The Chickadee summer camp program runs each summer out of Ketcha’s Ice House. We like to think of this program as an intro to summer camp for our youngest learners, ages 3-4. Chickadee campers participate in one traditional camp program area (e.g. Swimming, Low Ropes, Farm & Garden, etc.) each day and spend the rest of the day in free play in our natural environments, following a similar daily schedule to our popular school year program.
This summer, Chickadees campers will have 3 learning & play themes for the summer:
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Block A: Wildlife Explorers
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Block B: Enchanted Forest: Nature-Based Folktales & Myths
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Block C: Pirates! Navigation, Maps, Boat Building, and Treasure
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These 3 themes will ensure that our campers learn about many kinds of natural phenomena in age-appropriate ways that connect to their sense of wonder, their expansive imaginations, and their innate curiosity. Except in severe weather, Chickadee campers will be outside all day long. They will eat meals outside, play outside, learn outside, explore outside, and so much more! In 2025, we offered 307.75 hours of outdoor time for Chickadees campers. In 2026, we plan to offer even more! By having outdoor rest time, students will be able to spend the full day outside, experiencing the sights, sounds, and sensations of the world around us.
What Chickadees should bring to camp:
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On the first day:
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An extra change of clothes in case we get too muddy or wet in the morning. There will be a special bathroom cubby where you can leave these throughout your child’s camp experience.
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Sunscreen and bug spray labeled with your camper’s full name. These will also stay at camp with the teachers throughout your child’s camp experience.
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Any necessary medications for your child, in its original packaging and labeled with your child’s full name.
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Daily:
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Water bottle
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Backpack (light enough for them to carry independently)
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Hearty, nutritious snack
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Sun hat
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Swim Days:
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Wear their clean & dry bathing suit underneath their clothes
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Towel
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(Optional) Water shoes
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Afternoon campers:
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Hearty, nutritious lunch
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Crib sheet
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Blanket
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(Optional) Pillow
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(Optional) Stuffed animal
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