Summer camp 2026
June–August | Half Day with Optional Extended Day
Summer at The Wild School is something special.
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Our Summer Camps invite children to spend their days fully outdoors. Building real skills, forming real friendships, and settling into the rhythm of summer through hands-on, experience-based learning.
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Camps run as full-week programs, Monday through Friday, allowing children to truly immerse, build confidence, and grow week over week.​​​​​​​
two Summer Camp Programs
We offer two age-based summer camp programs, each designed to meet children where they are developmentally while sharing the same outdoor values and experience-based approach.
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Early Explorers Camp (Ages 3–5)
Play-based, curiosity-led days focused on movement, sensory exploration, nature discovery, and foundational outdoor skills.
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Wilderness Skills Camp (Ages 6–12)
Hands-on skill building with real tools, survival concepts, teamwork, and outdoor problem-solving through guided challenge and exploration.
Both programs run fully outdoors, follow the same weekly schedule, and are offered at all camp locations.
summer camp 2026 locations
We are offering Summer Camp 2026 at five outdoor sites across the Houston area:
summer camp details
Who Can Join?
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Early Explorers Camp for Ages 3-5
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Wilderness Skills Camp for Ages 6-12
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LocationS
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The Heights – Our main Heights campus
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Mont Belvieu – Our Mont Belvieu campus
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Katy – Magnolia Ranch
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Cypress – The Good Vibe Farm
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The Woodlands – TreeVentures at Rob Fleming Recreation Center
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Camp Schedule
Early Explorers Camp (Ages 3–5)
Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
Optional Extended Day until 2:00 PM
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Wilderness Skills Camp (Ages 6–12)
Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
Optional Extended Day until 2:00 PM
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What to Bring:
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Large snack & full water bottle
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Extra change of clothes
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Backpack
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Sunscreen and bug spray
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Rain boots or sandals with straps
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Weather-appropriate layers
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Towel for water play
Camp Structure & Pricing
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$315 per week (Early Bird Pricing through March 31)
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$345 per week (Beginning April 1)
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Optional Extended Day until 2:00 PM is available for $100 per week.
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$75 Deposit Per Camp Week to Reserve Spot
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Remaining Amount Due on June 1st​
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Pricing and structure are consistent across all locations to make planning simple and predictable for families.
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Camp Weeks
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Week 1: June 8–12 – Into the Wild
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Week 2: June 15–19 – Tracks, Trails & Tails
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Week 3: June 22–26 – Life in the Water
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Week 4: July 6–10 – Shelter Seekers
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Week 5: July 13–17 – Fire Keepers
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Week 6: July 20–24 – Back to Basics
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Week 7: July 27–31 – Woodcraft & Wild Tools
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Week 8: August 3–7 – Wild Gathering
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Early Bird Pricing
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Early Bird pricing is available through March 31.
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Beginning April 1st, all weekly camp rates will increase by 10% to $345 per week.
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Families who enroll early secure:
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The lowest pricing of the season
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Priority access to preferred weeks and locations
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Peace of mind knowing their summer plans are set
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Weekly Themes​
Each week at The Wild School is inspired by forest school principles and rooted in nature connection, hands-on skill building, and experiential learning. Activities are adapted by age, allowing younger children to explore through play and imagination, while older campers develop deeper skills and responsibility.
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Week 1: Into the Wild
June 8–12: Orientation, Awareness & Outdoor Adventure
This opening week helps children settle into the land, learn camp rhythms, and build confidence moving through natural spaces. Campers practice awareness, curiosity, and care as they begin their summer journey.
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Ages 3–5 may explore:
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Sensory nature walks and “owl eyes, deer ears” games
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Learning camp boundaries through play
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Nature scavenger hunts and storytelling
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Building comfort climbing, balancing, and exploring
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Ages 6–12 may explore:
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Trail navigation and map basics
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Nature awareness games and camouflage
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Introduction to outdoor safety and responsibility
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Group challenges focused on teamwork and trust
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​​Week 2: Tracks, Trails & Tails
June 15–19: Animal Tracking & Wildlife Observation
Campers become wildlife detectives, learning how animals move through the land and leave stories behind.
