Where Creation Becomes the Classroom
Rooted in Nature Day Camp turns Gretna Glen's woods, creek, and meadows into a hands-on classroom for kids who love being outside. Campers spend the week exploring the natural world: identifying trees and plants, wading into the creek to see what is living there, watching how a forest works up close, and tracing how God's design shows up in everything around them. It is nature study with the curiosity turned all the way up.
On top of the nature focus, campers still get the full day camp experience at Gretna Glen. Swimming, fishing, boating, group games, songs, and crafts fill the rest of every day. The theme runs through the week like a thread, connecting every activity back to what it means to be rooted, grounded, and paying attention to the world God made.
A Week of Nature, Discovery, and Hands-On Camp
Outdoor exploration, creation-focused Bible Discovery, and classic day camp activities from 9 to 3:30 every day.
Hands-On Nature Exploration
Creek wading, bug hunts, plant identification, and guided nature walks turn the Gretna Glen property into a hands-on ecology lab. Campers observe, ask questions, and discover more than they thought was out there.
Creation-Focused Bible Discovery
Scripture study happens outside, where the lesson is visible in the trees, the water, and the soil. Campers explore how God's character shows up in the natural world, and what it means to be rooted in what is true.
Classic Day Camp Fun
Swimming, fishing, boating, songs, games, and crafts fill the rest of every day. The nature theme adds a layer of meaning, but the core camp experience is always at the center.
Grounded in Faith
The roots metaphor is not just branding. Campers learn what it means to be rooted: rooted in creation, rooted in community, and rooted in the God who made both.
Built for Ages 5-8 and 9-13
Rooted in Nature runs two tracks side by side. Younger campers (ages 5-8, code DCY5) and older campers (ages 9-13, code DCO5) share the same camp but experience age-appropriate nature activities. Younger campers focus on wonder, observation, and sensory exploration. Older campers dig into the science behind what they are seeing.
Both groups wade in the creek. Both groups explore the woods. Both groups spend time in the Word and in the meadow. 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 and wet. Creek wading and nature walks are part of the week by design.
Gretna Glen is ACA-accredited, meeting over 300 health, safety, and quality standards. Staff are trained specifically for the age groups they serve.
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 light up outside and ask questions about everything they see
- Campers who want a week that is equal parts nature study and classic camp fun
- Families looking for a creation-focused day camp that takes faith outside the classroom
- First-time campers who need a welcoming, hands-on 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.