Bringing Back 90’s Summers for Today’s Youth
Child-Led programming, that’s outdoors, and Montessori-inspired? Parents, we’ve heard you – and there’s a reason why you made such lasting memories during those times! Child Psychology research shows that our approach leads to increased confidence, agency, and focus … but more importantly, it’s fun!
Until First Session
Don’t Miss The First Day of Summer Camp!
Explore Our Options
Nature-Based, Child led, and Montessori-inspired. What else would you be looking for?
Why K-3?
This age group represents a vastly critical developmental window. Children ages 5-9 crave real challenges – they want to climb, build, and problem-solve – and they’re finally ready for guided experiences that stretch their capabilities. This is when they’re forming their sense of who they are and what they can do.
Building Lifelong Competence
Elementary school is when foundational competencies take root: confidence in new situations, navigating social dynamics, solving problems independently. A child-led, hands-on approach during these formative years builds capabilities that show up everywhere – in the classroom, on the playground, and well into adulthood.
Small Groups
Forest Hill Park
Rising K-3rd
9am – 3pm
We wanted to bring back the kind of summer you remember: long days outside, muddy knees, and stories to tell.
YOW summer camp offers six weeks of Montessori-inspired outdoor exploration at Forest Hill Park for rising K-3 students. We’re a small Richmond organization running cozy, flexible programs – not a mega-camp with hundreds of kids on rigid schedules.
All kinds of kids thrive here.
Small groups and flexible programming create space for every child to engage at their own pace. If your child is cautious in new situations or overwhelmed by large institutional camps, YOW offers something different: patient educators, gradual engagement, and freedom to observe before diving in.
Our Montessori approach means there’s no pressure to perform, compete, or keep up. Children build real confidence when they’re trusted to be capable, curious, and independent.
Summer Camp registration is open now! Six weeks of outdoor adventure at Forest Hill Park — spots are limited. Register today! Signup for six weeks and save with code YOWSUMMER.
JULY
6-11
Art Adventures – Land Art
AUG
3-7
All YOW – Builders & Makers
JULY
13-17
Art Adventures – Wild Ceramics
JULY
27-31
Outdoor Explorers – Creek Exploration
JULY
20-24
Outdoor Explorers – Wild Discoveries
AUG
10-14
All YOW – Classic Games
Depending on interest, we may add up to four additional weeks!
When
9am-3pm
Extended Day :
8:00am-5:30pm
Where
Forest Hill Park
Richmond, VA
Ages
Rising K – 3rd
Borderline age? Email us!
Cost
Starting at $345 per Week
Tip: Click the
to learn more about each week!
Beating the Heat This Summer
We’re partnering with Forest Hill Presbyterian this year to give campers indoor space and AC during the hottest afternoon hours. We’ll head over around 2pm each day to cool down and keep the adventures going.
Because let’s be honest: last summer got toasty. We want kids outside as much as possible, but we also want them comfortable, hydrated, and happy. This setup gives us the best of both worlds.
We’re Offering Extended Hours!
Summer schedules don’t always align with camp hours. We now offer early drop-off (starting at 8:00am) and late pickup (until 5:30pm) so you can get to work without the morning scramble or the afternoon dash.
Extended hours give your child more outdoor time, more hands-on exploration, and more opportunities to build independence through unstructured play. Available for an additional fee—secure your spot when you register.
You Can Breathe Easy
Flexible, straight-forward seasonal programming designed around real family life.
$11.50/
Per Hour
$69.00/
Per Day
$345.00/
Per Week
Ask Us
Anything
Program Basics
What ages do you serve?
Summer camp is designed for rising K-3 students (ages 5-9). We occasionally accept 4-year-olds who have completed a year of preschool and demonstrate readiness for group outdoor programming – contact us to discuss.
What are your camp hours?
Camp runs 9:00am-3:00pm daily, Monday through Friday. Drop-off begins at 8:55am, and pick-up ends promptly at 3:15pm. Extended care options are also available this summer from 8am to 5:30pm!
Where is camp held?
We will be exploring various locations across Forest Hill Park! From fields to creeks, we’ll be all over! All sites are in the Richmond area with parking available.
What’s the cost?
We are always striving to keep costs as managable as possible! This year’s camp will be $345 a week, with a discount for a week half off if you register for the whole summer! Use code YOWSUMMER at checkout!
Weather & Outdoor Policy
What happens if it rains?
