The Nature Explorer Camp will be back in 2024 better than ever for all children ages 3-6! We offer both full time and part time summer camps across two 3-week sessions spanning between June 10th and July 26th. Children will spend time learning outside while exploring, splashing, digging, and playing with their fellow adventurers in our expansive outdoor classroom.
Water Wednesday, Bike Friday, and daily exploration and nature play! While the outdoor classroom will be the main space for children to explore, we will once again have 2 indoor classrooms open for students to explore throughout the day. One classroom will be devoted to STEM as a "Maker Space" and the other as an "Art Studio" with arts, crafts, and lots of open-ended materials for our artists to use to create.
Registration begins in mid January for current families and opens to new families in early February.
Children must be 3 years old prior to starting - and no older than 6 years old during the camp.
All children must be fully potty trained.
The application opens on February 4th, 2025 at 10am for all families. A registration button will appear below.
DaysDays
HrsHours
MinsMinutes
SecsSeconds
We welcome invite all children 3-6 year olds who are fully potty trained to join us in our Certified Outdoor Classroom for the Nature Explorer Camp this June and July!
Students may register for one or both Summer Nature Explorer Camp sessions (see section above for dates - June is 3 weeks and July is 4 weeks) selecting from the following enrollment options:
Lunch is provided for Full Day and Snack for Half Day
I am absolutely blown away with your backyard transformation! An outdoor classroom is exactly the kind of environment/educational opportunity I've been looking for in this neighborhood. M & S have had a blast this summer with you all. They're actually excited about school!
- Christine
Summer Camp at Beverly Castle was a dream come true for my outdoor loving 3 year old. As soon as we left the first day he told me he was ready to go back. The setup outside for the kids was perfect for curious minds and adventurous spirits. I could not have been more pleased with the intention put into the Nature Explorers experience provided by The Castle.
-Donna
There was no doubt that we would send our girls to The Castle when the summer camp was offered again this year. I knew the girls would be in good hands and enjoy their time. Every day they came home with a smile. They enjoyed the themed weeks and activities and loved sharing what they learned and talked about. Then, when the outdoor camp was offered we didn’t hesitate to sign them up! We are anticipating our youngest will attend in a couple years as well. Thank you so much!
-Renata
Please reach us at director@beverlycastle.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Yes! Any child between the ages of 3-6 are eligible to attend Summer Nature Explorer Camp (our rising-1st grader will be there this summer!)
We have two 3-week sessions this summer. All registration is for the entire length of the session, either June or July. If there are unfilled spots at the start of the session we will open up drop-in registration.
During the typical day at Summer Nature Explorer Camp, parents walk their students into the Outdoor Classroom through the front gate of the building where students engage in free play in the Outdoor Classroom under the supervision of Castle teachers & summer counselors. After all students arrive, teachers bring their group together for a small group meeting where teachers will share with children the plans for the day. This is also a time to build community and learn about the weekly theme. Children will then have the opportunity to choose where they would like to spend their time. Outside the students can choose from our Water Center, Mud Kitchen, Castle Play Structure, Sand and Pebble Area, Construction Zone, Pollinator Garden, Vegetable Garden, Forest, Music Wall, Library, Ball Zone and the open area which is filled with room to move, big trunks and stumps to balance or jump. Two classrooms will also be open: one we transform into a Maker Space with lots of open-ended building materials and the other is our Art Studio. Each classroom and area outside have teacher led activities but also enough room for children to use their imagination to create their own play scenarios and adventures. Teachers interact with students to infuse language, ask questions, and guide students to resources/materials that will expand their play. During snack time teachers read books. Lunch is served inside with rest time for our 3 and 4 year olds and a short quiet play for our 5 and 6 year olds. Then we reapply sunscreen and head back outside for an afternoon with a similar structure to the morning.
Be prepared to get wet on Water Wednesdays and bring your wheels for Bike Friday! We also spend time outside when it is raining (as long as there is no thunder or lightning).
The Castle Preschool
10244 S. Longwood Dr. Chicago, IL 60643
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.