Summer Camps at the Ned Smith Center
The Martha Weisgerber Summer Education Programs
We believe that seeing is more than just looking—it’s about noticing the hidden wonders of the world. Inspired by the adventurous spirit of Ned Smith, our summer camps swap textbooks for trail maps and classrooms for the 500 acres of forest and field that define our outdoor classroom. Through inquiry-based exploration and hands-on discovery, we challenge campers to sharpen their critical thinking skills while making authentic connections with the land and each other. Give your child a summer where every trail leads to a new discovery and every discovery sparks a lifelong passion for the great outdoors!
Registration opens March 3, 2026!
New for 2026: Family level or higher members receive 20% off camp registrations!
Scholarships are available on a first come, first served basis. To apply for a scholarship, complete the form here; please do so before registering your camper.
If you would like to contribute to the scholarship fund, please contact Emily Rosmus aterosmus@nedsmithcenter.org.
Grandparent & Me Camps
Our Grandparent & Me Camps are short, creative and educational sessions designed for children ages 4-6 with an adult, be it a grandparent, parent, aunt or uncle, or older sibling (18+). Everyone will have the chance to participate in activities and crafts, even the adults!
- Each camper must be accompanied by at least one adult, with no more than two children per adult - please see the ticket descriptions for full options.
- GPa & Me activities are designed to meet the developmental stages of children ages 4-6; please respect the age range, as younger or older children may be overwhelmed or bored by the activities.
- The Tuesday and Thursday sessions are the same; only register for one session.
Cost
Members: $24 family of 2, $32 family of 3, $40 family of 4, $48 family of 5
Non-Members: $30 family of 2, $40 family of 3, $50 family of 4, $60 family of 5
Frog Frolic and Toad Tunes
June 30 OR July 2 | 9:30am-12pm
Are you ready for a great hopportunity to get outside this summer? Hop on by the Ned Smith Center for a lily good day filled with ribbiting crafts and toad-ally awesome activities that’ll surely create unfrogettable moments!
Elements of Nature
August 11 OR 13 | 9:30am-12pm
Water, Earth, Fire, Air! Long ago the four elements existed together in harmony. Then everything changed when scientists came along to discover otherwise. Join us in rediscovering the fundamentals of nature through hands-on activities, experiments, and crafts in order to become the master of all four elements!
Day Camps
Our full-day camps invite older youth to dive deeper into nature, art and storytelling through immersive, hands-on experiences that build skills, confidence and curiosity. Campers explore the outdoors, create art, solve mysteries and even take the stage in a three-, four- or five-day week of unforgettable adventures.
New for our 2026 season, we are thrilled to offer experiences for 6–8 year-olds ready to take their first independent steps into the wild! These camps are designed to foster a lifelong love for nature through hands-on discovery and active play at the Ned Smith Center.
*Campers must have completed Kindergarten.
Ages 6-8
June 16-18 | Outdoor Explorers
9:30am-3:30pm
What Your Little Explorer Will Do:
- Creek Exploration: Discover the hidden world beneath the water while safely splashing and learning about aquatic life.
- Wilderness Wanders: Build confidence and gross motor skills on short hikes through our scenic trails.
- Engage with Others: Meet new friends who also share a love of nature, building social skills and life-long friendships.
- Natural Crafts & Games: Engage in nature-inspired scavenger hunts and crafts to combine nature and art!
Fee: Members - $84 | Non-members - $105
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July 28-30 | Mad Science
9:30am-3:30pm
At Mad Science camp, young scientists dive into biology, chemistry, and geology through high-energy, hands-on discovery. Our campers don’t just learn science—they experience it by creating spectacular (and safe!) "scientific messes" that push the boundaries of their imagination.
Camp Highlights:
- STEM Experiments: Age-appropriate challenges designed for curious minds
- Multidisciplinary Discovery: Daily themes covering everything from bubbling reactions to prehistoric fossils
- Science-Inspired Art: Creative projects that blend artistic expression with scientific principles
Fee: Members - $84 | Non-members - $105
Ages 9-12
June 23-25 | Nature Snoopers
9am-4pm
The Wiconisco Creek Cryptid is back at it again with another mystery at the Ned Smith Center. Campers will put their problem solving and teamwork skills to the test as they embark on the forested quest of crafty challenges and witty puzzles in this summer’s edition of Nature Snoopers Camp!
Fee: Members - $96 | Non-members - $120
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July 21-23 | Time Traveling Art Camp
9am-3pm
Unleash your inner artist across the ages at Time Traveling Art Camp! From the prehistoric sketches of early humans to the bold innovations of the modern era, campers will embark on a chronological journey through the history of art. Campers will mimic iconic styles and techniques by recreating masterpieces and experimenting with the same methods used by the world's most notable artists.
Camp Highlights:
- Jump in a Time Machine: Explore diverse art movements from prehistoric expression, to the Renaissance to Impressionism, learning about the greats and creating art in their style.
- The Modern Lens: Use history as inspiration to put a modern and personal twist on the classics.
- Exhibit your Masterpieces: This camp ends with an art reception open to family and friends on Thursday, July 23 at 3:30pm. Campers will decorate the gallery, curate their displayed artwork, and greet guests to celebrate their week of creativity!
Fee: Members - $96 | Non-members - $120
Ages 12-14
July 7-10 | Senior Naturalist
9am-4pm
Senior Naturalists will take a deeper dive into nature than they ever have before. This camp is great for both new and returning campers interested in spending a week on the trails, exploring the natural world, and interacting with their peers.
What Senior Naturalists will be doing:
- Creek Exploration: Discover the hidden world beneath the water while safely splashing and learning about aquatic life.
- Learn the Ologies: learn about a few focused fields of science best experience right outside our doors.
- Berry Mountain Hike: Approx. 3 miles of moderate to difficult terrain onsite.
- Engage with Others: Meet new friends who also share a love of nature, building social skills and life-long friendships.
- Natural Crafts & Games: Engage in nature-inspired scavenger hunts and crafts to combine nature and art!
- Friday Field Trip: Approx. 6-8 miles of moderate to difficult terrain
Fee: Members - $120 | Non-members - $150
Ages 8-16
August 3-7 | Shakespeare in the Woods - Gamut Theatre Summer Academy at the Ned Smith Center
Experience Shakespeare like never before with Shakespeare in the Woods! Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Ned Smith Center in Millersburg, students will bring Much Ado About Nothing to life in their outdoor amphitheater! Actors will explore this witty, fast-paced comedy through voice, movement, and character workshops, all while embracing the natural environment as their stage. With plenty of opportunities for creativity and collaboration, students will develop their performance skills and connect with Shakespeare’s timeless humor.
Acting experience is not required, but interest in theatre is essential. Every camper will have a part to play and will be important to the overall production. The camp runs from 9am-4pm August 3-7, with the public performance occurring at 6:30pm on Friday, August 7th. Campers must attend the performance, and parents/guardians must pick their camper up afterward.
Fee: Members - $152 | Non-members - $190