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School is out which means the kids are probably jumping for joy and planning a whole years worth of adventures into one summer! The research indicates that nature and time outdoors is absolutely necessary for kids mental health and emotional development: even just 20 minutes outside can do wonders for stress, anxiety, focus, and creativity – which can also lead to behavioral changes and improvements!

So if they were getting bored and restless in the classroom, we’ve got some great ideas for ways your kids can get involved in engaging nature camps and activities and be the wild little creatures they are! 😜

🌿 Journeys in the Na‘au: Fostering Deep Nature Connection for Kids and Families (Big Island)

Journeys in the Na‘au invites children and families to embark on transformative adventures that cultivate a profound bond with the natural world. Designed for ages 4-12, their programs blend nature mentoring, connective practices, and core routines to spark curiosity, resilience, and environmental stewardship. Through engaging activities like eco-arts, ancestral survival skills, and place-based education, participants explore the wonders of nature while learning sustainable practices and building resilience. Whether crafting with natural materials, mastering traditional skills, or discovering the stories of local ecosystems, Journeys in the Na‘au creates meaningful experiences that inspire lifelong connections to the earth. Perfect for families seeking to deepen their relationship with nature in a fun, educational, and heart-centered way!

Best for ages: 4-12

Website: https://www.journeysinthenaau.com/book-online-1

🌋 Science Camps of America: Exploring Hawai‘i’s Natural Wonders (Big Island)

Science Camps of America, located on the Big Island of Hawai‘i, offers an immersive overnight camp experience for teens aged 13–17, designed to ignite a passion for science through hands-on exploration of the island’s unique ecosystems. Set against the backdrop of Hawai‘i’s stunning forests, mountains, ocean shores, and volcanoes, these camps provide an unparalleled outdoor classroom for discovering marine science, geology, astronomy, and more. Campers engage in exciting activities like field trips to Volcanoes National Park, observatories, and beaches, where they conduct field labs, collect samples, and learn from scientists about topics such as oceanography, ecology, and space exploration. Beyond science, the program fosters personal growth through team-building, community service, and cultural experiences like the Hawaiian tradition of Kilo, a reflective practice connecting campers to their environment. With a focus on experiential learning, Science Camps of America creates lasting memories, new friendships, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world, earning recognition as one of Condé Nast Traveler’s Best Sleepaway Camps in America.

Learn more here https://sciencecampsamerica.com/overnight-camps.html

Akahiao Nature Institute: Nurturing Nature and Culture in Kailua-Kona

Akahiao Nature Institute in Kailua-Kona offers overnight camps and day programs that combine nature immersion with Hawaiian cultural education. Participants enjoy hikes, storytelling, and farm-to-table culinary experiences rooted in tradition, fostering sustainability and environmental stewardship. Their keiki program for ages 4-5 introduces young learners to outdoor exploration through gardening, animal care, and nature-based crafts at a scenic ranch. Led by passionate educators, Akahiao’s programs inspire keiki and families to connect deeply with the ‘āina (land) and grow as global citizens.

Learn more here: https://www.akahiao.org/programs

The Kohala Center

The Kohala Center, based on Hawai‘i Island, empowers high school students and adults through transformative educational initiatives rooted in ʻāina-based learning and sustainable agriculture. While not offering programs specifically for keiki, their offerings, such as the Ōhāhā High School AgriCULTURE Program and Ke Kumu ‘Āina, engage participants in hands-on experiences within the Kohala Watershed. These programs feature workshops and field trips where learners explore ancestral knowledge, sustainable farming practices, and scientific field research, including native plant identification and watershed restoration. By blending traditional Hawaiian values with modern science, The Kohala Center fosters a deep connection to the land, equipping participants with skills to promote food security, ecosystem health, and community resilience.

Learn more here: https://kohalacenter.org/ke-kumu-aina?utm_source=chatgpt.com 

Hawai‘i Wildlife Center (Kapa‘au)

The Hawai‘i Wildlife Center in Kapa‘au, a nonprofit wildlife hospital and conservation education hub, offers family-friendly visits and occasional youth programs centered on native bird rescue, rehabilitation, and habitat conservation. Through interactive exhibits and guided tours, children and families learn about Hawai‘i’s endangered species, the critical role of wildlife rehabilitation, and the importance of protecting native ecosystems. These engaging experiences inspire young conservationists to connect with and care for the islands’ unique wildlife.

Learn more here:

https://www.hawaiiwildlifecenter.org/education-programs.html

Happy Exploring!

There are endless opportunities to be in nature and join summer camps or educational nature and wildlife activities in Hawa’i. Connect with the land, the culture, and the biodiversity while educating your little ones and giving them opportunities for experiential hands-on learning!

And, you can always make your own mini program just exploring the beach, your backyard, and the forests nearby!