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Ages 3–5 may explore:
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Making animal tracks with clay and mud
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Looking for nests, feathers, and burrows
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Imitating animal movements and sounds
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Storytelling inspired by local animals
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Ages 6–12 may explore:
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Identifying mammal tracks, scat, and trails
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Bird observation and basic calls
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Wildlife tracking games and field journaling
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Guest wildlife educators or animal ambassadors when available
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Week 3: Life in the Water
June 22–26: Water & Wetland Exploration
Campers explore water systems through messy play, observation, and discovery.
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Ages 3–5 may explore:
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Mud kitchens and water play
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Frog eggs, tadpoles, and aquatic insects
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Pouring, scooping, and simple water engineering
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Sensory play with mud, sand, and water
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Ages 6–12 may explore:
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Creek or pond walks and aquatic ecosystem study
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Identifying amphibians, reptiles, and insects
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Building small dams or water channels
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Water safety and respect for living systems
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Week 4: Shelter builders
July 6–10: Building, Knots & Survival Structures
Campers explore how humans and animals create shelter using natural materials and teamwork.
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Ages 3–5 may explore:
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Fort building with sticks and loose parts
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Playing inside simple shelters
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Learning basic knots through games
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Storytelling about animal homes
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Ages 6–12 may explore:
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Designing and building functional shelters
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Knot tying and lashing techniques
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Evaluating shelter strength and placement
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Cooperative survival-style challenges
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Week 5: Fire Keepers
July 13–17: Fire, Cooking & Camp Life
Children learn about fire as a powerful tool for warmth, cooking, and community, with a strong emphasis on safety and respect.
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Ages 3–5 may explore:
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Fire safety rules and awareness
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Observing fire from a safe distance
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Cooking simple foods with heat
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Stories and songs centered around fire
Ages 6–12 may explore:
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Fire preparation and materials
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Fire safety and responsibility
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Campfire cooking and food preparation
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Learning why fire has mattered to humans across time
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Week 6: Back to Basics
July 20–24: Traditional Skills, Plants & Living with the Land
Inspired by ancestral knowledge and traditional ways of living closely with nature. This week focuses on plants, food, medicine, and simple skills that connect us to the land.
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Ages 3–5 may explore:
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Identifying useful plants through smell, touch, and play
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Making simple pickled vegetables together
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Grinding herbs and sensory plant play
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Stories about how people lived with the land long ago
Ages 6–12 may explore:
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Identifying medicinal, edible, and useful plants
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Food preservation skills, including pickling
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Learning basic herbal uses and plant lore
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Guest educators focused on traditional skills or plant knowledge
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Week 7: Woodcraft & Wild Tools
July 27–31: Making, Carving & Craftsmanship
This week emphasizes patience, responsibility, and pride in real work using natural materials and tools.
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Ages 3–5 may explore:
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Hammering and building with supervision
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Creating and decorating wood projects
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Learning tool respect and care
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Creating simple take-home crafts
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Ages 6–12 may explore:
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Tool safety and responsible knife use
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Wood carving and construction projects
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Designing and completing functional builds
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Problem-solving through hands-on making
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Week 8: Wild Gathering
August 3–7: Celebration, Reflection & Community
A joyful closing week honoring friendships, growth, and a summer spent learning outdoors.
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Ages 3–5 may explore:
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Favorite games and activities from the summer
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Creative nature art and celebration crafts
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Songs, stories, and shared reflection
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End-of-summer celebration rituals
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Ages 6–12 may explore:
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Group challenges and games
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Revisiting favorite skills and projects
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Reflection on growth and accomplishments
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Community celebration and closing ceremony.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Summer Camp Faqs
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Who are the instructors?
Our summer camps are led by experienced outdoor educators who are passionate about nature-based learning. Each instructor is trained in child-led outdoor education, risk management, and nature skills, ensuring a safe and engaging experience for every child.
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What is the camper-to-instructor ratio?
