Meet the Animals That Actually Live Here
Forest Animals Day Camp is built for the camper who lights up at a snapped twig and wants to know what made that noise. Gretna Glen's 200 acres are a legitimate ecosystem: white-tailed deer in the meadow, muskrats at the creek, spiders and ants doing their quiet work in the soil, forest birds calling all day long. This week turns that ecosystem into the classroom.
Campers go on daily nature walks with staff who know what to point out. They meet live animals up close. They play forest-themed games, make wildlife crafts, and walk home with a handful of new favorite animals and a stack of fun facts their parents are going to hear about for weeks.
Live Animals, Forest Walks, and Hands-On Discovery
Animal encounters, forest-themed games, wildlife crafts, and classic day camp activities from 9 to 3:30 every day.
Live Animal Visits
Campers get hands-on time with animals they might only ever read about. Staff bring in live visitors and lead age-appropriate encounters that go beyond "look, do not touch."
Forest Walks with a Purpose
Every nature walk has a theme. Who lives here? What do they eat? Where do they sleep? Staff train kids to notice tracks, scat, nests, and the small clues that make the forest feel less quiet than it first seems.
Wildlife Crafts & Games
Crafts themed around the animals campers meet during the week, and forest-based games that teach ecology without feeling like a lesson. Every activity ties back to the 200 acres outside.
Creation Study
Bible Discovery connects to the theme through the lens of creation and God's care for every creature, big and small. It is a faith conversation built for kids who already find wonder outdoors.
Built for Ages 5-8 and 9-13
Forest Animals runs two tracks side by side. Younger campers (ages 5-8, code DCY7) and older campers (ages 9-13, code DCO7) share the same camp but experience age-appropriate nature activities. Younger campers focus on wonder, observation, and up-close sensory encounters. Older campers dig into the ecology, food webs, and animal behavior behind what they are seeing.
Both groups meet the animals. Both groups walk the forest. The difference is in the depth of the conversations, not the amount of time outside. When registering, you can request one bunkmate in the same age category as your camper.
WHAT PARENTS SHOULD KNOW
Day camp runs Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Lunch and one snack are included. Outdoor exploration uses safe, age-appropriate tools and is supervised by trained staff.
Campers should pack clothes they do not mind getting muddy. Closed-toe shoes are required for forest walks. Sunscreen and bug spray recommended. A detailed packing list is available on the Get Ready page.
Gretna Glen is ACA-accredited, meeting over 300 health, safety, and quality standards. Staff are trained specifically for the age groups they serve. Live animal visits are supervised by trained handlers.
Extended Day Options
AM extended day: 7:30-9:00 AM (drop off any time). PM extended day: 3:30-5:30 PM (pick up 5:15-5:30). Both available for an additional fee and include an extra camp activity. Register online.
WHO THIS PROGRAM IS FOR
- Kids who notice tracks, nests, and bugs before anyone else does
- Campers who ask "what kind of bird is that?" every time something moves
- Families looking for a day camp built around nature study and creation care
- First-time campers who need a gentle, discovery-based introduction to camp life
Sample Day
9:00 - Arrive & settle in.
9:15 - Bible Discovery & Worship.
9:45 - Open play.
10:30 - Morning activity rotations (fishing, boating, theme fun, games, nature).
11:15 - Lunch & singing.
12:30 - Pool/waterslide.
1:45 - Theme activities.
3:00 - Daily closing, singing & snack.
3:30 - Pick up.