Nature Camp FAQs

Cancellations with at least two weeks notice are eligible for a full refund – minus a $50 administrative fee – only if the cancelled spot is filled. Cancellations with less than two weeks notice, or ones where the spot has not been filled will receive a $50 refund only. 

Birds Connect Seattle memberships and program donations are not refundable.

Transfers to other camp sessions within the same summer are done at no cost, as long as the transfer is not done within 2 weeks of the start of the camp session. Transfer requests within 2 weeks of the start of camp may or may not be possible, depending on the ability to fill the spot.

Prorating – We do not pro-rate camp fees due to absences from illness or family vacations.

We are happy to make accommodations whenever possible for campers who have different needs and abilities. Note that we do not have additional staff to offer full-time 1:1 support for your child.  Please contact the Camp Registrar to discuss how we can include your child in the exploration.

Please complete the scholarship application before registering for Nature Camp. 

The amount of scholarship money awarded varies from 25% of the cost of a camp session, up to 85% of the cost of a camp session, and is determined by HUD median income guidelines for the current year.

Families applying for scholarships are limited to one session per camper so that we can ensure as many children as possible get a chance to attend Nature Camp. However, if there are still scholarship funds available towards the end of the summer, families may apply for one additional session per camper.

If a particular session is not available online, it is likely full. Families who would like to be placed on the wait list may register for the waitlisted week on the camp registration page. The Camp registrar will email you when spots become available.

If you have not heard anything by the Friday before the wait listed camp session, that means there were no spots available.

First, check your junk mail folder. Gmail and Outlook sometimes flag the first message from our automated online registration system. Please add the address from your confirmation to your safe senders list. 

If you still do not get an email confirmation, please contact the camp registrar to ensure your information was entered correctly. 

A full checklist is included in the Parent Pack, but here are the basics for every day at Nature Camp:

• A backpack
• A jacket or sweatshirt
• Sunscreen
• A refillable water bottle
• Lunch
• Two snacks

Leave all handheld video games, phones, or other electronic items at home. Campers may bring a point-and-shoot digital camera or binoculars, but Nature Camp staff assume no responsibility for lost or damaged items.

Make sure your camper is prepared for changing weather conditions. All campers need a jacket or sweatshirt even on the hottest days, as we are often trekking on shaded forest trails. We are outside for most of the day, everyday, unless the weather conditions are dangerous.

We never go swimming at Nature Camp. At most, campers might wade in tide pools ankle-deep, but there is no need to pack swimwear. Make sure your camper wears shoes that are comfortable and appropriate for walking long distances. Sandals are permitted, as long as they have a heel strap that secures the foot bed to the foot. Flip flops and slippers are not allowed.

We typically have at least one camper or staff member with a severe food allergy most weeks of camp. Avoid packing peanut or tree nut products in your child’s lunch and snacks unless notified otherwise. We do not allow campers to share food, and we take extra precautions to keep campers with severe food allergies safe.