Quest

Tues.-Fri., July 30 - August 2 Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Ages: 11 - 15 Fee: $120.00

Experience the water of the Upper Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries via kayak. Splash, paddle, and glide your way through games, wildlife discoveries, and fun on the water!

Call of the Wild

Tues.-Fri., August 6 - 9 Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Ages: 8 - 11 Fee: $110.00

Become one with nature during a week spent immersing yourself in survival skills and ways of the wild! A canoe trip is scheduled on the last day.

OPCA SUMMER NATURE EXPLORATION PROGRAMS

Go to https://otterpointcreek.visionproregistration.com/families/login

Outdoor Adventures with Dr. Seuss

Mon.-Fri., July 15 - 19 Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Ages: 5 - 7 Fee: $150.00

Learn about the natural world through the lens of Dr. Seuss! Go to Yertles’ Pond, visit Whoville, check in with the Lorax, and more! Visit with the Discovery Room critters and use the trails as a classroom.

STEAM into Nature

Mon.-Fri., August 12 - 16 Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Ages: 5 - 7 Fee: $150.00

With the great outdoors as a model, campers will use their natural creativity and imagination to explore how things work, apply plenty of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) and produce models, projects and FUN!

Explore the watery world of Leight Park and beyond. Dare to adventure by canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling, and tubing off-site. Delve into the depths of Leight Park with fishing, stream-walking, hiking, and seining.

Critters of the Creek Mon. - Thurs., August 8 - 11

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Ages: 8 - 11 Fee: $99/M; $110/NM

Get up close and personal with the animals of the estuary, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians,

and fish. Canoe trip on the last day.

More Information

Calendar of EventsView all

Chilly Insect Hunt01/25/2020 @ 11:00 am-12:00 pmGrab your family and a magnifying glass to venture outside to hunt for insects. In the winter? Absolutely!! Learn all the tricks to buggy winter survival.
Winter Afternoon01/25/2020 @ 2:00 pm-3:30 pmLove camping, but it’s just a little too cold? “Camp” indoors while practicing putting up a tent and making a “fire”, eating s’mores, and more!
Leight Speaker Series - Nature and Nosh01/25/2020 @ 3:00 pm-5:00 pmWildlife and Habitat Management on Aberdeen Proving Ground: Supporting the Army's Testing and Training Mission by Protecting its Biological Resources by Jess Baylor, Forester, and Deidre DeRoia, Wildlife Biologist. Because military lands often are protected from human access and impact, they contain significant large tracts of valuable natural resources. We'll present an overview of the unique challenges and opportunities associated with conducting natural resources programs and projects on Aberdeen Proving Ground.
Summer Research Intern Report01/26/2020 @ 1:00 pm-2:00 pm2019 Summer Research Intern Eric Amrhein will present “A Survey of Microplastics in Otter Point Creek.” Learn about the relatively new environmental issue of microplastics, including what they are, where they come from, possible impacts to the environment, how they can be measured, and what you can do to reduce their impact.
Minecraft and Nature01/26/2020 @ 3:00 pm-4:30 pmIs Minecraft teaching kids about nature? Compare Minecraft’s natural world with real life nature and see what’s true and what’s fantasy.