We believe there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing! We go outside in all weather conditions except lightning, extreme heat advisories, or dangerous storms. Light rain is perfect learning weather – just send your child prepared.
What if weather becomes dangerous during camp?
We monitor weather closely and have indoor backup plans at each location. If lightning is present or severe weather threatens, we move activities inside until it’s safe to return outdoors. In the rare event we need to cancel a day due to weather, we’ll notify families by 7am via email and text.
How should I prepare my child for outdoor weather?
Check the forecast each morning! Send layers for cool mornings, sun protection for hot days, and rain gear when needed. We’ll send a weekly weather outlook email Sunday evenings to help families plan.
What to Bring and Wear
What should my child wear to camp?
Closed-toe shoes with good traction are required – sneakers or hiking shoes work great. Send clothes that can get dirty, wet, and muddy (because they will!). Long pants are recommended for exploring in tall grass and woods. Avoid sandals, flip-flops, and clothing that’s too precious to ruin.
Also, a change of clothes, bathing suit, and life-jacket are necessary additions as we head into the creeks!
What should my child bring each day?
You’ll be sent a comprehensive list before your childs first day, but in the meantime:
- Water bottle (labeled with name)
- Morning snack
- Sunscreen (we’ll help reapply)
- Weather-appropriate gear (rain jacket, hat, extra layers)
- Any required medications with proper documentation
Should I send lunch?
Yes please! An energizing lunch and plenty of snacks. Your little one needs fuel for our adventures!
What about sunscreen and bug spray?
We’ll help children reapply sunscreen throughout the day. Please apply the first coat before drop-off. For bug spray, we recommend families apply in the morning if desired – let us know if your child needs reapplication help.
Programming & Activities
What will my child do at camp?
Each week features hands-on nature exploration, building projects, outdoor games, animal tracking, plant identification, art with natural materials, and plenty of unstructured play time. Activities follow Montessori principles – child-led discovery within clear safety boundaries. Expect mud, creativity, and confidence-building!
Do you have themes for each week?
We offer broad programming themes but remain flexible based on weather, children’s interests, and natural discoveries. Every week includes nature exploration, building challenges, and outdoor skills development.
What’s your approach to screen time?
Zero. We don’t use screens, phones, or tablets during programming. This is phone-free, tech-free time for deep engagement with nature and peers.
How do you handle different skill levels?
Our Montessori approach means children work at their own pace with challenges scaled to individual readiness. Older or more experienced children take on leadership roles, while younger children learn by observation and participation at their comfort level.
Safety & Supervision
What’s your staff-to-child ratio?
We maintain ratios of 1 educator per 8-10 children.
Are your educators trained in first aid?
Yes. All YOW educators are certified in pediatric first aid and CPR. We carry first aid supplies and have emergency protocols for each location.
How do you handle behavior challenges?
We use a “connection over consequences” approach rooted in Montessori philosophy. Clear boundaries around safety and respect are maintained warmly and consistently. If significant behavioral concerns arise, we’ll communicate with families immediately to develop a support plan together.
What if my child gets hurt?
Minor scrapes and bumps are normal in outdoor play – we treat them with basic first aid and notify you at pick-up. For any injury requiring more than a band-aid, we contact you immediately. Injury reports are completed for all incidents, even minor ones.
What about allergies and medical needs?
During registration, you’ll provide detailed allergy and medical information. We maintain allergy lists for each group and train staff on specific needs (EpiPens, inhalers, etc.). For severe allergies, we may create peanut-free or allergen-free zones depending on group needs.
Registration & Policies
Can I register for multiple weeks?
Absolutely! In fact, please do! Many families register for several weeks. You’ll select whichweeks during the registration process. If you’d like to join us for the full summer, we’d love to offer you a discount! If you register for all six weeks, use code YOWSUMMER at checkout for half off a week!
What’s your cancellation policy?
Cancellations made more than 30 days before camp start date receive a full refund minus a $50 processing fee. Cancellations 15-30 days before receive 50% refund. Cancellations less than 15 days before are non-refundable. We understand emergencies happen – contact us to discuss extenuating circumstances.
What if a week fills up?
We maintain a waitlist for full weeks. If a spot opens, we contact families in waitlist order. Waitlisted families are notified immediately if space becomes available.
Can I switch weeks after registering?
Week switches are allowed based on availability, with at least 2 weeks notice. Contact us at youthoutdoorworkshops@gmail.com to request changes.
Thank you for your curiosity
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youthoutdoorworkshops
@gmail.com
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