Shaping the Next Generation of Scientists & Earth Stewards
Lacawac.org
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2025 Camp Schedule & Registration​

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​Summer Camps at Lacawac are named after Kate Svitek who had a passion for the outdoors. Her dream was to open her own school for children to learn outdoor skills and develop a respect and passion for our wilderness as she did.  Kate loved life and she loved working in the great outdoors, Her compassion for people, nature and the world she loved will never be forgotten. 

For more information on the Kate Svitek Memorial Foundation, visit katesvitekmemorial.org

Camp at Lacawac: 
​A Summer of Discovery & Adventure!
🌿🏕️


Nestled within 550 acres of pristine wilderness, Lacawac Sanctuary is the perfect place for young explorers! With meandering trails, open fields, lakes, and wetlands, campers will embark on hands-on adventures that spark curiosity and creativity. Through scientific experiments, environmental observation, thematic games, and artistic expression, campers will immerse themselves in our living laboratory—discovering their role in the intricate web of nature.

At Lacawac, we are committed to research, education, and preservation, shaping the next generation of scientists, environmental stewards, and lifelong nature lovers! 🌍


Our Expert Camp Staff 👩‍🏫🦉

✅ Experienced & Passionate Educators – Our counselors have years of experience working with children and teaching environmental education.
✅ Certified & Background Checked – All staff, including junior counselors and interns, undergo child abuse and criminal history checks for safety and security.
✅ Small Group Experience – We maintain a 1:8 counselor-to-camper ratio, ensuring personal attention and an engaging experience.
✅ First Aid & CPR Trained – Our staff is fully trained in first aid and CPR, keeping safety a top priority.
✅ Nature Enthusiasts at Heart – Our counselors believe that hands-on exploration is the best way to inspire wonder, curiosity, and a love for the environment! 🌲🐾


Pricing & Policies 🌿🏕️

​💰Camp Fee: $175 per week
👕 Bonus: Each camper receives a complimentary 2025 Lacawac Summer Camp T-shirt! 🎉


Refund Policy
📅 Before May 1: 50% refund of camp cost
📅 After May 1: No refund
⚕️ Medical Cancellations: Fully refunded with a
doctor’s certification

Age Group Policy 👧🧒

At Lacawac Sanctuary, we are committed to creating age-appropriate, engaging, and developmentally supportive experiences for all campers. To ensure the best possible camp experience, each program is designed specifically for certain age groups.


✔️ Campers must register for the appropriate camp based on their age.
✔️ No exceptions will be made to age group placements--unless the child’s birthday falls close to the camp’s start date.
✔️ This policy is in place to maintain safety, engagement, and age-appropriate activities for everyone.

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We are excited to provide a safe, fun, and educational summer adventure for all our campers! 🌞🌿🐾
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Scholarship Application Process 🌿📜

​To apply for a scholarship,
please complete the scholarship application form before registering your camper. 📝
​

If approved, you will receive an email notification with instructions on how to proceed with your camper’s registration. 📧✅
Lacawac Sanctuary is committed to making our nature camp programs accessible to families in need. We offer scholarship assistance for children ages 5-12, helping eligible families provide their children with an enriching outdoor experience.
​

Application Guidelines
✅ Families may apply for multiple children, but due to high demand, scholarships may be limited to one per family.
✅ Each child may have only one application submitted.
✅ While we strive to support as many families as possible, scholarships are not guaranteed for all applicants.


Scholarship Award Considerations
Lacawac awards scholarships based on:
✔️ Availability of scholarship funds
✔️ Demonstrated financial need or extenuating family circumstances
✔️ The child’s interest in camp and nature
✔️
Available space in camp sessions


We encourage families to apply early as scholarship funds are limited. 🌞🌱🐾



​Scholarship Application Window

📅🎓🗓️ Applications Open: February 7th
🗓️ Deadline to Apply:
May 30th

🔒 All submitted information will remain strictly confidential.

Need help with your application? We're here to assist!
📞 Call us at (570) 689-9494
📧 Email [email protected]

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Are you a Green Mountain Energy customer?

​Score $100 Off Lacawac’s 2025 Summer Camps!
​

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Get ready for an unforgettable summer adventure! Green Mountain Energy customers can snag a sweet $100 discount on Lacawac Sanctuary’s 2025 Summer Camps. Give your kids the gift of outdoor fun—think hiking, wildlife spotting, and hands-on science—all while making new friends and lifelong memories!

