Welcome to the Watershed Nature Camp. Your child will experience nature every day and return home brimming with excitement. On a typical summer day, our campers venture into the woods to explore under logs, out into the meadow to catch butterflies, or down to the stream to explore watery worlds. Led by our amazing staff, our campers enjoy fresh air, make new friends, and receive a healthy dose of adventure. While our offerings vary in each camp week, our underlying values are threaded through each day.
Watershed Nature Camp Celebrates 50 Years!
Values
At the Watershed Nature Camp, we believe that every child deserves a chance to experience a summer exploring the outdoors with their peers. In everything we do, we uphold and instill these values: We respect the land, the plants, the animals, the people, and ourselves.
The Watershed Center and Reserve
Campers will spend the majority of their time exploring our 950-acre Watershed Reserve of fields, forests, trails, ponds, and streams. They will also have access to the exhibits and critters inside the nature center. The Watershed Institute is dedicated to keeping Central New Jersey’s water clean, safe, and healthy.
Camp Registration for 2023 is now open
Registration is now open for the 2023 season. Due to high demand there is limited availability for camp slots. Please click here, create an account, and log in to CampDoc to see the most up to date availability.
*Campers are limited to register for a maximum of four weeks.*
Financial Aid
The Watershed Nature Camp is pleased to offer a limited number of full scholarships.
Complete a separate application form separately for each child you wish to apply for a scholarship. Applications will be posted on Feb. 21, 2023, and will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis until all scholarship funds are dispersed. Families who receive scholarships will be accepted and notified on a rolling basis. Scholarships are available for up to four weeks of camp.
Financial Aid Application for 2023 is available here.
Counselor-In-Training Volunteers (CIT)
The Watershed Nature Camp seeks enthusiastic volunteers to work with all ages of nature campers. CIT’s will engage with campers during hikes and games and work as a team with staff Counselors to fulfill the goals and values of the camp. Applicants must be 15-years-old by June 13, 2023, to be considered for a volunteer position. Questions may be sent to [email protected].
Please carefully read our CIT position description (see button below) to learn more about this role, including our orientation, training, and availability requirements. If you are interested in applying, please complete our application and email it to [email protected] before May 13, 2023.
CIT Description 2023 CIT Application 2023
Testimonials ...
We LOVE the Watershed Camp! This summer, she especially enjoyed going in the stream (interacting with the crayfish), visiting the butterfly house, and tie-dying.
We appreciate how the kids become young explorers, learning to pack, prep, plan, and pace their journeys through the wilderness, building the skills they will use for a lifetime of nature enjoyment.
As a parent, I love the warm vibe and the care counselors take with their campers — they always know their names and what they like to do.
More Testimonials ...
My daughter had a fantastic time – came home animated, yet tired, every day from all the fun.
…It’s the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and learning.
Wonderful people with great experiences in a beautiful setting!
Watershed Academy for High School Students
For families with high school students, please explore the immersive, weeklong courses in environmental science in Watershed Academy.
