VINS Nature Camp is ready to share an unforgettable summer with your child. Our specialized camp programs for Falcons offer unique experiences to delve into fascinating natural science topics and learn concrete skills while at the same time practicing the art of teamwork and building lasting friendships. Our camps at Storrs Pond Recreation Area and the VINS Nature Center will leave your camper with stories to share and memories to last a lifetime.
All VINS Nature Camp's FALCONS 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 FALCONS Camps at VINS Nature Center
JUNE 18 - 20 / Hawkwarts Camp of Witchcraft and Wizardry
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hawkwarts Camp of Witchcraft and Wizardry!
Join VINS for an enchanted camp session learning about the real-world magic of science.
Face VINS’ Sorting Hat to find out which of our four raptor-themed houses best suits you. Then, prepare for your O.W.L.s Exams with coursework in wizarding subjects such as Astronomy, Care of Magical Creatures, Potions, and Herbology. Mix up a little potion and participate in hands-on science experiments. Learn how educators care for the magical creatures at VINS and brush up on your parseltongue as you never know who may come “slytherin” through camp. Search for magical plants to use in your spells and hop on your broomstick for a game of Quidditch with your housemates. Wizards and muggles are all welcome, just make sure to pack your wand!
Note: This is a 3-day camp. There will be no camp held on Monday, June 16 or Tuesday, June 17.
Calling all avian enthusiasts, Science of Amazing Raptors (SOAR) Camp, is the perfect, unique experience for you. Join VINS’ expert educators and bird trainers for an opportunity to experience what few adults could imagine, an up-close encounter with nature’s most perfect hunter: the Raptor! Come spend the week at VINS learning what makes raptors such excellent hunters and discover the secrets of raptor training. Participants will view private bird programs, learn fun facts through games and crafts, get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at VINS’ bird rehabilitation facility and even help care for our birds. Get ready for an unforgettable week with eagles, owls, hawks, falcons, and so much more. This VINS specialty camp is a rare opportunity, and spaces fill quickly.
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 Camps 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.
Survival Adventures is an introductory camp for young explorers to gain better knowledge and understanding of what it takes to live in the outdoors. Under the guidance of our expert instructors, campers will practice basic skills in areas such as preparing a campfire, building a shelter, looking for animal signs, identifying plants, navigating by compass, and tying knots. Daily themes, stories, and mock survival scenarios will encourage campers’ appreciation of nature. This camp provides a great opportunity for young outdoor enthusiasts to build proficiency in basic wilderness and teamwork skills all while having a blast!
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 tournament at the end of the week. All skill levels are welcome.
Scientific research doesn’t only happen in laboratories by people wearing lab coats; it is everywhere and can be done by anyone. Join the research biologists at VINS and help our efforts to conserve natural habitats by participating in real-world field research: investigating bird nests, tagging monarch butterflies, monitoring bird populations, or even combating invasive species at VINS. Each day, the Conservation Crew will engage in different research projects as well as hands-on service projects. There are so many ways to get involved in conservation science. Contribute to our understanding of the natural world and have a blast doing science this summer at VINS.
Calling all avian enthusiasts, Science of Amazing Raptors (SOAR) Camp, is the perfect, unique experience for you. Join VINS’ expert educators and bird trainers for an opportunity to experience what few adults could imagine, an up-close encounter with nature’s most perfect hunter: the Raptor! Come spend the week at VINS learning what makes raptors such excellent hunters and discover the secrets of raptor training. Participants will view private bird programs, learn fun facts through games and crafts, get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at VINS’ bird rehabilitation facility and even help care for our birds. Get ready for an unforgettable week with eagles, owls, hawks, falcons, and so much more. This VINS specialty camp is a rare opportunity, and spaces fill quickly.
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 tournament at the end of the week. All skill levels are welcome.
Survival Adventures is an introductory camp for young explorers to gain better knowledge and understanding of what it takes to live in the outdoors. Under the guidance of our expert instructors, campers will practice basic skills in areas such as preparing a campfire, building a shelter, looking for animal signs, identifying plants, navigating by compass, and tying knots. With daily survival scenarios and lessons in backcountry living skills, this blend of day and overnight camp will give campers opportunities to hone their skills. VINS’ Old Pepper Place Nature Reserve is beautiful and remote, the perfect location to put their wilderness skills to the test at the end of the week. 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 weeklong adventure.
Note: This camp includes an overnight trip to VINS' Old Pepper Place Nature Reserve, Washington, VT on Thursday, August 14. Drop-off and pick-up for this overnight trip is at VINS Nature Center.
AUGUST 18 - 22 / C.S.I. - Countryside Investigators
Join VINS’ C.S.I. Team for an exciting week of natural science sleuthing. Campers will hone their investigative skills of observation, evidence gathering, and data analysis with a new case to solve every day. Visit the scene of the crime, hunt for clues, and uncover the secrets behind nature’s puzzling conundrums. The C.S.I. Team will investigate modern mysteries unraveling in the dark shadows of the forest and even delve into a cold case from 200 years ago. So grab your C.S.I. kit and get ready to follow the clues. You never know where they may lead!
JUNE 30 - JULY 3 / C.S.I. - Countryside Investigators
Join VINS’ C.S.I. Team for an exciting 4 days of natural science sleuthing. Campers will hone their investigative skills of observation, evidence gathering, and data analysis with a new case to solve every day. Visit the scene of the crime, hunt for clues, and uncover the secrets behind nature’s puzzling conundrums. The C.S.I. Team will investigate modern mysteries unraveling in the dark shadows of the forest and even delve into a cold case from 200 years ago. So grab your C.S.I. kit and get ready to follow the clues. You never know where they may lead!
Note: This is a 4-day camp. There will be no camp held on Friday, July 4.
Get your feet wet with VINS during a fun, water-filled week! Campers will explore the aquatic environments of Storrs Pond both from the shore and on the water. Investigations of the vernal pools, stream and pond will reveal who is living in these different habitats and the importance of each of them to the health of the ecosystem. Paddle and fish Storrs Pond in a canoe, turn over rocks in search of invertebrates in the stream and do your best to catch frogs and tadpoles in the vernal pool. Storrs Pond Recreation Area offers plenty of opportunities for on-water adventures including fishing, canoeing, and swimming in the pond. So grab a net, put on your suits, and dive in for a week of AquaVentures.
Survival Adventures is an introductory camp for young explorers to gain better knowledge and understanding of what it takes to live in the outdoors. Under the guidance of our expert instructors, campers will practice basic skills in areas such as preparing a campfire, building a shelter, looking for animal signs, identifying plants, navigating by compass, and tying knots. At the Storrs Pond location, canoeing and time for free swim in the pond will be provided. Daily themes, stories, and mock survival scenarios will encourage campers’ appreciation of nature. This camp provides a great opportunity for young outdoor enthusiasts to build proficiency in basic wilderness and teamwork skills all while having a blast!
