Nature Explorers Camp at Holt Pond

Nature Explorers Camp is a week-long nature program at the Holt Pond Preserve. The camp is open to kids ages 7-11 and is held during the last week of July and the first week of August. Year-round or summer residents in Bridgton, Naples, Casco, Denmark, Sweden, Waterford, and Harrison may attend, but space is limited. Scholarships to attend the camp may be available upon request.

The theme for the camp is nature discovery and connecting to place. Through exploratory activities, children will learn about forests, ponds, streams, wetlands, and the life therein. Holt Pond is the ideal setting for Nature Explorers Camp, with a timber frame enclosed shelter as the home 

base. To the north sits Byron’s Hill and the resident porcupine population. To the west, the Muddy River winds its way through the landscape. To the east is Bald Pate. And most importantly, to the south lies Holt Pond.

The shelter is situated so that campers will be able to explore many different ecosystems in short walking distance. Through games, crafts, journaling, guided exploration, and songs, children will leave Nature Explorers Camp inspired to discover and learn more about the natural world The registration deadline is May 1st, so sign up early! For more information call Sarah Morrison, at LEA at 647-8580 ext 12. Place Camp was made possible through generous support from Planet Dog Philanthropy, Aristotle Fund, and Norcross Wildlife Foundation. Links:

• Nature Explorers Camper Application & Registration 2013
• Camper Leader Application & Registration 2013
• Liability and medical form 2013
• Details on the Holt Pond Nature Preserve

Frequently Asked Questions

What will kids do at Nature Explorers Camp?  The theme for Nature Explorers Camp is discovery. Kids will explore and discover many different ecosystems, from rivers and streams to wetlands and forests to Holt Pond itself. They will learn about beavers by visiting a beaver dam and lodge. They will learn about water quality by exploring insects in a stream. They will learn about trees by rubbing the bark and pressing the leaves. And all of these direct contact experiences will help foster a lifelong love and appreciation for the natural world.

Who is running the camp?  Sarah Morrison, the Director of Education, oversees all aspects of Nature Explorers Camp. Sarah is a Wilderness

 First Responder and holds a current American Red Cross CPR certification. She will be assisted by teacher/naturalist, Mary Jewett, summer interns and volunteers. Place Camp is certified by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services as a Youth Day Camp and thus meets all standards set forth by this state agency.

What do kids need for camp?  Kids need a 32 oz. refillable water bottle, snack, lunch, play clothes, sneakers (no sandals!), water shoes (old sneakers, enclosed water sandals, Crocs, etc.), bug repellent, hat, sunscreen, and any medications the child might need during the day. In rainy weather, campers will need a durable rain jacket. Rain pants are recommended and throw-away ponchos are discouraged.

How do kids get to camp?  Parents will bring their child to the Holt Pond Parking area and walk them to the shelter by 7:55 am. They need to be picked up promptly at 2 pm. Directions to Holt Pond will be sent when LEA receives a registration form.

Is there a culminating activity?  Yes, on the last day of camp parents and friends are invited for a camper-led tour of Holt Pond at 12:30 pm, followed by a brief closing ceremony of songs and snacks.