Claiming your discount is easy! Just complete our quick camp interest and customer verification form, and once you’re verified, we’ll send you a promo code to use at registration.

The Need-to-Know:
  • This deal isn’t retroactive.
  • Offer expires May 31, 2025—grab your spot before it’s gone!​
  • This offer is valid for 1 per household. 
​
Don’t miss out—secure your child’s spot in an epic outdoor experience today!


Use the link at the top of the page to register for our summer camps.

NATURE CAMPS

Creature Feature 

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For campers ages 5 and 6

Session 1:  June 16th - 20th
Session 2:  July 14th - 18th
Session 3: August 4th - 8th

Camp Description:

Splashing in puddles, turning over logs, and investigating under the soil is where campers can be found during this program. Searching for creatures high and low, in the forest and on the lake’s edge, builds a positive curiosity for the natural world through hands-on lessons. Experiential activities and creative play allow for the natural unfolding of wonder and excitement about local creatures and their habitats.   

Exploring Nature 

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For campers ages 7 and 8

Session 1:  June 23rd - 27th
Session 2:  July 21st  - 25th

Camp Description:

While exploring the many ecosystems at Lacawac, campers will learn about local habitats that act as shelters for plants and animals. Through outdoor play and activities campers are connected to their environment by understanding the relationships among living and non-living things. Campers will examine species adaptations that helped them to survive and inquire about the lives of the local species around them.

Eco Investigators

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For campers ages 9 and 10

Session 1:  June 30th - July 4th
Session 2:  July 28th - August 1st

Camp Description:

Connect with nature by exploring Lacawac's unique habitats. Investigation, observation, and problem solving will allow your scientists to develop a keen understanding and appreciation of our natural world. Campers will collect data, conduct experiments, and use scientific tools to measure and analyze their findings. 
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 Wilderness Adventure  

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 For campers ages 11 and 12

Session 1:  July 7th - 11th
Session 2:  July 28th - August 1st
Session 3: August 4th - 8th

Camp Description:

Building shelters, starting fires, and tracking animals are only a few of the exciting activities campers will enjoy while exploring the terrestrial and aquatic environments at Lacawac.  Problem solving and team building in a noncompetitive environment will foster leadership skills and build confidence.  Adventurers will enjoy outdoor recreation on a whole new level.

ART CAMPS

Interpreting Nature 

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For campers ages 7, 8 and 9​​

Session 1:  June 16th - 20th
Session 2:  June 30th - July 4th
Session 3:  July 14th - 18th

​Camp Description:

Campers will learn to see the natural world as their canvas through nature observations, hiking, and other engaging activities. This introductory-style camp will encourage campers to find shapes, patterns, and forms among the natural world that inspire real-life works of art! Campers will have the opportunity to create their own works of art by painting and drawing with materials found right in our backyard. All projects are culminated in a final showcase for friends and family at the end of the week. All materials will be supplied.  ​
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Earth Expressions   

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​​For campers ages 10, 11, & 12

Session 1:  June 23rd - 27th
Session 2:  July 7th - July 11th
Session 3:  July 21st - 25th

Camp Description:

Finding symmetry, balance, and depth within the natural world are key elements to our more advanced art camp at Lacawac. During this week-long program campers are encouraged to apply their natural observation skills to art projects. Activities, games, and hiking are all seen through the artist’s lens as the natural world acts as our inspiration, guidance, and masterpiece. All projects are culminated in a final showcase for friends and family at the end of the week. All materials will be supplied.​

RESIDENTIAL CAMP

Conservation Leadership Academy 

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For campers who have completed 
grades 9, 10 and 11


June 22nd - 27th, 2025
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Day Camps Generously Sponsorsed By

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Sanctuary Hiking Hours: Open to the public sunrise to sunset

Lacawac Sanctuary Foundation is an independent nonprofit dedicated to scientific research, environmental education, and conservation, nestled along the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack in the Northern Poconos. Our mission is made possible through the support of grants and generous private donations, ensuring that future generations can explore, learn from, and protect the natural world.​

LACAWAC SANCTUARY FOUNDATION
94 Sanctuary Road, Lake Ariel, PA 18436
570.689.9494 - [email protected]

Proud Member:

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