We were here for a wedding and it was beautiful. Was not sure what to expect as I have never been to a wedding at a nature camp before. It is a rural and quiet area with limited cell service. Closest groceries stores are out 20-30 minutes away. It is secluded for sure. The entrance is well marked and there is one way in, one way out. It is well taken care of a clean. There is a mess hall with full industrial equipped kitchen, separate bunk houses for girls and boys and bathroom / shower buildings for each as well. There is a ton of history here and it's cool seeing the earliest framed names of "best camper" in the mess hall start as early as 1942 to present day. There is a caretaker who lives on the property and he keeps it very clean. The creek behind the mess hall is relaxing and beautiful. I love our the entire campground is covered by a canopy of trees and I never had to wear sunglasses for the weekend. I did not stay on the property and used a local air b&b but most attendees stayed in the bunk houses and said they were fine and comfortable. The stone alter and bell tower were so cool. I do not have any experience with the actual kids camp but I'm sure it is a blast as this place is taken care of and has been around awhile. read more

See all

Last year, I sent my child and was delighted to find it was inclusive and based on real science. Limnology was brought home for us all to learn more. The counselors were fun and amazing, according to my child. This year, we are sending a sibling. Can't wait! Also, nice that they are still COVID safe. Helps this Mama rest easy. Did not find any political bent other than embracing diversity, equity, and accessibility. read more

I started attending camp when I was 11 years old and I've never stopped! I've made lifelong friends and developed a love for the environment that has shaped my career. My brother, who was not as interested in nature as myself, attended camp and didn't go back. He had a ton of fun but wasn't as interested in the classes as I was! Every kid is different but this is the place for any nature nerds, fun lovers, or outdoor gurus. Also highly recommend adult session to any nature-loving adults! read more

Nature Camp - Bridge - Vesuvius, Virginia

My son and daughter attended Nature Camp for a few years, long enough for us to see significant changes in the camp experience. The first couple of years were wonderful for them: They made friends, learned a LOT about nature, and grew as individuals. Children from different backgrounds intermingled and learned from each other as they studied the natural sciences. Things started to change dramatically during and after COVID (perhaps coincidentally), such that it's almost a different camp today. I have raised my children to be politically moderate and accepting of others with different beliefs, but the camp leadership and average campers have moved significantly leftward in ideology, and are intolerant of those who don't align themselves with the far left--I'm talking more about values and social views than discussing nature. As an example, they started requiring all children to list their preferred pronouns on their nametags "to avoid confusion" (there is no chance that my son or daughter or most campers would be confused for anything other than the sexes they are). Any child who thought this was silly was ostracized; the same was true for expressing any opinion that ran counter to the unwritten new camp doctrine. My son quit attending because he said it just wasn't as much fun for him, without giving many specifics. But my daughter was more clear that she won't be returning due to the changing camp vibe, an increase in intolerant, unkind girls (and even some staff) at the camp, and the disappearance of her friends from previous years (some of whom also didn't enjoy the changes). Nature Camp used to be such a great experience for children. I really hope they can return to their roots, teaching children about the beauty of nature, respect for the environment, and tolerance of diverse viewpoints, without pushing a progressive agenda. Sadly, the changes mean that my children have chosen not to return to this once-great summer camp. read more

My child and I were looking forward to the opportunity to experience the great outdoors, learn something about the environment, and we were hoping to make some new friends. Unfortunately as a newcomer, my camper was ostracized by campers and counselors who put their personal political views at the forefront of their interactions. I am hopeful camp leadership can find a way to balance kindness and outreach with the personal politics of the regular camp attendees. If not, the camp will eventually be reserved to host only its very political leaning group and this lovely locale will be lost to anyone else hoping for a true nature camp experience. read more

I attended nature camp in the 2000s and have made the trip back to visit several times. It is probably the best thing I ever did as a kid. I learned so much about nature, science, and philosophy. I got the opportunity to get out of my shell, make friends, and grow into a person Im proud to be. I'm so glad the camp is still there, largely unchanged, bringing kids, counselors, and other visitors together to this very special place in Appalachia. read more

If I could, I would give Nature Camp six stars (out of five)! This place was my home away from home every summer when I was growing up. The camp councillors and staff are knowledgeable, kind, and do everything possible to make sure you have a fantastic experience. The food is AMAZING, and there is never any shortage of adventure. It's a fantastic place to connect with and learn more about the world around us. I couldn't recommend Nature Camp more highly! read more

Nature Camp is an amazing and magical place, and it's impossible to overstate how profoundly and positively impactful it is on those lucky enough to cross Big Mary's Creek for a session there. Kids' natural curiosity and intelligence are encouraged and challenged. Lifelong friendships are forged, and the memories are priceless. I heartily recommend Nature Camp! read more