SUMMER CAMP: Makers and Storytellers
Big play. Brave ideas. Where summer dreams sprout wings.
A magical season of art, nature, and make-believe.
Add some creativity and nature play to your child's summer. Because happiness is a group of friends that create and play together.
This season, Willow Nest Studio partners with Green Magic Workshop to create summer days overflowing with imagination, discovery and wonder. Makers & Storytellers Summer Camp is a screen-free, creativity-filled camp in the park. Here, childhood unfolds as an open invitation to dream, explore and follow curiosity wherever it leads—from Prospect Park’s winding trails and sunlit meadows to its shady woods and quiet ponds waiting to be discovered.
Each unique week is shaped by the children’s interests and curiosities, creating a warm, relationship-driven environment that nurtures confidence, creativity, and connection. Inspired by folktales, global earth traditions, and the living landscape of the park, campers explore nature through hands-on art, imaginative play, and joyful experimentation. Campers build cozy forest forts, design bustling cities, concoct flower petal perfumed potions, create wearable art, invent games and tinker together in ever-changing worlds of play. They paint, sculpt, weave, gather natural treasures, and transform open ended materials into something uniquely their own. Stories bloom from the group, songs drift through the park, and puppet shows appear as if by magic. Campers go home with artwork, muddy shoes, big smiles, and a deep sense of belonging. The last day of the week culminates in a group showing of the week’s journey where art projects and stories are shared with families -salon style.
On very hot or rainy days, we gather indoors at Willow Nest Studio, an air-conditioned creative space designed for loose-parts construction, pretend play, light and shadow exploration, crafting and designing. The studio houses shelves of beautifully stocked materials and tinkering tools that invite endless experimentation. Here, process matters more than product—messy hands and bold ideas are always welcome. Campers can also cool off with water play in the backyard or at splash pads and sprinklers in Prospect Park.
Children are grouped into four-year mixed-age cohorts, ideal for siblings who want to camp together. If your chosen week doesn’t match your cohort, contact us to explore possible flexibility. We offer sibling discounts, multiple week registration discounts, and payment plans . Our Early Bird registration discount closes on April 1st. Apply discount code - Earlybird - at check out.
We recommend registering for the full five day week so that your child can get the most out of the camp, However, we understand that summer schedules can be busy and so do offer a minimum of three days a week option.
Scroll down for quick answers to commonly asked questions and feel free to contact Elisha directly with further questions.
Weekly Sessions
Session One: June 29-July 3rd - (ages 4-7) - Fireflies
Session Two: July 13-July 17 (ages 4-7) - Fireflies
Session Three: July 20-July 24 (ages 5-8) - Honeybees
Session Four: July 27-July 31 (ages 7-10) - Owls
Session Five: August 3 - August 7 (ages 7-10) - Owls
Hours
Full Day: 9:00-3:00
Fee
Full 5 Day Week: $790
4 days: $720
3 days: $610
🌞 Summer Camp FAQs
What is a typical day like at camp?
Each day unfolds as a joyful blend of creative play, outdoor exploration, and hands-on making. Campers enjoy a gentle rhythm of group gatherings, open-ended play activities, guided science experiments, process art and crafting projects, snack and lunch breaks, and plenty of time to imagine, build, and explore nature together. Children walk from the studio to the park with their own backpacks, help transport a materials wagon and join in setting up and packing out play space materials and artwork.
What ages do you serve?
Our camp welcomes children ages 4 to 9. We thoughtfully group campers by age and development to ensure everyone feels comfortable, confident, and included.
How are campers grouped?
We design mixed-age groups within four-year cohorts to foster friendship, leadership, and collaboration. Siblings may stay together when possible. If your preferred weeks don’t align with a cohort, please reach out about possible flexibility.
What kinds of activities will my child do?
Every day invites creativity! Campers may paint, build, invent stories, explore the outdoors, create costumes, go on nature walks, and dive into imaginative play. No two days are exactly the same.
Is your camp more structured or free play?
We offer a balanced mix. Our days have a gentle structure, but within that framework children have plenty of freedom to choose, explore, and follow their own ideas.
How much time do kids spend outside?
Weather permitting, we spend a large portion of our day outdoors in the park—running, climbing, creating, and discovering. Nature is our classroom! At the studio, a small backyard patio with a water table, shade and a water spigot allow another option for cooling off, splashing around and nibbling drippy popsicles.
What happens if it rains or is very hot?
We adjust! On rainy days we move indoors for cozy creative projects and or stay outside to make rain tents inside the trees. During heat waves, we take extra shade breaks, hydrate often, and modify activities as needed. We may move to spend a longer time inside our air conditioned art studio. We also may choose to cool off with water play in the backyard or out at the splash pad and sprinklers in Prospect Park.
Who are your counselors?
Our staff are warm, experienced educators and artists who love working with children. All counselors are trained in safety protocols and are CPR/First Aid certified. You can read lead teacher bios on the registration page.
What is your camper-to-staff ratio?
