Turtleback Summer Program 2026
Engaging Families with Nature since 2016
This is our 10th Anniversary!
Turtleback Summer Program 2026
CAMP REGISTRATION OPENS MID-JANUARY!
Our summer camp is a conservation-based environmental education program held exclusively outdoors. Our themes vary weekly but favorite daily activities and routine procedures structure the day. We incorporate conservation projects, running games, art, and cultural studies into our week. We embrace diversity in people and our environment. We are a small nature camp, allowing so space is limited. You may register your child for one week or more, we no longer offer per day drop-ins.
WHY CHOOSE TURTLEBACK NATURE CAMP?
SAFETY IS OUR PRIORITY! We have a low camper to counselor ratio that is below NYS standards: 5:1 for younger ages, 7:1 for older ages. Our staff are First Aid and CPR certified.
ENHANCED CAMP EXPERIENCE: Due to our small camp size, we are able to focus on the social-emotional development of your child, providing more individual attention. We foster inclusivity and teamwork, encouraging campers to build confidence and stronger friendships. We understand the importance of creating a supportive environment to help children navigate challenges, provide opportunities for leadership, and develop a sense of community.
DISCONNECT FROM TECHNOLOGY: Electronic devices are not permitted at this camp. This includes mobile phones, smart watches, electronic toys, and gaming devices. Immersion into nature and connecting with peers is fostered.
BULLY-FREE: We uphold a zero-tolerance approach to bullying. If a student continues to struggle with respectful behavior even after guided conflict-resolution support from our staff, they may be asked to stay home until they can return ready to participate positively.
AGES 5-12. Children ages 5-6 must be entering Kindergarten or First Grade. Please email us if you have a four-year-old-turning-five who would attend with an older sibling; We may be able to accommodate your family. We also welcome 13-14 year olds who are interested in participating as a CIT (Counselor in Training). NOTE: CIT’s are veteran campers who have attended our summer program for multiple years.
Please feel free to inquire about whether this camp is suitable for your child: EMAIL.
HOURS: 9:00-2:00 (Aftercare may be available until 3:00 PM. Please email us if you require aftercare, thank you!)
DATES: June 29-August 21st
FEE: $500 per week, per child (Sibling Discount available)
Extended Day (Aftercare): $100 per week, per child
Deposit: $125 per week, per child (non-refundable)
Balance: All balances are due by May 1st.
Refund: Refunds are available prior to May 1st, minus the non-refundable deposit. After May 1st, the cancellation fee is $100 per week cancelled (per child), in addition to the non-refundable deposit.
NOTE: ALL CAMP WEEKS WILL BE HELD IN MATTITUCK THIS YEAR!
THEMES WILL BE POSTED IN JANUARY
NOTE: We have special visitors each week with a presentation or activity that ties into the week’s theme.
WEEK 1 June 29 - July 3
WEEK 2 July 6-10
WEEK 3 July 13-17
WEEK 4 July 20-24
WEEK 5 July 27-31
WEEK 6 Aug 3-7
WEEK 7 Aug 10-14
WEEK 8 Aug 17-21
CAMP OUT TO BE DETERMINED!
Turtleback Summer Program 2025
CAMP REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED FOR THE SUMMER. A BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO JOINED US!
Our summer camp is a nature-based environmental education program held exclusively outdoors. Our themes vary weekly but favorite daily activities and routine procedures structure the day. We incorporate conservation projects, running games, art, and cultural studies into our week. We embrace diversity in people and our environment. You may register your child for one week or more, we no longer offer per day drop-ins.
AGES: This summer program is geared for children ages 7-12, however we allow 5-6 year olds to attend with an older sibling/relative and 5-6 year olds who attended in the summer of 2024. We also welcome 13-14 year olds who are interested in participating as a CIT (Counselor in Training). CIT’s are veteran campers who have attended our summer program for multiple years. Please feel free to inquire about whether this camp is suitable for your child: EMAIL.
HOURS: 9:00-2:00 (Aftercare is available until 3:00 PM)
DATES: June 30-August 29th
FEE: $500 per week, per child (Sibling Discount available)
Extended Day (Aftercare): $100 per week, per child
Deposit: $125 per week, per child (non-refundable)
Balance: All balances are due by May 1st.
Refund: Refunds are available prior to May 1st, minus the non-refundable deposit. After May 1st, the cancellation fee is $100 per week cancelled (per child), in addition to the non-refundable deposit.
CAMP REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED FOR THE SUMMER. A BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO JOINED US!
WEEK 1 June 30 - July 4: Inlet Pond County Park, Greenport REGISTRATION CLOSED
WEEK 2 July 7-11: Veterans Memorial Beach, Mattituck REGISTRATION CLOSED
WEEK 3 July 14-18: Veterans Memorial Beach, Mattituck REGISTRATION CLOSED
WEEK 4 July 21-25: Veterans Memorial Beach, Mattituck REGISTRATION CLOSED
WEEK 5 July 28 - Aug 1: Bailie Beach, Mattituck REGISTRATION CLOSED
WEEK 6 Aug 4-11: Veterans Memorial Beach, Mattituck REGISTRATION CLOSED
WEEK 7 Aug 11-15: Bailie Beach, Mattituck REGISTRATION CLOSED
WEEK 8 Aug 18-22: Bailie Beach, Mattituck REGISTRATION CLOSED
WEEK 9 Aug 25-29: Bailie Beach, Mattituck WAITLIST FULL
NOTES for Registering: After you have selected a chosen camp week and placed the camp week into your cart, please select “keep shopping” to select an additional week if desired.
SUMMER PROGRAM 2025 THEMES, FOCUS, and GUESTS
Week 1 (June 30): This nature camp at Inlet Pond County Park in Greenport will focus on salt pond ecology, seashore studies, and the dune environment. We will help with habitat restoration projects within this diverse ecosystem. We thank the North Fork Audubon Society for hosting us this week! Species Focus: Seaside Dragonlet (This special Dragonfly is adapted to tolerate salt water!) Special Guest: Carmen Campos of PuppetEd NOTE: We meet on Friday, July 4th.
Week 2 (July 7): This week we meet at Veterans Memorial Park in Mattituck. This site is situated on Peconic Bay where we will study seashore ecology and native plants. Activities include running games and crafts that are related to our theme. Please Note: Friday will take place at Bailie Beach where we can roast marshmallows over a campfire and enjoy s'mores! Species Focus: Seaside Goldenrod (This native plant species is an important nectar source for migrating monarch butterflies.) Special Guest: Carmen Campos of PuppetEd