VINS Nature Camp is ready to go the distance with your camper. Whether your child is an avian enthusiast, survivalist in the making, or aspiring archer, we are excited to share an unforgettable summer with them.
Our day and overnight camp programs for Eagles offer the unique and specialized experiences that their inquisitive minds seek. VINS Nature Camp creates opportunities for in-depth investigations, hands-on learning, as well as challenge-by-choice and teambuilding scenarios that can lead to tremendous personal growth and lasting friendships. Your camper will leave with memories to last a lifetime.
For a unique overnight experience, join VINS Nature Camps at Old Pepper Place Nature Reserve. Camps range from a single overnight trip to a week-long adventure in the wilderness. Make this summer a truly special one.
All VINS Nature Camp's EAGLES camps run from 9 AM - 4 PM, Monday through Thursday and 9 AM - 3:30 PM on Friday unless otherwise specified.
After-Camp:
VINS Nature Camp offers After-Camp care for sessions held at the VINS Nature Center and Storrs Pond Recreation Area locations. This program is an extension of the camp day – campers must be registered on a weekly basis.
Details
Available for Fledglings, Falcons and Eagles camps
After-Camp hours are from the end of the camp day until 5:30 PM
Rate is $50 per camper per week unless otherwise specified
Not available all weeks at all camp locations
Discounts:
VINS Member discount - Receive a 10% discount on camp tuition. Use code: MEM25 at checkout.*
Sibling discount - We love having siblings in camp! Automatically save $10 on each camp session when you register two or more children for camp.*
*Please note: Promotional discounts cannot be combined. One promotional discount per registration.
2025 EAGLES Day Camps at VINS Nature Center
JUNE 18 - 20 / Eagles On Target
This camp is dedicated to learning the art of archery. Learning to safely use a bow and arrow is a great way for campers to enjoy an active hobby outdoors. Our USA Archery-certified instructors will teach proper shooting form and introduce this activity in a safe and comfortable manner. Each day, campers will participate in a session on shooting technique as well as other activities including themed crafts, hikes, additional practice on the range, and even equipment maintenance. Campers will also enjoy archery games and a mini-tournament at the end of the week. All skill levels are welcome.
Note: This is a 3-day camp, there will be no camp held on Monday, June 16 or Tuesday, June 17.
Join VINS for a truly unique camp experience that gets campers involved in animal care and wildlife keeping. This camp will examine the difference between wild and domestic animals and will delve into the management and husbandry of each. Campers will be immersed in the animal care life as they go behind the scenes to help wildlife keepers care for the resident animals at the VINS Nature Center, spend a day at a working farm tackling daily barnyard tasks and visit a local animal shelter to complete a group service project. Get ready to work hard, get dirty and have fun while learning what it takes to care for animals of all kinds whether they be from the wild, on the farm or in our own homes.
History will come alive in this exciting, one-of-a-kind camp from VINS. Travel back in time and learn about two ancient sporting traditions; falconry, the practice of hunting alongside a trained raptor, and archery. Go behind the scenes with our raptor handlers for an experience few adults could imagine, an up-close encounter with nature’s most perfect hunter: the Raptor! Then, test your concentration and aim with a bow and arrow on the VINS Nature Camp archery range and see if you can hit the bulls-eye. Sport of Kings blends two of VINS Nature Camp's most popular programs into this highly specialized camp.
Note: This is a 4-day camp, there will be no camp held on Friday, July 4.
AUGUST 11 - 15 / Advanced Science of Amazing Raptors
Advanced SOAR Camp gives campers the opportunity to delve deep into the world of raptors. Campers will work with professional trainers, wildlife keepers, and specialized educators to learn about avian anatomy, current raptor research, and the inner workings of VINS’ Center for Wild Bird Rehabilitation. With diversified interactions and up-close raptor encounters, including an opportunity to handle trained falconry birds from New England Falconry, campers will be on the road to becoming wildlife rehabilitators, environmental educators, or VINS volunteers.
2025 EAGLES Overnight Camps at VINS Nature Center & Old Pepper Place
JULY 14 - 18 / Trail Blazers
This camp offers the perfect opportunity to learn, work, and have fun in a backcountry setting. Campers will experience firsthand the responsibilities and demands of working and living as a team while completing outdoor projects that make a difference. Throughout the week, our experienced instructors will guide campers in teambuilding challenges including service projects at the VINS Nature Center and trail building at Old Pepper Place Nature Reserve to promote cooperation, communication, and trust. Participants will build confidence in themselves, practice the skills necessary to be a teammate, and build friendships all in a fun, supportive, and safe environment.
Note: This camp includes an overnight trip to VINS' Old Pepper Place Nature Reserve, Washington, VT from Wednesday, July 16 to Friday, July 18. Drop-off and pick-up for this overnight trip is at VINS Nature Center.
So you think you’d survive on your own in the woods? Come find out. Survival Adventures II is designed for young campers who are looking for a true adventure challenge. With daily survival scenarios and lessons in backcountry living skills, this week-long overnight camp will give campers the opportunity to put their wilderness skills to the test. This beautiful and remote location is the perfect setting for a wilderness camp. Surviving in the backcountry requires a lot of hard work, fun, and being open to new experiences; and there will be plenty of that in store during this week-long adventure. Sleep out under the stars, sit with friends around the campfire, become a fire-building master, and make your home in the wilderness. This is an overnight experience campers will never forget.
Time: 9 AM Monday - 3:30 PM Friday
Note: This is a weeklong overnight camp held at VINS' Old Pepper Place Nature Reserve, Washington, VT. The camp begins on Monday, July 21 and runs through Friday, July 25. Drop-off and pick-up for this overnight camp is at VINS Nature Center.
Ready for a one-of-a-kind camp experience? Want to participate in real-world research and help birds at the same time? VINS’ Field Expedition camp offers an opportunity for campers to engage in a week of field-based, collaborative learning while making their home in the wilderness. Working in the woods of VINS’ Old Pepper Place Nature Reserve, participants will become familiar with forest habitats and the native birds of Vermont that rely on them. Campers will learn and practice hands-on research methods with expert instruction provided by VINS’ Center for Field Research and work together to present their findings at the end of the week to an audience of VINS staff and camper families. This beautiful and remote camp location is the perfect setting for this field-based camp. Sleep out under the stars, sit with friends around the campfire, contribute to bird conservation, and join VINS for an amazing adventure this summer.
Note: This is a weeklong overnight camp held at VINS' Old Pepper Place Nature Reserve, Washington, VT. The camp begins on Monday, August 4, and runs through Friday, August 8. Drop-off and pick-up for this overnight camp is at VINS Nature Center.
