In this summer camp, children explore creativity and the natural world through hands-on art, storytelling, and outdoor play—spending their days building, imagining, and experimenting in both the studio and Prospect Park. Through open-ended materials, collaboration, and curiosity-led discovery, children experience the joy of creative expression, connection to nature, and meaningful play with one another. Each day includes Green Magic nature discovery, with nature walks, sensory science, plant stories, potion-making, and seasonal traditions from around the world. Through open-ended materials and curiosity-led play, children connect with nature, express themselves creatively, and build meaningful friendships.

Session One: June 29-July 3rd - (ages 4-7) - Fireflies

Session Two: July 13-July 17 (ages 4-7) - Fireflies

Session Three: July 20-July 24 (ages 5-8) - Honeybees

Session Four: July 27-July 31 (ages 7-10) - Owls

Session Five: August 3 - August 7 (ages 7-10) - Owls

A Typical Day at Makers & Storytellers Summer Camp

9:00–9:30 — Arrival & Morning Welcome Circle

Campers arrive with backpacks and gather for a gentle morning circle. We sing songs, share intentions, and introduce the day’s nature theme or story spark. Children help load the materials wagon and prepare for the day’s adventures.

Focus: Belonging, transitions, social connection

9:30–10:30 — Park Exploration & Big Outdoor Play

We walk together to Prospect Park for free movement and discovery—climbing, running, building forest forts, collecting natural treasures, and inventing games. Counselors observe and follow children’s interests to spark imaginative group play.

Focus: Gross motor play, imagination, nature connection

10:30–11:30 — Makers Studio: Art, Craft, & Tinkering

Back at our outdoor base (or indoors on hot/rainy days), campers dive into process-based making:

• Painting, sculpting, weaving, wearable art

• Loose-parts construction and tinkering

• Puppet-making, story props, or collaborative city-building

Children choose materials and explore ideas at their own pace.

Focus: Creativity, fine motor skills, confidence in making

11:30–12:00 — Green Magic Nature Discovery

• Nature walks and sensory science explorations

• Plant stories and folktale-inspired storytelling

• Potion-making and mud kitchen play

• Seasonal earth traditions inspired by cultures around the world with a special focus on the summer solstice

• Focus: science, storytelling, and earth-based learning

12:00–12:45 — Lunch & Restful Social Time

Campers picnic together, chat with friends, and enjoy quiet rest, drawing, or reading. On hot days, we seek shade or return to the studio’s cool indoor space.

Focus: Nourishment, community, downtime

12:45–1:30 — Water Play & Cool-Down

On warm days, we splash in the backyard water tables, sprinklers, or Prospect Park splash pads. On cooler days, this becomes free creative play or cozy indoor building time.

Focus: Sensory regulation, joy, summer fun

1:30–2:30 — Imaginative Worlds & Collaborative Story Play

Children collaborate to invent stories, build worlds, create puppet shows, and perform songs. Educators scaffold group storytelling, dramatic play, and collaborative projects.

Focus: Narrative thinking, collaboration, leadership

2:30–3:00 — Closing Circle & Pack-Up

We reflect on the day, share stories and creations, sing closing songs, and pack up together. Children help gather materials, artwork, and the wagon—building responsibility and care for shared spaces.

Focus: Reflection, gratitude, closure

Weekly Rhythm & Special Moments

• Each week evolves from children’s interests, so no two weeks (or days!) are the same.

• Friday Salon-Style Sharing: Families are invited to a gentle group showing of stories, art, and collaborative projects from the week.

• Indoor Studio Days: On rainy or very hot days, we move into Willow Nest Studio for light/shadow play, loose-parts building, crafting, and design.