Summer Camp at RTP Estuary Center
Join the RTP Estuary Center and spend the summer where science, nature, and art combine with fun! While each session has a natural science focus, your child will be busy discovering animals and plants, conducting hands-on experiments, making new friends, and enjoying outdoor activities.
Each week campers will engage in weeklong projects on a related to the session’s theme. Campers ages 5 to 13 will participate in a hands-on curriculum tailored to meet each child’s interests and skills. Campers are organized in groups based on their ages.
RTP Estuary Center Summer Camps 2026
RTP Estuary Center Camp FAQ
Do I have to be a member of the Connecticut Audubon Society?
You have to be a member at the time that your child attends camp. You must have a Chickadee ($58 family) or higher-level membership to register. If you’re not a qualifying member, you may renew or join at the time of registration or online by clicking here.
What is the background of summer camp staff?
Our summer camps are staffed by experienced teacher-naturalists from our centers, and college-educated men and women who have subject-area knowledge and experience working with children. Low staff-to-camper ratios ensure all campers have a safe, fun, and educational camp experience. Our summer camp staff is first-aid, CPR and EpiPen trained.
What forms are needed to complete the camp registration?
There are several forms that must be filled out before registration is complete. Registration and medical forms for camp programs, as well as detailed camp brochures, policies, procedures, and equipment lists, will be posted on our website when registration opens.
What if our family plans change for the summer? Are there refunds if we need to cancel or change the number of sessions attending?
We recommend purchasing Registration Protection when you register your child(ren). You can purchase this protection at checkout and if you need to cancel, you will receive a full refund of the purchase price and processing fee should you be unable to attend your event due to a specified reason, such as:
– Injury or Illness
– Vehicle breakdown or theft
– Adverse weather resulting in travel warnings
– Work relocation
Please note the following if you do not purchase Registration Protection: All requests must be made by email. Requests for changes must be received at least two weeks prior to the program session for which the change is being requested. For cancellation requests before June 1, you will receive a refund minus a 20% fee per program canceled. Membership fees will not be refunded. After June 1, there are no summer program refunds. If we cancel a program, you will receive a full refund.
Can my child and friends be in the same camp group?
We make every effort to accommodate requests for friends and siblings to be placed in the same class but cannot guarantee such placement. Requests can be made on the registration form or sent in writing and received at least two weeks prior to the week attending.
Camp Fact Sheet
CAMP GUIDELINES
• Camp programs will follow the policies and guidance provided by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood Education.
• Small group, outdoor programming where kids will safely explore, discover and learn about the natural world.
• Staffed by teacher-naturalists and counselors experienced with working with children.
WEATHER PRECAUTIONS
• Camp will follow any state-mandated guidelines. Sessions are conducted outdoors, rain or shine.
• Only in the case of inclement weather will we seek shelter indoors.
CAMP CLOTHING & GEAR (please LABEL all personal items)
• Play clothes and sturdy shoes or sneakers that can get dirty outdoors
○ t-shirt and shorts/pants
○ close-toed shoes or sneakers
• Backpack (LABELED with camper’s name) with a change of clothes
• Sun hat
• Rain boots or old sneakers for wet explorations
• Water bottle (FULL and LABELED with camper’s name)
• Rain jacket and rain boots (for rainy day explorations – we go out in the rain!)
*If your child must change his or her clothing, they must be able to do so by themselves.
DO NOT BRING:
• Flip-flops or open-toed shoes
• Personal items such as toys, games, electronics, or stuffed animals
• NO PULL-UPS OR DIAPERS — ALL CHILDREN MUST BE TOILET-TRAINED
SUNSCREEN & INSECT REPELLENT
• Please apply these before your child comes to camp. These must be applied outdoors due to allergy concerns.
• Sunscreen and insect repellent LABELED with camper’s name.
• Please have the Insect Repellent Sunscreen Application form filled out to submit on the first day of camp.
• Camper must be able to re-apply on their own
TICKS
• Every night, please take a few moments to check your child for ticks. An excellent time is at bath time or just before bed – especially check behind the knees, underwear lines, underarms, and on the back of the neck (near the hairline).
HEALTH AND INFORMATION FORMS
• A Health and Information form for your child must be submitted BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF CAMP.
• A physical examination, or health status certification, including a complete immunization history, completed by a physician, advanced practice nurse, registered nurse, or physician’s assistant is required, per State mandated Health regulations.
• All Health and Medical Information forms can be found on our website.
• Health forms can also be submitted from a school.
FOOD & BEVERAGES
Allergies:
•Please notify us of any allergies: food, animal, or environmental.
Lunch/Snack:
• Please pack your child’s lunch in a moderately sized bag. They will be stored in our camp fridge.
• Please pack both a mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack for your child separately from their lunch and does not require refrigeration. We will not be providing any snacks for campers.
• Please send a FULL refillable water bottle clearly labeled with your child’s name.
