NPDC is an exceptional camp for any kid who in interested in nature, animals or who needs a break from the stress and monotony of the school year. My two children (with very different personalities) have both had wonderful summers here and we look forward to many more. Aside from the activities and special guests (chickens, hawks, arctic foxes and trolls included), I can say without any hesitation that the leadership and staff here compare to none. I have found everyone to be accommodating and respectful. The staff clearly works hard to make every camper (and parent) happy and comfortable. From the moment you drive into the camp and see everyone smiling and happy, you know you are somewhere special. Every camper is greeted with a genuine smile. This is a place where the very best things about being a kid are celebrated; curiosity, creativity, individuality and general silliness and laughter are implicit in the activities. This camp is not about moving from one sports activity to the next by the sounding of a shrill whistle. The camp is described as "non-competitive." Yes, my kids are happy to not have to deal with dreaded "color war" but this is also part of a bigger picture. There is an underlying emphasis on respect of others, friendship and camaraderie, independence and self esteem. The camping trips are a fantastic way for children to appreciate nature, and learn self-reliance. There is a huge sense of accomplishment after long hikes and overnights. The lifeguards and swim instructors here also do an amazing job of encouraging swimmers of all levels. When I pick my children up, they are happy, exhausted and best of all, they feel good about themselves. My one gripe has already been posted by another...we'd all prefer 8 weeks! read more

I cannot say enough glowing things about The Nature Place. It is a really exceptional day camp. The quality and the dedication of the staff is unsurpassed. One of my children has special needs and the camp worked incredibly hard in partnership with us to give my son the best summer of his life. There is such a warm and nurturing culture at camp. It's a safe space where my children felt confident enough to try new things and take on new challenges. I was blown away by the maturity of the staff and the amazing number of staff members who had grown up coming to TNP. That kind of retention speaks volumes about a camp. Both of my children left TNP with a true love and appreciation of nature. As city kids we were so thrilled that they got to spend so much time in nature and really explore the natural world. The programs at camp were thoughtful, educational and most importantly, fun. My kids regularly sing songs from camp and double over laughing about the silly skits the counselors performed or the hilarious stories that Chuck the Storyteller shared with them. My kids are very different and have varied interests but they both adored TNP. The array of programs and activities kept them both fully engaged and filled with excitement for the next day. They loved the overnight trip (and the "almost overnight" for my little one) and often pretend to go on camp outs in their bedroom and relive the fun. The Nature Place provides a singular day camping experience that just isn't offered elsewhere. The sense of community and friendship is inspiring and we are so thrilled that our kids are returning to camp this year. You would truly be giving your child a gift by sending them to The Nature Place. read more

The Nature Place Camp experience is great for independent minded, animal loving, nature conservation minded children! My daughter went last year she absolutely loved it. The groups are well managed and the kids are treated, as well as can be! The staff is diverse and the group leader is experienced. The other counselors range in age and experience but all are better than other camps (there have been many we have two kids). The programming is geared towards active, NOT competitive minded children. The kids are kept busy all day and learn without realizing they are learning, the best way for them to learn. The number of repeat, repeat, repeat campers that become counselors at this camp is more than any other camp I've ever seen. The only complaint my daughter has is that it is only 6 weeks long!! As for the price, it is more than fair and the price includes bussing if you so choose. Other day camps have nowhere near the facility and amount of outdoor space that The Nature Place does. The facility is beautiful and well maintained the pool (gorgeous pond like setting) blends into the natural landscape as it should! Wish I was 10, so I could go...but I'll have to enjoy my daughters smiles instead whilst I go to work. read more

I am a mother of four. My children have spent the past four summers here, and plan to return again this summer. My four children are each vastly different individuals, ranging from a teenage chess playing math-science geek, to a sports crazed energetic tween, an artsy music-dancing-singing fanatic, and one that embodies a bit of each with an added twist- an incredible talent for drawing. My kids are not typical. They are super individuals, yet they have all found a place here at Nature Place Day Camp. The camp truly feeds the body, mind and spirit of its members-it is a truly unique place. It is a respite, an oasis of fresh air, green meadows, blooming gardens...and they welcome everyone to be a member. Counselors and staff have gone out of their way to help my children feel welcome and to feel a sense of belonging. The staff works with parents, therapists, etc. to help a child succeed at camp-including special needs children. If you express your wishes, needs and dreams for your child, they will work with you to do whatever they can to make those dreams come true. It has been an invaluable experience for my children. It has been an invaluable experience for me. It is our home away from home. Courtney Altman read more

My two daughters have been going to the Nature Place Day Camp for four summers. This experience is so important to them that the youngest passed on a specialized program this spring because it would require that she miss one week of camp. We are so happy with the care, attention and enthusiasm that is shown by Daniel and all the staff. They have provided our girls with a such nurturing experience. The girls look forward to the overnight camping trips, seeing the friends that they have made over the years and not only learning to experience nature but also to learn about themselves. Last year when I went to the camp for the annual slide show, watching the interaction between the kids and meeting all the counselors I was reminded of my youth growing up during the 60's and 70's on the UWS - a real version of all that I loved about the Hippy movement. We could not be happier with our choice of summer camp for our girls. read more

My son has attended the Nature Place Day Camp for 7 years and for that, I am so grateful. I originally chose the Nature Place because of the flexibility it offered in enrollment as I was concerned about his adjusting to camp as a pre-schooler. Well, I can now attest to the fact that none of my concerns came to fruition AND I still remember the warm and welcoming call from his first Counselor Elaine. I also wanted a non-competitive environment for him and Nature Place fills that need. Each day after camp, I love hearing stories from my son about the cookie tree, the day hikes, eating berries or panning for Gold!!! I drive my son to camp every day and just this past summer, I told Ed Bieber the camp founder who I see every morning, that I just love driving my son to camp as it makes me so happy! The enjoyment and fun of the day ahead can be seen on the faces of the greeting counselors and the arriving children! read more

