BLUFF LAKE SUMMER CAMP
We are excited to announce that Bluff Lake Summer Camp will maintain its normal capacity for the summer of 2025 despite construction of our campus improvements. Changes to camp will largely be related to drop-off and pick-up procedures and locations, which we are planning now to ensure the process is safe and effective. Camp capacity and accessibility will increase in 2026 due to the new improvements. If you want to learn more about the project and support us, please visit the campus campaign page.
Camp Handbook (updated for 2025)
Registration
General Registration opens Thursday, January 9th at 7:00am. Please visit our Prices and Registration page for more information. You can also join Camp Director Ben on a virtual Registration Question/Answer call on January 7th at 7pm here: https://meet.google.com/ies-ypnh-kbc
Scholarships
Applications open January 3rd with acceptances starting January 16th. Bluff Lake is committed to allocating 25% of our available camp spots to full scholarships for families. Please visit our Scholarship page to learn more.
Junior Counselors
Applications open January 3rd with interview offers starting January 16th. Our teen program (13-17) is great for those interested in education and working in the outdoors. Two week sessions involve partnering with a counselor to lead campers, facilitating games and activities, and learning about group management. Learn more at our Junior Counselor page.
What’s New in 2025?
In an effort to be more equitable, Bluff Lake will no longer be giving early registration access to donors.
NEW SESSION THEME Legends and Lore: Cultures from around the world have drawn on nature as an inspiration for our favorite myths, legends, and fantastical creatures. Imagine and bring to life your own constellations, cryptid animals, and stories while learning about the real plants, animals, and natural processes that inspire you in this creative session of camp. Live animal encounters and creek exploration are also included!
Camp Records: Last year campers caught 512 crawdads in a single day! This year we will have a camp records board that tracks the awesome accomplishments that camp groups achieve. Can your group post the fastest Lake Loop Hike time, catch the most grasshoppers, or play the longest leap-frog game in camp history? You might just end up in the records, and earning an epic bead for your wood cookie nametag!
What is Bluff Lake Nature Center Summer Camp like?
Camp is 100% outdoors, with all the mud, sun, dirt, rain, and bugs campers could want. If the weather is bad we hold camp under shelter.
Camp groups will be four to eight campers and one counselor. Small groups often pair up to do activities or play games.
Daily activities vary by session, but typically include one craft and one activity per day, and we always spend some time wading in Sand Creek to cool down and explore.
Every session features a live animal encounter led by Nature’s Educators, a Junior Counselor scavenger hunt, and an end-of-session award ceremony.
For more info visit our Schedules and Themes page.
Summer Camp Jobs
Applications will open in late January and the link will be found on our website, social media, or by emailing education@blufflake.org.
SUMMER CAMP LINKS