Summer Camp at the
Barn Nature Center
Get ready for a wild adventure at Barn Nature Center's Summer Camps! Our immersive programs offer youth the chance to dive deep into the world of animals, science, and outdoor exploration while interacting with over 45 species of rescued and re-homed animal residents.
Throughout our week-long camps, campers will not only have a blast with games, arts and crafts, and exciting activities, but they'll also become animal caretakers, learning firsthand what it takes to keep our animal friends happy and healthy. From preparing their food to designing enriching activities, they'll be actively involved in every aspect of animal care under the guidance of our expert staff.
But the fun doesn't end there! Campers will engage in interactive and educational games, tackle team-building challenges, and even learn the art of animal education.
With 9 weeks of Summer Camp, each themed to offer unique adventures, there's something for every young nature enthusiast. Plus, we offer convenient before and after care options, starting at 8:00 AM and running until 4:30 PM.
Recommended for youth entering grades first through sixth, our camps provide the perfect blend of fun and learning in a safe and supportive environment.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to be a part of the excitement this summer! Reserve your spot now and embark on a journey of discovery, compassion, and conservation with Barn Nature Center's Summer Camps!
Any questions about our Summer Camp Program can be directed to our Education Manager by clicking here.
MULTI-WEEK DISCOUNT: Purchase three weeks of camps and enjoy a $50 discount off the third week! This offer is perfect for families with multiple children or for a single child attending three weeks of camp.
All camps run from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, providing a full day of fun and learning. Campers should come prepared with a packed lunch, a reusable water bottle, and any weather-specific gear they may need. Don't worry about snacks—we've got those covered!
2026 Summer Camp Sessions
Sensational Senses
$375
June 15th - 19th
The animal kingdom is filled with creatures that have superpowers and amazing adaptations that are used to survive in their environments, defeat their predators, and sneak attack their prey. Campers will discover all of the unique and fascinating abilities animals possess, as well as their own senses. Which animals camouflage the best, run the fastest, or smell the strongest? Campers will learn all this and more through themed activities, games, crafts and of course, through up close experiences with our own collection of animals! Don’t wait to register your child for the opportunity to explore the sensational senses that take place right here at the Barn Nature Center!
Zookeeper Week I
$375
June 22nd - 26th
Zookeeper In Training: Behind the scenes
While it sounds like the coolest job ever, being a zookeeper is hard work! From scooping poop to scrubbing dishes to prepping diets, a zookeeper's day is packed with tasks that are necessary, but often unseen by zoo visitors. This week, campers will get a behind the scenes look at what it takes to care for our ambassador animals in a zoo-like setting. With a week full of enrichment, husbandry, exhibit design and food preparation, campers will be immersed in the world of zoo science as they learn how to care for exotic animal species from around the world.
Scales, Scutes & Slime! $375
July 6th - 10th
Is your child curious about cold-blooded critters such as snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs and salamanders? If so, this may be the perfect camp for them! This week is dedicated to teaching campers the ins and outs of herpetology through encounters with our very own collection of reptiles and amphibians, exploration into Pennsylvania's native species and other themed crafts and activities. From learning about habitats to adaptations to conservation efforts, by the end this week, campers will be filled with the knowledge of what it takes to be a herpetologist!
Vet Week I
$375
July 13th - 17th
Junior Veterinarian-Domestics & Exotics
It is many children's dream to become a veterinarian, but many don't know that there are many paths of veterinary medicine to go down. This week, we invite campers to explore the inner workings of the domestics and exotics side of veterinary care. With hands-on learning experiences with our very own collection of animals, campers will be able to identify the key differences between treatment for domestic and wild animals. Through learning how to administer medicine, use syringes, bandage and take vitals, campers will be mini experts in domestic and exotic veterinary medicine by the end of this week!
Protectors of the Planet
$375
July 20th - 24th
Earth is home to millions of plant and animal species, each uniquely adapted to its niche and striving to survive. Unfortunately, many of these species face the looming threat of extinction due to various challenges. This week, campers will embark on an exciting journey to become a junior conservationist, gaining the tools and knowledge needed to protect our planet and the incredible life it sustains. Through hands-on activities and interactive lessons including our own collection of animals, they’ll uncover the importance of environmental conservation and discover practical ways to practice sustainability in their everyday lives. By the end of the week, your child will understand what it truly means to become a protector of the planet!
Junior Naturalist
$375
July 27th - July 31st
Embark on an exciting and educational journey into the wild world! This week, campers will become naturalists as they venture outdoors to learn about the diverse ecosystems that surround us. With hands-on activities like identifying animal tracks, learning about native plant life, or mastering survival techniques, this week of camp will offer an unforgettable experience that will allow campers to learn more about the natural world that surrounds them while simultaneously inspiring them to become stewards of the Earth. In addition, campers will work directly with our ambassador animals and uncover the secrets behind their survival in the wild.
Zookeeper Week II
$375
August 3rd-7th
Zookeeper In Training: In the Spotlight
Is your child obsessed with becoming a zookeeper, but doesn't want to scoop poop all day? If so, this week of camp explores an alternative path of zookeeping that isn't all behind the scenes animal care. From conducting training sessions with our animals, creating enrichment, developing keeper chats and designing educational signage for guests, campers will learn about the importance of working with animals in ways that allow zoo visitors to form deeper connections with them. By the end of this week, campers will be experts in the daily duties of an ambassador animal zookeeper!
Vet Week II
$375
August 10th - 14th
Junior Veterinarian: Wildlife Rehabilitation
It is many children's dream to become a veterinarian, but many don't know that there are many paths of veterinary medicine to go down. This week, we invite campers to explore the inner workings of the wildlife rehabilitation side of veterinary care because even wild animals need some help too! With hands-on learning experiences with our very own collection of animals, campers will be able to identify the key differences between treatment for domestic and wild animals. Through learning how to administer medicine, use syringes, bandage and take vitals, campers will be mini experts in wildlife veterinary medicine by the end of this week!
Ecosystem Explorers
$375
August 17th - 21st
Become an expert in ecosystems this week as we take a journey through the many different habitats that support the lives of the creatures around us! From the squishy moss that blankets the forest floor to the snow covered peaks of mountains, life can be found in the places we least expect it! By observing our own collection of animals and exploring native flora and fauna, this week is dedicated to understanding the species and habitats that make our planet so biodiverse. With over 8 million species of animals and hundreds of thousands species of plants, this week of camp will provide endless learning opportunities and curiosity about the place we call home!
Before and After Care
We also offer Before and After Care at $75 per week.
Camp runs each day from 9am-3pm. With Before and After care, your child can arrive at 8:00am and be picked up at 4:30pm.
At this time, care is available through weekly purchase only, as we are unable to offer single-day options.
