NATURE PLAY CAMP

Land Trust of North Alabama’s Nature Play Camp is designed to allow our campers the opportunity and freedom to spend time exploring nature, playing with others, and just being a kid in the woods. There is a structure – group hikes, lunch, quiet time, and a few group activities – but much of the time will be spent with a variety of options. Last year’s campers spent the week building forts, exploring the creek, collecting nature treasures for the display table, and reading or drawing quietly in the shade. Our staff and volunteers will lead and supervise some activities, of course, but a good part of the day will involve choice. It’s a week of being a kid!

Week #1 (Ages 6-8) – Drop-off & pick-up is at Monte Sano Nature Preserve (Bankhead Trailhead) – 2442 Bankhead Pkwy NE, Huntsville, AL 35801.

Week #2 (Ages 8-11) – Drop-off is at Monte Sano Nature Preserve (Bankhead Trailhead) – 2442 Bankhead Pkwy NE, Huntsville, AL 35801. Pick-up is at Monte Sano Nature Preserve (Cleermont Trailhead) – 506 Cleermont Dr SE, Huntsville, AL 35801.

Campers should bring a packed lunch, a morning snack, a small backpack, one water bottle (32 oz. or smaller), closed-toe, closed-heel shoes suitable for hiking, and a small zippered bag with two small bundles of toilet paper for use on the trail. We will provide an afternoon snack Monday through Thursday and popsicles on Friday.

Please also send an “extras” bag that will stay at the pavilion for the week, with everything labeled. This should include a rain jacket, shoes that can get wet (also closed-toe and closed-heel), and an extra set of clothes. Optional items include a book for rest time, hat, sunscreen, and bug spray (please apply before camp each day).

Since campers will be hiking, comfortable shoes are important. Hybrid hiking/water shoes and moisture-wicking clothing are recommended.

If your camper takes medicine, please let camp staff know about it beforehand. The camper will hold onto their own medicine throughout the day. Medications should be in their original bottle with dosages clearly marked. Camp staff will check to see if the camper has taken their medicine at the appropriate time.

Parents of 8-year-olds can choose which group is best for their child, but a child can only attend one week of camp. Activities will be adapted appropriately for each age group. The second week will include hiking longer distances.

Nature Play Camp is a rain or shine event, unless severe weather is forecasted. Please make sure your camper is prepared for the weather.

In the event of forecasted severe weather (thunderstorms and, of course, a tornado threat), we will cancel or close camp and have students picked up. Weather calls will be made at 7:30 and communicated by 7:45 a.m. If there is the potential for afternoon weather, we will alert families to be watching for a call in advance of the weather event. Camper safety is of utmost importance. There are no refunds for weather cancellations.

We will communicate weather information by email, text, group app (to be determined), and/or a phone call.

Lunch is not provided. Each camper is responsible for bringing a packed lunch. We have coolers on-site to keep lunches cold if needed.

Campers should bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day. We will have water jugs available for refills.

Members at the Trailblazer (Family) Level and above receive a $75 discount. Qualifying members can call the Land Trust office at 256-534-5263 to recieve the discount code. If you are not a member and would like to receive discounts on this event and more, join today and then call to get your code. 

Join or renew membership at https://landtrustnal.org/support.

If you have to cancel your child’s registration spot after May 18, 2026, the registration fee cannot be refunded. In this case, please consider the registration fee to be a tax-deductible donation to the Land Trust of North Alabama.