Exploring Their World: Nature at Camp Nabby

Nature is a meaningful and much-loved part of the Camp Nabby experience. Led by our beloved naturalist, “Ranger Rick,” the Nature program invites campers to slow down, explore their surroundings, and develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world, all while having fun outdoors with friends.

Our Nature Center and well-maintained hiking trails serve as the heart of the program, giving campers hands-on opportunities to observe, discover, and learn. The trails are thoughtfully designed with wood-chip paths for easy navigation and feature a bridge, stream, and mud pool — perfect for spotting frogs, tadpoles, and other small creatures that spark curiosity and excitement. Many nature adventures end with a favorite camp tradition: a cozy campfire and gooey s’mores, enjoyed together after a day of exploration.

The program also centers around our Nature Center, home to a variety of small animals and reptiles, including chickens, bunnies, lizards, turtles, and snakes. With Ranger Rick’s guidance, campers learn how to safely care for animals, understand what they eat, and explore how they live and interact within their natural habitats. These experiences foster empathy, responsibility, and respect for living things.

Junior campers participate in 30-minute Nature classes throughout the week, allowing them to build familiarity and confidence through repeated outdoor experiences. Senior campers may choose Nature as part of their interest-period program, giving them the opportunity to dive deeper into hands-on learning and exploration at their own pace.

Through trail exploration, animal care, and time spent outdoors, Camp Nabby’s Nature program helps campers build curiosity, confidence, and a lasting connection to the world around them — encouraging observation, problem-solving, and a sense of wonder that extends well beyond the summer.

Explore our Nature program in this video: