Escondido, CA, USA
A wildlife encounter can lead to a science question, a discovery hike, or an idea for a nature-inspired craft. Homeschooling in Nature brings these experiences together in a small outdoor summer program, with a biologist, educators, and naturalists guiding children as they explore. The Escondido inland camps combine hands-on science with creative work and daily time on the trails.
Children investigate the natural world through observation and practical activities. Woodworking, owl pellet dissections, ranger talks, and eco-art add different ways to engage with their surroundings. Craft projects use recycled and earth-friendly materials, connecting creative choices with care for wildlife. Outdoor learning extends beyond identifying an animal or plant: children ask questions, make discoveries, and practice thinking about the living world around them.
This drop-off format suits children who enjoy moving outdoors, exploring wildlife, and making things with their hands. A small group and a seven-to-one camper-to-educator ratio shape the experience. Each camp week runs Monday through Thursday, with partial-week attendance options. Meeting places vary, so families receive the location details for their selected sessions after registration. For inland exploration near creeks, the group avoids direct contact with the water because of local water-quality concerns.
| Ages: | 5–12 |
| Type: | Day |
| Gender: | Co-Ed |
| Adventure: | Adventure, Exploration, Hiking, Nature, Wildlife |
| Academics: | Academics, Science, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science |
| Arts: | Arts, Fine Arts, Arts & Crafts |
| Time: | 09:00 AM - 02:00 PM |
| Staff to Сamper Ratio: | 1:7 |
You won’t be charged yet. The camp will contact you to confirm all terms first.
You can still submit a quick request to let the camp know you’re interested.
The summer program blends discovery, nature science, and eco-art rather than separating outdoor play from learning. A biologist and educators guide children through hands-on experiences, encouraging questions and exploration. The inland Escondido sessions focus on wildlife encounters, science activities, sustainable crafting, and daily hikes. Woodworking and owl pellet dissections provide practical ways to investigate and create.
Learning is rooted in the natural surroundings. Children can observe wildlife closely, follow discoveries during a hike, and use recycled or earth-friendly materials in their projects. This approach connects scientific curiosity with nature stewardship. The broader educational approach emphasizes child-led inquiry, with adults guiding exploration and helping children make connections between what they notice and what they learn.
Camp runs for five hours each day, Monday through Thursday. Families may select a full four-day week or a shorter attendance option, with full-week registrations receiving priority. A minimum of seven campers is needed for a session to run. Locations vary, and families receive preparation instructions and a meeting-location pin once their dates and payment are confirmed. Inland creek exploration avoids direct water contact, allowing children to investigate these surroundings without entering the creek water.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:00–9:15 AM | Drop-off |
| 9:00 AM–2:00 PM | Regular camp hours, Monday–Thursday |
| 1:45–2:00 PM | Pick-up |
Guided inland exploration avoids direct contact with creek water because of water-quality concerns. Children participate in small groups led by a biologist, educators, and naturalists. The education team has first aid and CPR qualifications; the director and named teaching assistants have verified FBI/DOJ background checks.
Registration includes emergency contact information, a vaccination question, and health-related forms. Families sign liability and COVID-19 releases. Children with a COVID-19 diagnosis need a negative test before returning to the outdoor programs. The registration agreement authorizes first aid and emergency medical assistance when necessary.
Director and lead educator Steffani Jijón brings experience in field biology, research, and outdoor education. Her qualifications include zoology and conservation biology studies and a master’s degree in inquiry-driven education and community-based conservation. She is bilingual in Spanish and holds first aid and CPR certification. The teaching team includes educators with backgrounds in cognitive science and outdoor recreation. Summer groups are guided by a biologist, educators, and trained naturalists.
Families can ask registration questions by email. After the forms are submitted, the team contacts parents to arrange payment and confirm attendance preferences. A welcome email follows confirmed dates and full payment, giving preparation instructions and the location pin for the child’s sessions.
Complete the contact and schedule form, summer enrollment agreement, liability waiver, and COVID-19 release for each child. Meeting locations vary. The welcome email explains what to bring, what to wear, and where to meet. Drop-off runs from 9:00 to 9:15 AM, and pick-up from 1:45 to 2:00 PM. Registration closes on the Friday before a session; joining mid-session depends on availability.
Summer registration fees are nonrefundable. Session payment is due at least one month before the start. Missed days do not qualify for refunds, credits, or make-up days. If the program cancels because of inclement weather, credit is applied to another session.
