Summer Camp Registration Now Open – Sign Up Today!
- eraddatz7
- Mar 5
- 7 min read
Registration is now officially open for our highly anticipated Summer Camp program! With a variety of fun-filled, educational, and adventurous camps, there’s something for every child this summer. From exciting outdoor exploration to hands-on activities and live animal encounters, our summer camps offer an unforgettable experience.
Each camp is designed with a 20-child maximum and will be led by two experienced lead counselors, supported by full-time staff and interns. Our camps are tailored to specific age groups, and we adhere strictly to our grade-level guidelines to ensure the best experience for every child.
Camp Details:
Cost:
$200 per week for members
$250 per week for non-members
Special rate for the week of July 4th: $180 for members, $200 for non-members
Camp Times:
Drop-off: 8:30–9:00 AM
Pick-up: 3:30–4:00 PM
Camp activities: 9:00 AM–3:30 PM
Activities Include: Indoor/outdoor exploration, hands-on crafts, games, hikes, planetarium shows, and live animal encounters.
What to Bring:
Change of clothes
Towel
Water shoes
Refillable water bottle
Sunscreen & insect repellent
Packed lunch & extra snacks
Available Camps by Week and Grade Level:
June 9th
Wild Florida (1st-3rd grade)
Junior Naturalist (4th-6th grade)
June 16th
Outdoor Survival (1st-4th grade)
Outdoor Survival (5th-8th grade)
June 23rd
Nocturnal Nature (1st-3rd grade)
Riveting Reptiles (4th-6th grade)
June 30th
Feathered Friends (1st-5th grade)
July 7th
Space Science (4th-6th grade)
Space Adventures (1st-3rd grade)
July 14th
Nature Crime Scene Investigators (4th-6th grade)
Nature Detectives (1st-3rd grade)
July 21st
Outdoor Survival (5th-8th grade)
Outdoor Survival (1st-4th grade)
July 28th
Nature Maker Space (4th-6th grade)
Nature Maker Space (1st-3rd grade)
August 4th
Wild About Water (1st-4th grade)
Camp registration will remain open until camps fill or until the Friday before the camp week begins. Don’t miss out – sign up early to secure a spot for your child!
For more information or to register, please visit https://www.calusanature.org/calusa-summer-camps and buy your tickets now!
Make this summer one to remember with unforgettable experiences, lifelong friendships, and the wonders of nature!
ALSO COMING UP:
Night Hikes
March 28, April 25, May 30 (Times Vary)
Join us for an immersive night hike through our preserve, where you can listen for owls, search the sky for bats, and discover constellations. Learn how animals adapt to the darkness, all while exploring the nighttime world.
Nature Speaker Series – Dr. Bill Hammond
March 12, 2025 | 7:00 PM
Dr. Bill Hammond, a passionate advocate for environmental conservation, emphasizes that nurturing nature is not only vital for preserving biodiversity but also essential for our well-being. By fostering a deeper connection to the natural world, we can develop a greater sense of responsibility to protect and sustain the environment for future generations. Dr. Hammond believes that spending time in nature has profound benefits for mental health, offering a sense of peace and renewal that is often lost in our fast-paced, technology-driven lives. He advocates for educational initiatives that encourage individuals to appreciate the intricate relationships within ecosystems and the essential role we all play in maintaining ecological balance. Nurturing nature, according to Dr. Hammond, is a responsibility that binds us together as stewards of the Earth, ensuring a healthier planet for all living beings.
Gulf Coast Life Broadcast on WGCU at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium!
March 22, 2025 | 10:00 AM
Gulf Coast Life to Feature Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium on March 22nd
We’re excited to announce that Gulf Coast Life, airing on WGCU, will be featuring Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium on March 22nd at 10 a.m.! Join us for this exciting segment as Gulf Coast Life highlights the beauty and educational experiences that Calusa has to offer.
The segment will feature fascinating nature talks, interviews with special guests, and showcase the vibrant atmosphere of our 105-acre sanctuary. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the incredible work being done at Calusa while surrounded by the wonders of nature.
Gulf Coast Life is a locally produced talk show that strives to connect listeners to the people, places, and things that make Southwest Florida unique. The show is produced and hosted by Mike Kiniry, with contributing hosts John Davis, Cary Barbor, and Tara Calligan.
The event is free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to arrive early to enjoy this exciting experience. If you'd like to explore the museum and planetarium for the rest of the day, the prices are:
$13 for adults
$7 for children
Free for members
For more information on memberships and to learn more about our museum and planetarium, please visit www.calusanature.org.
Wizarding World Adventure
March 22, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Wizards, witches, and muggles alike are invited to experience the magic at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium. Enjoy a magic trail, create a potion in the potions lab, sip on a butterbeer, and participate in a costume contest. There will be spell demonstrations, magical crafts, and more!
Stay tuned for official event details and ticket information!
