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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

Nature Camps at Lacawac

Experience 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!

Why Choose Lacawac?

Small Group Experiences: At Lacawac, we maintain a 1:8 counselor-to-camper ratio, ensuring a personal and engaging experience for campers.
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Unique Natural Setting: With forests, wetlands, and Lake Lacawac as our classroom, campers explore and learn in a truly one-of-a-kind environment.

A Legacy of Education: For over 50 years, Lacawac has been inspiring children and families to connect with and care for the natural world

Experienced and Passionate Counselors: Our camp staff are dedicated to sparking curiosity and guiding campers through hands-on exploration and discovery.

First Aid and CPR Certified: Safety is our top priority. All staff are trained in First Aid and CPR, so you can feel confident your child is in good hands

Certified and Background Checked: Every member of our team completes background checks and holds the certifications required to provide a safe and supportive environment.
We are committed to provide a safe, fun, and educational summer adventure for all our campers! 

Pricing & Registration

Nature Camp Pricing

Tuition: $175 per week (Includes a complimentary Lacawac Nature Camp t-shirt)
PLEASE NOTE: Lacawac offers scholarship assistance for eligible families. See below for more information and how to apply. 

Refund Policies:
• 50% refund of tuition before May 1st, 2026.
• No refund after May 1st, 2026.
• Medical cancellations will be fully refunded when a doctor's note is provided.

Nature Camp Registration

Registration for the 2026 summer camp season will open to the public on January 26th, 2026 and will close for the 2026 camp season on June 8th, 2026. No late registrations will be accepted after June 8th, 2026. Once registration is open, click the button on the right to enter our Nature Camp Registration portal.

Want to learn more about the registration process? Click the button below to access our registration information packet. This has has everything you need to know before registration begins, including step-by-step instructions, FAQs, required forms, and details about waitlists. We encourage families to review the packet carefully before registering.
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Parent Resources

At Lacawac Sanctuary, we want every family to feel prepared and connected throughout their child's camp experience. Below you'll find resources and communication tools to help keep you informed before and during camp.
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Nature Camp Policies

At Lacawac, safety and respect for others are at the heart of every camp experience. Our camp policies outline expectations for campers, families, and staff to ensure a positive and supportive environment for all. We encourage parents and guardians to review these guidelines with their child before camp begins.
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Parent Handbook

Our Parent Handbook is your go-to guide for everything you need to know about camp, including packing lists, drop-off and pick-up procedures, and more. Please take time to review this before your child's first day of Nature Camp.
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Stay Connected

During camp, our staff will use the Remind App to share important updates, daily reminders, and quick messages with parents and guardians. This free app makes it easy to stay in the loop throughout your child's camp experience. Click the button below to access instructions for joining the Lacawac Nature Camp's remind group.
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Nature Camp Scholarships

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.
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2026 Scholarship Application Dates

Applications Open: February 9th, 2026
Deadline to Apply: May 29th, 2026
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Application Process

Applying for a scholarship is easy! Follow these simple steps to apply:

Step 1: Complete the 2026 Nature Camp Scholarship Application Form BEFORE registering your camper.
Step 2: If approved, you will receive and email notification with instructions on how to proceed with your camper's registration.

Need help completing your application? We're here to assist!
Email our Summer Camp Manager at [email protected] or call (570)-689-9494

PLEASE NOTE: All information submitted will remain strictly confidential.
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Explore Our 2026 Nature Camps

Registration opens in January 2026.
Creature Feature
​Campers Ages 5 & 6
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Our creature feature program provides our 5-6 year old campers with an introduction to nature and the animals around us. Through different activities, games, and crafts, children get to become animal experts learning about all different types of animal groups and animals native to our area!

​Week 1: June 15 -19 
Week 3: June 29 - July 3
Week 4: July 6 - 10
Week 8: August 3 - 7
Exploring Nature
​Campers Ages 7 & 8
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Our exploring nature program offers children ages 7-8 the chance to learn and explore the different ecosystems in our area. Through exploration, crafts, and educational activities, our campers further their understanding of  the ecosystem and environment around us in NEPA and how our ecosystem depends on us and how we depend on our ecosystem.

Week 1: June 15 - 19
Week 4: July 6 - 10
Week 6: July 20 - 24
Week 9: August 10 - 14
Eco Investigators
Campers Ages 9 & 10
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Our eco investigators program offers children ages 9-10 the ability to use their science knowledge to problem solve, observe, and gain insight to different areas of nature based science. Through exploration, scientific experimentation, and nature exploration based activities, children will be able to use their skills to learn about how different environmental factors affect us and what they can do to help these changes. 

​Week 2: June 22 - 26
Week 5: July 13 - 17
Week 7: July 28 - August 4​
Wilderness Adventure
Campers Ages 11 & 12
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Our wilderness adventure program offers children ages 11-12, the opportunity to learn about and gain basic wilderness survival skills. From survival skill activities to team-building activities, your child will learn all about all the skills they need in a wilderness adventure. *This program includes a water day which is WEATHER PERMITTING, which involves fishing and canoeing (campers are permitted to bring their own fishing poles & life jackets if they wish)*

​Week 2: June 22 - 26
Week 5: July 13 - 17
Week 7: July 28 - August 4
Week 9: August 10 - 14
Art In Nature
Campers Ages 8 - 12
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Our art in nature camp offers children ages 8-12 an opportunity to pursue their interest in art and nature by combining the two topics into one. This group offers children the ability to use their creativity to create a landscape of a space they enjoyed at camp. Along with the week-long landscape project, children will be learning about how art is in nature and different ways you can use artistic materials to not only create but enhance their artworks and different ways nature can be used as different mediums for art.

​Week 3: June 29 - July 3
Week 6: July 20 - 24
Week 8: August 3 - 7

EcoScholars Institute
Rising 7th, 8th and 9th Graders

​​Join us at Lacawac Sanctuary for a four-day Summer Institute (rising 7th–9th graders, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM) where students become field scientists. Each day focuses on a different ecosystem—forests, the lake, a guided canoe-based river investigation, and a specialist day—using hands-on data collection, lab analysis, and citizen-science projects. Local scientists and educators guide students through water-quality testing, plankton and macroinvertebrate surveys, tree and habitat studies, and conservation problem-solving, with time for teamwork, nature journaling, and short student presentations.

Institute Dates: July 13 - 16

Day Camps and Scholarships Generously Supported By