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Student-Teacher Ratio 7:1

The Curiosity Lab is dedicated to connecting children with nature. This summer we invite young adventurers to join us for a week long Outdoor Nature Exploration Camp along the magnificent San Mateo Coast.  

Every day we head to a different location, each one carefully selected to bring a sense of wonder and joy. We start the day connecting with nature by hiking on a trail, discovering secluded mountain creeks and waterfalls, exploring tide pools, marveling at majestic redwoods, climbing over boulders or walking barefoot along a sandy beach.  

As we explore, we learn about local ecosystems, habitats, plant and animal adaptations, bugs, fungi, lichen and anything else we may encounter as we notice and note the beauty of nature and place. 

After lunch, it’s time for free play, exploration and making new friends; splash in a creek, examine a bug, do an art project, become friends with a tree, go on a scavenger hunt, build a sand castle, fly a kite or simply bask in the sun. 

Created and led by a former public elementary school teacher who has spent the last 25 years developing curriculum and finding hidden gems that immerse children in outdoor nature experiences.

Our camps are small, with no more than 13 children and 1:7 adult/child ratio. 

Itinerary
Prerequisites
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From Provider (51)
Reviews
4.5 (8)
(Outdoor Nature Exploration Summer Camp)
July 1, 2024 - Reshma Thadani
Verified Purchase
I highly recommend this camp. My kids thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Wonderful activities and caring leaders.
(Outdoor Nature Exploration Summer Camp)
June 12, 2024 - Josh Pierry
Verified Purchase
So we picked this camp based on the great reviews....I can only guess that things have changed as the staff is tired, not excited and my kid only came back with complaints. There was no learning, no arts and crafts, and no scavenger hunts. My child said about this camp, "there was no fun intended." I would recommend against this camp and this company. I am sure this camp works for some kids, but if your kid actually wants to learn, and have fun this isn't the camp for your kid.
The Curiosity Lab
June 17, 2024
I am so sorry the camp wasn’t what you and your child expected. It seems like maybe you read the reviews, but not the actual description of the camp itself. Because if you had, you would know that we don’t do scavenger hunts and we don’t do arts and crafts. We are a nature exploration camp that runs on children’s engagement and curiosity. We actually do learn a lot and we have tons of fun. I understand it’s disappointing when your expectations aren’t met. Not every camp is a good match for the participants and that is what happened for you and your child. They tried it for two days, but it just didn’t work for them. I completely understood and was happy to give you a refund for the remaining days. I hope you use that money to find a camp that is a better fit and brings your child joy.
(Outdoor Nature Exploration Summer Camp)
August 3, 2023 - Eugenia Chen
Verified Purchase
The kids were out hiking the entire day and came back with lots of new info. They were tired and happy at the end of the day. I loved that they explored new places, made friends (!), learned stuff! It wasn’t just babysitting or free play which a lot of camps turn out to be. Loved that Julie is a real teacher. Am planning to do the camp next year, and coordinating with the new friends they met this year!
Questions & Answers
Hi - is the itinerary the same each week? i.e if I book two weeks will the activities/locations repeat the second week? (Outdoor Nature Exploration Summer Camp) -
asked on May 08, 2024
May 14, 2024 - Julie Propp
Thanks for your question. We always to to the beach of Fridays and we always go to Castle Rock, and we always go to the Redwood Forest, although not necessarily the same one. Every year we have kids do more than one camp and they always have a great time. -
About The Curiosity Lab
The Curiosity Lab is dedicated to connecting children with Nature. This summer we are offering week-long nature based camps along the magnificent San…
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