Paint and Sip: Ocean Breeze & Evening Storm – Bob Ross-Inspired Painting Workshops in Fort Myers
Join us for two exciting Paint and Sip workshops in Fort Myers on Sunday, April 6th, 2025! These beginner-friendly, certified Bob Ross oil-painting sessions are led by Mathew Halstead C.R.I. from Lazy Painter Brushworks. Whether you're a beginner or experienced artist, these fun and creative workshops are the perfect opportunity to create a stunning masterpiece.
Ocean Breeze Workshop (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Dive into the beauty of the "Ocean Breeze" painting and take home your own 12x16 masterpiece.
Evening Storm Workshop (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM): Create a breathtaking "Evening Storm" painting in this second session of the day.
Both workshops include all painting supplies, and participants should wear clothes that can get messy. It’s essential to arrive on time as catching up during the session can be challenging.
Ticket Information:
Price per session: $100.00 (+$2.50 service fee)
Ticket Sales End: April 5th, 8:00 PM
Don't miss out on this chance to unleash your inner artist and enjoy a relaxing, step-by-step painting experience. Reserve your spot today and get ready for a fun-filled day of creativity!
Earth Day Birthday Celebration
April 19, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Celebrate Earth Day at CNCP with a full day of fun for all ages! Featuring guided hikes, live animal presentations, arts and crafts, and an array of local vendors, it’s the perfect family event to learn about environmental stewardship.
Music Under the Stars
May 1, 2025 | 7:00 PM
Enjoy an evening of live music with Doug Sheminski opening for Andy Wahlberg at CNCP’s Music Under the Stars concert. It’s the perfect way to spend a night under the sky with great music and great company!
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Sponsorship opportunities are available for all upcoming CNCP events! Your support helps us continue offering these educational programs and ensures that our preserve remains a place for future generations to explore and enjoy. As a sponsor, you’ll receive recognition at our events and visibility among an engaged, community-minded audience.
For more information, contact Eric Raddatz at eraddatz@calusanature.org or call 239-275-3435.
Nurture Nature Campaign: Help Us Preserve Our Sanctuary
We’re excited with the success of our "Nurture Nature" Campaign in 2025, dedicated to improving CNCP’s facilities and educational programs. Your support will help us maintain essential infrastructure, repair boardwalks, preserve local wildlife, and expand our outreach efforts. This campaign is especially important as we work to create a deeper connection between local youth and the natural world—something that’s more vital than ever in an age where technology often pulls us away from nature.
Host Your Event at CNCP
Did you know CNCP offers a unique venue for events? Whether you’re planning a wedding, meeting, or party, our indoor and outdoor spaces offer a beautiful natural setting for any occasion. Contact us to learn more about holding your event at CNCP.
Mesmerica: A Visual Music Journey
Every Weekend
Mesmerica is a one-of-a-kind visual music experience, blending stunning 3D art with the soothing sounds of James Hood. It’s the perfect way to relax and experience a world of hypnotic imagery and sound.
Become a Member Today
When you become a CNCP member, you enjoy a host of exclusive benefits, including:
Free admission to trails, planetarium shows, and live animal talks
Discounts on camps, workshops, and select events
10% off at the gift shop
Free or discounted admission to over 180 nature centers nationwide
About Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium:
Founded in 1969, the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium has served as Southwest Florida's premier environmental education destination for over 50 years. CNCP is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, and donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Sponsorship and partnership opportunities are also available for those interested in making a significant impact together with us. The 105-acre sanctuary houses butterfly gardens, bird aviaries, nature trails, and the only public planetarium in the region. CNCP provides educational experiences that promote environmental awareness, scientific discovery, and a lifelong love of nature, inspiring future generations of environmental stewards and advocates.
• A Special Thank You: We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ace Hardware, the place with the helpful hardware folks, as well as continuing supporters, including Vulcan Materials, R4 Roofing, Aux Delicies, Famous Dave’s, The City of Fort Myers, HERC, SWFL PRODUCE, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, The Fred and Jean Allegretti Foundation, Heitman House, Babcock Ranch and the Fort Myers Film Festival.
• Stay Connected Cozy at home? Experience the Calusa Nature Center virtually. Visit our YouTube channel for fun videos! ! Enjoy our FREE T360 tour from your couch: #HomeBoundAdventures #NatureAtHome. Immerse yourself in our fresh interactive education videos here. Make your event unforgettable with one of Florida's unique venues! From weddings and showers to meetings and parties, we offer stunning indoor and outdoor spaces. Reach out now to reserve your date!
Media Contact:
Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.calusanature.org or contact Eric Raddatz, Executive Director, at eraddatz@calusanature.org.
Phone: (239) 275-3435
Website: calusanature.org
#HolidayLights #SantaMeetAndGreet #HolidayLaserShows #SupportWildlife #NatureLovers #ExploreNature #CalusaNature #NurtureNature
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