We maintain a 1:6 ratio to ensure that every child receives individualized attention, support, and guidance throughout the camp experience. This allows for safe exploration, deep engagement, and meaningful connections with nature.
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What happens in bad weather?
Camp runs rain or shine! We embrace light rain as part of the experience, but in the case of severe weather (thunderstorms, extreme heat, or unsafe conditions), we may modify activities, take extra shade breaks, or cancel the camp session for safety reasons. We will communicate any cancellations or delays as soon as possible.
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What should my child bring to camp?
Your child should come prepared for outdoor play with:
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A full change of clothes and shoes
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Half-Day Campers: Large snack & water bottle
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Full-Day Campers: Lunch, snack & water bottle
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Extra clothes, socks, and sturdy closed-toe shoes
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Rain boots for mud play
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Towel for drying off
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Weather-appropriate layers (camp runs rain or shine!)
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Do you provide snacks or lunch?
No, campers should bring their own nut-free snack for half-day camps and a nut-free lunch and snack for full-day camps.
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What are the camp hours?
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8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Monday-Friday
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Optional Extended Day until 2:00 PM
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Can I choose specific days for my 3-5-year-old?
No our camp enrollment is for the entire week.
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Can I attend for fewer than five days in the full-Week Camp?
We allow this on a case-by-case basis. Please email us at info@thewildschool.org to inquire about availability.
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Can I drop my child off early or pick them up late?
No, we do not offer extended care. All drop-offs begin no earlier than 7:50 AM, and pick-up must be promptly at 12:00 PM (half-day camp) or 2:00 PM (full-day camp).
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Does my child need to be potty trained?
Yes, all campers must be fully potty trained to attend camp.
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How are campers grouped?
Campers are grouped by age and developmental stage to ensure the experience is safe, supportive, and engaging for everyone.
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Early Explorers Camp (Ages 3–5)
Early Explorers campers participate together in small, nurturing groups. Activities are designed to support a wide range of developmental stages within this age range and focus on play, movement, and exploration rather than comparison or competition. Instructors guide children gently, allowing them to engage at their own pace while building comfort, confidence, and social skills outdoors.
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Wilderness Skills Camp (Ages 6–12)
Wilderness Skills campers are grouped with peers of similar age, experience, and readiness when appropriate. While the camp operates as a cohesive community, instructors may break campers into smaller working groups for skill-building activities such as shelter building, navigation, or woodcraft. This allows older and more experienced campers to take on deeper challenges while ensuring younger campers receive appropriate support.
Across both camps, we maintain small group sizes and high instructor presence so every child is known, supported, and guided throughout the day.
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What is your cancellation and refund policy?
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Cancellations made at least 14 days before the camp start date will receive a full refund, minus a $25 processing fee per camp week.
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Cancellations made within 14 days of the camp start date will receive a 50% refund unless we can fill the spot from the waitlist.
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No refunds for cancellations made less than 7 days before the start date.
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Do you allow makeups?
We cannot guarantee a makeup spot, but you can always reach out to us at info@thewildschool.org to check availability for another date.
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What if my child is sick?
If your child is sick, please keep them home! We do not offer refunds for missed camp days, but if space allows, we may be able to offer a makeup day at another location.
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How do I register?
Scroll up to the top, choose your location and age group and click Enroll Now.
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Do you offer a sibling discount?
Yes, we offer 10% off for siblings.
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Do you offer financial aid?
At this time, we do not offer financial aid.
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What if I need a camp in South Houston?
We are considering Friendswood, Clear Lake, Sienna, and Sugar Land as potential locations based on demand. Email us at info@thewildschool.org and we may open a camp in your area if demand is high enough!
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What About the Heat?
We embrace the heat within safety. Our teachers are trained to recognize signs of heat stress and work proactively to keep campers cool. We incorporate:
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Water play & cooling activities throughout the day
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Cold wet towels & frequent hydration breaks
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Maximizing shade for more than 85% of camp time
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Adjusting activities to calmer play when heat peaks
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Both camps finish before the hottest part of the day
