Campers will explore all aspects of the Stamford Museum & Nature Center in this hands-on, exciting camp. From Heckscher Farm and our nature trails to streams and ponds, campers will work with animals, plant in our garden, study vernal pool amphibians, and more. Each session will consist of a mix of field studies, farm experiences, live animal interaction, arts and crafts, and nature exploration specially designed to get older campers excited about the outdoors.

Junior WILD! Keepers was established in 2015, with the opening of our Heckscher WILD! exotic animal exhibit. Similar to the Junior Curator program, WILD! Keepers gives participants ages 10-13 hands-on experience in the care, feeding, and enrichment of our exotic teaching animals, from chinchillas to lizards. Upon completion of this class, participants are eligible to volunteer with the animals in the Heckscher WILD! exhibit.

This season marks the 45th year the equestrian farm is offering the Summer Horsemanship Program, a summer camp for area youngsters which offers unique opportunities to learn from qualified instructors. The children’s day consists of approximately one hour to one and half hours of formal horseback riding lessons. Following the ring instruction, the children will have either stable management class or participate in arts and crafts activities. Children will also enjoy swimming and fun by the pool at the end of each day. Stable management focuses on horse care, maintenance, grooming, and horse anatomy. Stepping Stone Farm will utilize both outdoor riding rings for the summer of 2019. Riders will use the two indoor rings during inclement weather.

These popular day camps for ages 6-12 feature a different science theme each day. Hands-on activities will keep campers smiling and engaged with projects, experiments, games, and supervised time in our amazing galleries.

Our newly-formatted caregiver/child classes provide age-appropriate opportunities to explore the season through art projects, live animal visits, sensory experiences, stories, and more! Now held in the larger classroom in Heckscher Barn, we’ll have more room for fun and exploration but still keeping our small group atmosphere and toddler-friendly atmosphere. Weekly themes will reflect seasonal happenings on the farm and in the forest, so we’ll explore summer veggies in the garden, water! Please note, siblings who are in a baby carrier on a caregiver are welcome, but please make arrangements for any other siblings. Class size is limited to 8 children.