We maintain small group sizes to ensure every child receives attentive, caring supervision. Our ratio is typically 6:1
What should my child bring each day?
Please send your child with:
A packed lunch and snack in a backpackWater bottle
Comfortable clothes for messy play
Sandals acceptable for water play, messy play and hiking
Change of clothes in case bathing suit and small towel
We’ll send a detailed checklist before camp begins.
Do you provide snacks?
Campers should pack their own snacks but we will on occasion prepare healthy snacks with the children that could include fruit smoothies, popsicles or bread. Please let us know about any allergies or dietary needs.
What if my child has allergies?
We aim to create a safe environment for children who may have allergies to food, plants or insects. For that reason, our program is nut free and we are prepared to administer emergency epinephrine.
Is your program inclusive of all families and abilities?
We strive to create a kind, inclusive space where every child feels welcome and valued. We invite families to share any support needs so we can thoughtfully partner with you and help your child have a positive experience. Reach out so we can create a plan together. If your child has a special need that requires the assistance of a support person, we are willing to work with you. While we are not a therapeutic program we are happy to explore reasonable accommodations whenever possible.
We warmly welcome all families and do not discriminate based on race, religion, family structure, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Our community is built on respect, care, and belonging.
What is your illness policy?
To keep everyone healthy, we ask that children stay home if they are feeling unwell. We follow current health guidelines and communicate clearly if concerns arise.
What are your camp hours?
Camp runs from 9:00 to 3:00.
Can we switch weeks or cancel?
We understand plans change! If there is space in another week you may transfer at any time. Our full cancellation and refund policy is available on our registration page.
Will we receive updates or photos?
Yes! Families will receive periodic photo updates and glimpses into our magical camp days.
How do I reach you during camp?
You’ll receive a direct contact number and email for daily communication and any urgent needs.
Do you offer financial aid, discounts, or payment plans?
Yes! We’re happy to support families in a few different ways. We offer an early bird discount, reduced rates for registering for multiple weeks, and a sibling discount. We also provide three flexible payment plan options. All discounts and payment plans are available to select during checkout.
A Typical Day at Makers & Storytellers Summer Camp
9:00–9:30 — Arrival & Morning Welcome Circle
Campers arrive with backpacks and gather for a gentle morning circle. We sing songs, share intentions, and introduce the day’s nature theme or story spark. Children help load the materials wagon and prepare for the day’s adventures.
Focus: Belonging, transitions, social connection
9:30–10:30 — Park Exploration & Big Outdoor Play
We walk together to Prospect Park for free movement and discovery—climbing, running, building forest forts, collecting natural treasures, and inventing games. Counselors observe and follow children’s interests to spark imaginative group play.
Focus: Gross motor play, imagination, nature connection
10:30–11:30 — Makers Studio: Art, Craft, & Tinkering
Back at our outdoor base (or indoors on hot/rainy days), campers dive into process-based making:
Painting, sculpting, weaving, wearable art
Loose-parts construction and tinkering
Puppet-making, story props, or collaborative city-building
Children choose materials and explore ideas at their own pace.
Focus: Creativity, fine motor skills, confidence in making
11:30–12:00 — Green Magic Nature Discovery
Nature walks and sensory science explorations
Plant stories and folktale-inspired storytelling
Potion-making and mud kitchen play
Seasonal earth traditions inspired by cultures around the world with a special focus on the summer solstice
Focus: science, storytelling, and earth-based learning
12:00–12:45 — Lunch & Restful Social Time
Campers picnic together, chat with friends, and enjoy quiet rest, drawing, or reading. On hot days, we seek shade or return to the studio’s cool indoor space.
Focus: Nourishment, community, downtime
12:45–1:30 — Water Play & Cool-Down
On warm days, we splash in the backyard water tables, sprinklers, or Prospect Park splash pads. On cooler days, this becomes free creative play or cozy indoor building time.
Focus: Sensory regulation, joy, summer fun
1:30–2:30 — Imaginative Worlds & Collaborative Story Play
Children collaborate to invent stories, build worlds, create puppet shows, and perform songs. Educators scaffold group storytelling, dramatic play, and collaborative projects.
Focus: Narrative thinking, collaboration, leadership
2:30–3:00 — Closing Circle & Pack-Up
We reflect on the day, share stories and creations, sing closing songs, and pack up together. Children help gather materials, artwork, and the wagon—building responsibility and care for shared spaces.
Focus: Reflection, gratitude, closure
Weekly Rhythm & Special Moments
Each week evolves from children’s interests, so no two weeks (or days!) are the same.
Friday Salon-Style Sharing: Families are invited to a gentle group showing of stories, art, and collaborative projects from the week.
Indoor Studio Days: On rainy or very hot days, we move into Willow Nest Studio for light/shadow play, loose-parts building, crafting, and design.
Balance of Structure & Freedom
Our day has a predictable rhythm (circles, play, making, lunch, reflection) while allowing deep child-led exploration within each block. Children choose materials, shape stories, and follow their curiosity—with educator guidance and safety.
