What does my camper need to bring? 

• Durable backpack, with multiple pockets and a place for a water bottle

• 1 filled water bottle, durable and leak proof

• Clothes to get wet in (swimsuit)

• Durable  lunchbox 

• Packed lunch (no refrigeration, boiling water, or microwave requirements)

• 2 healthy snacks (no refrigeration, boiling water, or microwave requirements) 

• Change of clothes

• Plastic bags to transport soiled clothes 

• Sport Sandals with an ankle strap, that allow feet to breathe and get wet or other appropriate footwear for creek stomping

Where is drop off/Pick up?

Dropoff and pickup will be in the southwest portion of the parking lot at the Holliday Park Nature Center. Dropoff is at 9am. Pickup is at the same spot at 3pm.

What is a nature connection camp?

A Nature Connection Camp strives to reconnect the modern human with their natural inheritance and birthright to be outside among the plants and animals and open sky. The connection is felt physically, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. Our camp uses many different techniques and methods to foster nature connection: being outside, plant ID, plant foraging, animal ID, bird ID, exploratory free play, firemaking, fire cooking, creek stomping, river play, nature songs, reconnection with ourselves, crafting, games, risky play outside, sense awareness, and more.

How will campers spend their time?

Through 100% outdoor time, our staff empower children through hiking, games, music, singing, dancing, instrument-making, risky play, dirty play, wet play, free play, stick play, play-fighting, story-telling, crafting, climbing, exploring, fire-making, foraging, medicine-making, hide-and-seek, rope-swinging, jewelry-making, creek-stomping, mud-sliding, river-swimming, boating, wildlife rescuing, bird identification, plant identification, martial arts, meditation, stone-collecting, shell-collecting, cooking over the fire, and so much more!

**YOU CAN EXPECT YOUR HAPPY CHILD TO GET DIRTY, WET, SCRAPED, BRUISED, AND VERY TIRED BY THE END OF THE DAY!**

Does my camper have to be at least four years old to attend?

Yes campers must have turned four years old by the start of camp. We might add programs for younger children in the future. Right now the activities we offer at camp are suitable for children four to six years old.

Are the campers allowed to climb trees?

Absolutely!

Are they allowed to play fight with sticks?

Yes! We encourage stick play under vigilant supervision. Playfighting with sticks is one of the most beneficial activities a child 4 to 6 years old can do for developing motor skills, coordination, communication skills, boundary setting, nervous system regulation, dealing with stress, listening skills, dexterity, agility, and so much more! We definitely encourage play-fighting with sticks!

Will my camper play in the White River?

If they want to, they will probably be allowed to, if the river flow is normal for June and July. We LOVE playing in the shallow parts of the river. And we take river safety EXTREMELY seriously. We always have an extra staff member with any group that is at the river in the role of Lifeguard. That lifeguard has no other responsibility but river safety for the time any child is near the river. Luckily the parts of the White River at Holliday Park that we play in are extremely shallow or have almost no current. When at normal flow in the summer, it’s perfect for little ones to play in.

Will My child play with fire?

If they want to. We allow the campers to light cotton balls on fire with ferro rod strikers. We also allow them to collect kindling and fuel and add it to the fire. We have strict rules about never taking anything out of the fires we make at camp. And we always have vigilant supervision of any fire-making or fire-tending activities.

Will they eat plants that grow at the park?

Definitely! There are so many yummy things to eat that grow at Holliday park. They will get a chance to try many different plants. Dandelion, Violet, Lamb’s Quarter, Mulberry, Serviceberry, Spicebush, Spruce, Lady’s Thumb, Chickweed, Wood Sorrel, Purslane come to mind. We teach the children to ask the plants first. And to always say thank you. And to never take too much.

We also teach them that they shouldn’t eat any plants at camp unless a counselor tells them it’s ok.

What is the staff to camper ratio?

We maintain at least a 5:1 camper to paid staff ratio. We also have volunteers who bring the camper to adult ratio down even more.

Safety and connection are our top priorities. Mother Earth will do the rest. She always does :)

What does my fee pay for?

The $275 weekly fee pays for this:

• 15% taxes = $42

• 5:1 camper to staff ratio = $160 at $20/hr avg per staff

• Liability Insurance, Website, Domain, Credit Card Fees, Cell Phone, Email, Online Storage, Customer Service, Accounting, Staff Training, background checks, Payroll, and other administrative costs = $29

• Supplies: First Aid supplies, life jackets, bandanas, string, beads, paint, paper, crayons, markers, pencils, paint brushes, water jug, wool blankets, hammock, changing tent, trash buckets, toilet paper, trowels, glue, craft sticks, yarn, scissors, containers, tarps, ropes, fishing poles, fishing line, hooks, nets, boat, magnifying glass, binoculars, foraging baskets, tea kettle, camp mugs, foil, popsicles, hot dogs, marshmallows, potatoes, tin foil, nature field guides, knives, towels, walkie talkies, soap, hand sanitizer, ferro rods, cotton balls, tumbling mat, instruments, and more = $44

Can you help me with a payment plan?

Yes! Email us at info@motherearthcamp.com with your camper(s) name(s) and date(s) of the camp, and we will work with you to set up a payment plan.

Is there any way to get a discount on the fee?

Yes! If you can volunteer or find another adult to volunteer for the week, you can be eligible for a discount. Make sure you indicate on the registration form that you want to volunteer. You can also email us at info@motherearthcamp.com.

Can I get a refund?

Refunds are available up to 30 days before the start of camp. The registration fee includes a non-refundable $50 deposit. Email info@motherearthcamp.com for a refund. No refunds can be given within 30 days of the start of camp.

How is this different from the other summer camps at holliday park?

We are a private organization not affiliated with IndyParks. We have a great relationship with the staff at Holliday Park. They are very accomodating and grateful that we are utilizing the park for our camp. We have access to all the public facilities and land at the park just like anyone else is does.

Will Mr. Daniel be at camp?

Yes! Mr Daniel plans to attend every day of camp as a Counselor and the Camp Director. He will be with the campers on the land all summer long. He loves camp just as much as kids do! He feels like the luckiest man in the world to be able to do what he does. He sends along a sincere “Thank You!” for sharing your little ones with him :)

PLEASE DOWNLOAD OUR HANDBOOK FOR ALL OUR CAMP POLICIES AND MORE INFO