It doesn't get lovelier or more wholesome than this camp. My two VERY different kids have gone for three summers, and I am always amazed at how one camp can make them both so incredibly happy. The staff is devoted, warm, and responsive, and the director's interest in ensuring that each child feels secure and has a ball is extraordinary. The grounds are beautiful, with a pool that looks like a lake. We love the gentle approach, the non-competitive atmosphere, the nice kids this place seems to consistently attract, the thoughtfulness that goes into programming, the amazing field trips (crabbing or sailing on the Hudson, anyone?), and the animals. Many campers and counselors return year after year, and the continuity builds a wonderful sense of community. We researched tons of camps and feel very lucky to have found this one. read more

My son is going on his third summer at Nature Place and his weeks there are a highlight of his year. We have found it to be not only a fantastic nature camp but a space that honors children--it's both nurturing and challenging, helping kids to grow by creating a safe, supportive environment from which they can experience the world around them. My son talks about camp not only during the summer but all throughout the year and cannot wait to go as soon as school is out. At one point my son had difficulty transitioning between counselors, and the staff was incredibly responsive, replying to my concerns quickly and finding ways to make him comfortable. If you are looking for an environment that's about curiosity and creativity and joy, as well as about loving the outdoors, you have found the right place. read more

What a wonderful experience for my children. The Nature Place Day Camp has been their second summer home for 5 years! The staff are exceptional in upholding the status of a non-competitive environment. This camp embraces the natural world and demonstrates how to care for our world and one another. Thanks to Nature Place and their excellent swimming instructors, my children are incredible swimmers and extremely confident in the water. I highly recommend for all parents to catch a Chuck Stead story! It's awesome. Then the coupe de gra is the end of camp party. The slide show shows tons of great pictures of the campers paired with a beautiful selection of music. They also have a Farm & Garden Days Program that focuses on how and where our food comes from. I highly recommend this camp. read more

I have to say that I disagree with the NJ review below that states the staff is not good for kids with special needs. My son has learning disabilities, and this camp was recommended by another parent at my son's SN school, which sends more than a handful of kids to this camp. I found the staff accommodating, experienced, nurturing, and encouraging. The back-to-nature aspect is wonderful -- different from your typical "rah, rah" camp -- and my son particularly enjoyed the overnights and camping trips. It is also on the small side, so plenty of attention from the staff. We've been at a handful of NYC-area day camps, and this has been the best so far! I'd recommend it in a heartbeat. read more

The Nature Place is wonderful. Everyone - from the Camp Director to the counselors to the bus drivers - is warm, kind and deeply committed in making sure that every child has an exceptional summer. Every day the kids go swimming in the "lake" (actually a zero entry pool with a sandy beach and well-trained instructors. Perfect for nervous swimmers and budding sand castle architects). There's also a "fairy stream" they can splash in and pan for gold (suuuuper exciting!). It's just a welcome relief from the stress and competition of life in NYC. My son loved it and we're planning on returning this summer. read more

The NPDC is where my son has spent his last seven summers. He looks forward to each day and refuses to go any less than the full six weeks. Ed Beiber has created a program full of opportunities for children to explore, create, and experience everything the outdoors has to offer. My son learned to swim for the first time, hike parts of the Appalachian trail, camp, canoe, forage, take care of chickens, work in an organic garden and simply appreciate the world around him. As I say everyday in the summer, "NPDC is my happy place, too!" read more

We had an extremely positive experience at The Nature Place Day Camp. My children had the time of their lives. My son with special needs was welcomed warmly and taken care of evrey day. Activities were modified to suit his special needs. The staff showed tremendous concern and respect to our family throughout our summers at camp. The staff went out of their way to accomodate us and were always sensitive to my children's needs. I highly recommend The Nature Place Day Camp!! read more

I love the Nature Place Day Camp. My twins were 11 years old when they had their first day camp experience at the Nature Place. Both of my children suffer from anxiety and my son has ADHD. The counselors were so warm and understanding. They made special accommodations for my children to help them feel comfortable and safe. The owners of the camp were always available by phone and kept me informed on how my children were doing. My children and I were very happy there. read more

My 8-year old daughter has been a NPDC camp-member for the past two summers. She loves every second. NPDC is geared toward the nature lover who enjoys non-competitive play. Since we live in NYC, this is perfect for my animal/nature-loving daughter. The non-competitive philosophy offers a nice change of pace from the school year. We couldn't be happier and look forward to doing it again this summer. The staff is accessible, responsive and professional. read more

My two boys have attended the Nature's Place for the past two years. It is a warm, fun, non-competitive environment that is great for curious kids of all ages. They come home happy, relaxed (exhausted!) and full of stories from their day. Speaking of stories, be sure to ask about Chuck -- he is the best story teller in the world. I cannot speak highly enough of this place. read more

I have sent my two children to Nature Place for the past two years. It is one of the most nurturing, healthy, and supportive environments my children have ever been a part of. The focus on outdoor learning, community, and "real camp fun," will bring us back for a third summer this year! They were also very accommodating regarding my children's special dietary needs. read more

My son has enjoyed the past two summers at the Nature Place. If you're looking for a warm, supportive community in which to explore the wonders of the world around us all, without all the competitive distractions offered by many other summer activities, the Nature Place is for you! It certainly is for my son. See you next summer! read more