Summer Camps

Summer Camps 2025

Eco-J Summer Camps are full-day outdoor, nature-based camps that get children excited about and engaged with the natural world. Each week-long camp explores a different focus within the summer’s theme with age appropriate hands-on investigations, art projects, games, and more. Each day features time for campers to participate in free choice activities, create, play, and discover.  

Cost for 1 week session: $250

Camps run: Monday-Friday

  • 9:00am-3:00pm: Monday-Thursday

  • 9:00am-1:30pm: Friday

Early Care: 7:30-9:00am daily during camp

Back again this year, is our "Early Care" option. We offered this for the first time last summer to make mornings a breeze for busy parents or guardians and provide a seamless transition into our exciting camp activities. Available from 7:30 am to 9:00 am, this optional early drop-off service ensures a stress-free start to your child's day.

For just $55 for the entire camp week, "Early Care" provides a nurturing setting where campers can gather, play games, and connect with friends before the official start of camp. Whether you have multiple drop-offs or are heading to work, this new program is designed to offer a convenient and engaging way to kickstart the day's adventures. Give your child the gift of a smooth morning routine with EJC’s Summer Camp Early Care!

 

Summer 2025 Camps Theme: Gardening!

Registration information coming in January 2025

Individual Camp Programs:

Ages 6-8 – Garden Adventures

June 16-20 OR July 14-18

Are you ready roll up your sleeves and dive into an unforgettable adventure? Get your hands dirty planting seeds, hunting for fascinating insects and busy pollinators, and harvesting your very own vegetables! This camp is your ticket to discovering the magic of how plants grow and why certain crops make the best neighbors. Get excited to meet our friendly alpacas and chicekns up close and uncover how they hlep our gardens thrive. Take your summer to the next level with Garden Adventures camp to explore, learn and grow like never before!

 

Ages 9-11 – Garden & Create

June 23-27

Unleash your creativity and get your hands dirty in this one-of-a-kind artistic gardening camp! Each day is packed with fun as you dive into unique art projects inspired by nature and spend time nurturing your very own gardens here at Eco-J. Hang with our alpacas and chickens, discover the magice of growing vegetables and flowers from seed, explore the fascinating plant life cycle, and craft stunning works of art using natural materials. Dig into the soil, spark your imaginations, and create something extraordinary with Garden & Create camp this summer!

 

Ages 12-14 – Garden & Cook

July 7-11

Embark on a farm-to-table adventure where you'll bring garden plots to life and transform fresh prodcue into delicious creations! Master basic horticulture skills, dive into the wonders of composting, and uncover the secrets of companion planting. Meet our hardworking alpacas, chickens, and beeficial insects to see how they help the farm thrive. Every day you'll roll up your sleeves in the garden and whip up a mouthwatering farm fresh recipe. Get ready to grow, learn, and cook like a true farm-to-table chef! What tasty masterpiece will you create this summer at Garden & Cook camp?

 

About Our Summer Camp Team:

At Eco-J, we prioritize the safety and well-being of every child in our care, ensuring parents can rest easy knowing their children are in a secure environment. Under the leadership of our full time staff, our dedicated team of paid college interns undergoes an extensive two-week training program prior to camp, covering essential instructional skills like developmentally appropriate teaching practices, emergency procedures, and child management techniques.

Our staff are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to create a nurturing and engaging environment for campers. The training received prior to camp and continued supervision and mentorship by the Education staff throughout camp, ensures that each activity is not only fun but also tailored to meet the developmental needs of every child. Additionally, all staff are certified in first aid and CPR/AED, ready to respond swiftly and effectively in the rare event of an emergency.

Eco-J provides a secure space where your child can flourish, explore, and create lasting memories. We are committed to fostering an environment that encourages growth, friendship, and, most importantly, fun!

 

Additional Camp Information

Drop off time:

  • Early Care – 7:30-9:00am Monday - Friday
  • 8:50-9:00am Monday - Friday

 

Pick up time:

  • 3:00-3:10pm Monday - Thursday
  • 1:30pm Friday

 

Friday Lead & Learn Event:

Families are invited to join campers at the Eco-Justice Center from 11:30am-1:30pm on Friday, the last day of camp for the Lead & Learn event. Campers will give tours of the Eco-Justice grounds stopping by activity stations for families and campers to learn together and share about the week’s adventures. Pack a picnic lunch to share as a family and sample produce from the gardens in the dish prepared by campers for families to try.

 

Daily Schedule of Activities:

The week prior to the start of camp, families will receive an email with more information on the activities scheduled for each day of the week to help prepare for camp!

Packing List:

  • Children should bring the following items with them each day:

  • Water bottle

  • Lunch and snack (these will not be provided)

  • Wear clothing appropriate for the weather and being outdoors

  • Durable, comfortable shoes, like tennis shoes (no flip flops)

  • Bug spray and/or sunscreen (if needed)

  • Hat and/or sunglasses (if needed)

 

Tuition Help:

Eco-Justice is committed to making its programs available to all. Need-based tuition waivers are available while resources last, pending an application process. Contact Katie Flannery at (262) 681-8527 x2 or katie@ecojusticecenter.org for more information.

 

Safety Guidelines:

The Eco-Justice Center will follow regulations set by the Racine Health Department and guidelines for summer programming outlined by the CDC. We are implementing these policies to protect the safety of all participants and staff.

  • If you, your child or a member of your household is at higher risk for severe illness we advise you to seek advice from your primary care providers to assess risks and determine if attendance is appropriate.

Volunteer Positions: 

Summer Camp Assistant: 

This volunteer position is open to high school students between the ages of 14-18 years old. Assist in providing safe, fun, educational experiences for children ages 6-14 in our summer camps. Summer Camp Assistants interact with children, helping them feel comfortable, included, and proud of their participation. Summer Camp Assistants learn professional work skills and receive mentorship from Summer Camp Interns and Eco-Justice Center staff. Applications due no later than 5pm on May 3.

Summer Camp Assistant Application