June Bugs Camp
June Bugs is the Rye Nature Center’s popular program for preschoolers and kindergarteners in the early days of summer. Children ages 3.5 through 6 years old will connect with nature through outdoor activities, arts and crafts, games, and hands-on ecology lessons. They will spend their entire program outside exploring the Rye Nature Center forest.
Morning Program - $450
Afternoon Program - $390
Registration Information
June Bugs registration will begin online on Friday, February 7, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
An Environmentalist-level membership ($125) or higher valid through the program date is required to attend camp. Only one membership is required per family.
* All children who would like to enroll in the June Bugs program must be 3.5 by the start of the program (born before December 10, 2020). We offer morning and afternoon sessions.
Our camp day is structured so that the June Bugs get to experience a variety of hands-on activities and enjoy plenty of time outside exploring our beautiful woods.
Throughout the week, children will go on hikes, meet animals, work in the garden, create art, and of course play! We divide campers into groups based on age. There is a maximum of 16 kids in each group.
About Our Staff
Our June Bugs staff consists of our full-time educators as well as seasonal, part-time employees. Each group is assigned a lead teacher and a counselor. The lead teacher in each group will either be a full-time Rye Nature Center staff member or a college student who has been working at the Nature Center consistently over the summers. Our counselors are at least 16 years old and volunteers that help at camp are at least 15 years old and are supervised at all times.
All staff and volunteers must complete camp training sessions which include emergency preparedness. In addition, our full-time staff is certified in first aid, including Epi-Pen administration, and CPR. We exceed the county minimum requirement of 1 staff member certified in Responding to Emergencies for every 200 campers since safety is our first priority.
The Morning Program
8:30AM – 12:30PM
Children enrolled in this program must bring a hearty, healthy lunch in a reusable bag.
The Afternoon Program
1:00PM – 4:00PM
Children should eat lunch prior to coming to the program and bring an afternoon snack.
Be Prepared!
All children should come to camp prepared to spend the day outside. June Bugs will run rain or shine! All campers should come to camp with:
A reusable water bottle
A healthy lunch
Closed-toed shoes suitable for running/climbing
Sunscreen
Bug spray with Picaridin or DEET
Comfortable clothes for all weather
Financial Assistance
FRNC seeks to create equity when it comes to accessing environmental
education. Through our Nature Access Fund, we provide need-based financial assistance. To request an application, please contact us at programs@ryenaturecenter.org. Applications must be submitted by May 1.
Cancellation Policy
No refunds or credits will be given towards other programs, camps, or events if you cancel your enrollment or miss class days. In the event you need to cancel, a tax receipt will be issued to you indicating that your fee for the program was converted to a charitable donation.
Membership is non-refundable. Please check your child’s calendar and schedule carefully prior to enrollment.
