Guided Discoveries Summer Camp
The mission of Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is to advance understanding of ecology by exploring New Hampshire’s natural world.
Guided Discoveries Summer Camp is designed for families looking for summer camps and nature camps that get kids outside, active, and curious about local wildlife and ecosystems. Our camp seeks to foster curiosity, build connections with nature, and inspire conservation‑minded decisions in children through outdoor exploration, learning, and fun.
With our Live Animal Exhibit Trail, forested campus, and Up Close to Animal programs, Guided Discoveries Summer Camp provides children with unique opportunities to:
- Learn about and connect with local wildlife and New Hampshire ecosystems
- Develop curiosity and appreciation for the natural world
- Have fun outdoors in a safe, supportive environment with experienced educators
- Build confidence and social‑emotional learning skills through exploration, group games, and hands‑on activities
The mission of Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is to advance understanding of ecology by exploring New Hampshire’s natural world.
Guided Discoveries Summer Camp is designed for families looking for summer camps and nature camps that get kids outside, active, and curious about local wildlife and ecosystems. Our camp seeks to foster curiosity, build connections with nature, and inspire conservation‑minded decisions in children through outdoor exploration, learning, and fun.
With our Live Animal Exhibit Trail, forested campus, and Up Close to Animal programs, Guided Discoveries Summer Camp provides children with unique opportunities to:
- Learn about and connect with local wildlife and New Hampshire ecosystems
- Develop curiosity and appreciation for the natural world
- Have fun outdoors in a safe, supportive environment with experienced educators
- Build confidence and social‑emotional learning skills through exploration, group games, and hands‑on activities
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Parents can also review the full camp details here:
Teen Leadership and Volunteer Opportunities
First Guides Program
for ages 14 to 17
First Guides is a teen volunteer program based on our adult docent program. During the summer, teens ages 14 to 17 attend training to become a welcoming and informative presence on the Live Animal Exhibit Trail, often demonstrating animal artifacts alongside volunteer docent mentors with live animals. Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the year.
Counselor in Training Program
for ages 14 to 17
New this year, teens can work closely with our Guided Discoveries instructors to help campers have a fun and educational summer. The Counselor in Training program is a good fit for teens who like working with children and nature, and who want leadership experience in a camp setting.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to help make Guided Discoveries Summer Camp accessible to more families.
To apply for a scholarship:
- Complete the scholarship application form during the online registration process.
- Select “scholarship” as your payment method at checkout. This will hold your child’s spot.
Cancellations and refunds
Guided Discoveries Cancellations (yours and ours)
- A $25 administration fee will be charged for all cancellations.
- Cancellations made more than 30 days prior to the start of a session will be issued a full refund (less the $25 fee).
- Cancellations made 14–30 days prior to the session start date will be issued a 50% refund (less the $25 fee).
- Cancellations made less than 14 days prior to the start of a session will not be refunded.
If there is low enrollment, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center will cancel week‑long programs on the Wednesday prior to the scheduled start date and will fully refund your payment at that time. The Science Center will make every effort to alert participants to possible cancellations about one month in advance. Registration and payment may be transferred to an alternative session at no additional cost if space allows.