Fun in the Sun for Summer ’23 is Here!
In-Person: Summer Nature Program
Join us! Right here, in-person, at The Wetlands Institute!
Spend a week (or two or three!) discovering the New Jersey Shore in a fun and
hands-on way. Engage in science experimentation and exploration, play games, go on field trips, explore the beach, create arts and crafts, and so much more all while enjoying a new theme each week.
For children ages 5-13, programs are held weekly from June 28 – August 23, 2023 and include field trips and beach days. Children age 4 can enjoy special programs during the weeks of June 28, July 3, July 17, July 31, August 14
and August 21, 2023.
Children age 4 attend programs daily from 9:30am – 12:00pm and children ages 5-13 attend programs daily from 9:30am – 2:00pm.
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2023 Summer Nature Program
Registration Packet
Pricing and themes vary by week and age level.
Please download a registration packet for complete details.
Please see current availability below before registering.
Have questions about how the week will run?
Click our Full Week Procedures or Short Week Procedures to
find out more about each week.
Additional Questions? Call (609) 368-1211
2023 Summer Nature Program Themes
June 28 – 30 (Wednesday – Friday)
Theme: The Nature of Art: Get in Shape
This week you’ll unlock your artistic thinking and creative energy, as we go on a nature hunt in search of inspirational shapes in our environment. Along the way, you’ll create works of art, unlock the secrets of the Fibonacci sequence and, if you’re lucky, uncover the elusive Diamond in the Marsh. I wonder how many different shapes you can find!
Space is available in Ages 10-13!
Registration is LIMITED for Ages 4 and 5.
Registration is FULL and CLOSED for Ages 6-7 and 8-9.
July 3 – 7 (Monday – Friday)
Theme: Wildlife Warriors
Come be a protector of animals and nature! Learn how to help preserve animal habitats, meet the conservation scientists (and conservation animals!) behind-the-scenes at The Wetlands Institute, and brainstorm ideas to support our local wildlife. Join us this week to make a difference in the world!
Children ages 5-13 will have a field trip to the Cape May County Park and Zoo.
Registration is LIMITED for Ages 10-13!
Registration is FULL and CLOSED for Ages 4, 5, 6-7 and 8-9.
July 10 – 14 (Monday – Friday)
Theme: Ecology Explorers: Explore the Shore
Get your exploration gear together and observe how all living things connect to our environment. From the small, but mighty fiddler crab to the tasty pickleweed plant to the creepy, but harmless horseshoe crab – all things are connected. Find out how we can help these connections become stronger and our human impact lighter. Our environment needs us!
Children ages 5-13 will have a field trip to the Cape May Point State Park.
Space available in Ages 10-13!
Registration is FULL and CLOSED for Ages 5, 6-7 and 8-9.
July 17 – 21 (Monday – Friday)
Theme: Scales and Slime
Slither and hop through this week discovering all things reptiles and amphibians! We’ll leave no rock or log unturned as we explore marsh, pond and forest habitats looking for these cold blooded creatures. Channel your inner reptile wrangler and learn the importance of respecting and conserving all animals, including the slimy and scaly ones.
Children ages 5-13 will have a field trip to Belleplain State Forest.
Space is LIMITED for Ages 10-13!
Registration is FULL and CLOSED for Ages 4, 5, 6-7 and 8-9.
July 24 – 28 (Monday – Friday)
Theme: Exploring our Sensational Senses
All animals have their own special sensory super powers, and guess what? So do you! This week, we will spend each day focusing on one of our 5 main senses, and using those senses to explore the world around us. We will even get to meet a few different animals and discover their sensory super power!
Children age 5 -13 will have a field trip to the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse.
Registration is LIMITED for Ages 5.
Registration is FULL and CLOSED for Ages 6-7, 8-9, and 10-13.
July 31 – August 4 (Monday – Friday)
Theme: Plant Power
Become a Botanist and have a “tree-mendous” week as we learn about the plant life around us through up-close examination, sensory learning, and stealth games. Get down and dirty as we discover how the plants at our feet become a source of water, shelter, food, or in some cases – delicious teas and medicine!
Children age 5 -13 will have a field trip to Estell Manor Park.
Registration is LIMITED for Age 5 and 10-13.
Registration is FULL and CLOSED for Ages 4, 6-7 and 8-9.
August 7 – 11 (Monday – Friday)
Theme: Aquatic Adventures: Marine Mammal Edition
During this week’s aquatic adventure, become a Marine Mammal Champion as you explore everything from sea lions to manatees to polar bears. But don’t forget to bring your sea legs (and your whistles) because we will be riding on a boat in search of dolphins and discovering just what it takes to be a dolphin trainer.
Children age 5 -13 will have a field trip to the Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center.
Registration is FULL and CLOSED for ALL AGES!
August 14 – 18 (Monday – Friday)
Theme: The Wonder of Wetlands
What is that stinky smell? It is the wonder right outside your door, the wetlands! Prepare to be amazed as you become part of the marshlands that surround us and find out why the smell does not match the incredible sights, sounds and creatures that call the wetlands home.
Children age 5-13 will have a field trip to the Bayshore Center at Bivalve.
Registration is LIMITED for Ages 4 and 10-13.
Registration is FULL and CLOSED for Ages 5, 6-7 and 8-9.
August 21 – 23 (Monday – Wednesday)
Theme: The Nature of Art: Marsh Magic
Where did the ghost crab go? Did the mussels and clams disappear? Now you see them, now you don’t! Come discover the many secrets of the marsh and make some marsh magic of your very own.
Space available in Ages 10-13!
Registration is FULL and CLOSED for Ages 4, 5, 6-7 and 8-9.