Registration for all remaining summer camp spots is now available online.
- All campers must be fully self toileting, the correct age for the camp, and have no medical or behavioral issues that would prevent full participation in The Mayapple School’s summer camps. Campers should be able to separate from parents with minimal or no distress and be interested in playing and learning in a group setting (no “runners” should be enrolled).
- A number of scholarship spots are reserved for children from families who demonstrate financial need at the discretion of The Mayapple School Board.
- All camps are drop off camps (parents do not stay with children).
- While no two camps are alike, all Mayapple School camps are designed to foster connection to the land and a sense of belonging. Through farm experiences, adventuring and exploration, or creative projects, our nature-rich camps renew campers’ love and excitement for the outdoors. All camps are outdoor camps.
- Register online here.
COVID-19 risk mitigation procedures are currently in effect at The Mayapple School. COVID-19 risk mitigation procedures will be updated as the changing situation requires, and policies will be sent before summer camp begins.
Refund Policy:
- Refund requests made more than 6 weeks prior to the start date of camp are subject to a 20% fee per session of camp.
- Refund requests made 4-6 weeks prior to the start date of camp are subject to 40% fee per session of camp.
- Refund requests made with 2-4 weeks notice prior to the start date of camp are subject to a 60% fee per session of camp.
- Refund requests made with less than 2 weeks of prior notice will not be granted.
Scholarship Application:
Please find out your family’s income as a percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) here . Limited scholarships are available and generally adhere to the following parameters:
- 0 – 185% of the FPL (full scholarship).
- 186 – 205% of the FPL (greatly reduced fee scholarship)
- 206 – 225% of the FPL (partially reduced fee scholarship)
You will receive a decision about your scholarship award within 6 weeks of your application. Please email Jenna Booth at themayappleschool@gmail.com if you have questions about scholarships.
Camps at a Glance:
| Dates and Times of Camp | Name | Ages of Campers | Full Cost |
| May 30 – June 2 8:45 am – 3:45 pm | Outdoor Engineers at Izaak Walton League, Christiansburg | 7 – 10 | $250 |
| June 5 – 9 8:45 am – 3:45 pm | Animal Adventures at Glade Church and Heritage Park, Blacksburg | 6 – 9 | $310 |
| June 19 – 23 9 am – 12 pm | Fairies and Gnomes at The Mayapple School | 3 – 6 | $140 |
| June 26 – 29 8:45 am – 1 pm | Dairy Camp at Keffer Dairy (Sinking Creek Valley, Craig County) | 4 – 7 | $150 |
| July 10 – 14 8:45 am – 3:45 pm | Yes! Paint! at The Mayapple School | 6 – 9 | $320 |
| July 17 – 21 8:45 am – 3:45 pm | Caves and Waterfalls 4 days at The Mayapple School 1 day at Falls Ridge | 4 – 7 | $310 |
| CANCELLED | Science Lab at The Mayapple School | 3 – 6 | $330 |
| July 31 – August 4 8:45 am – 12:45 pm | Mini Animal Adventures 3 days at The Mayapple School 2 days at Price Park | 5-8 | $175 |
| August 9 – 11 8:45 am – 11:45 am | Mini Mayapplings at The Mayapple School | 2 years 9 months – 4 years 9 months | $90 |
Continue for descriptions of all camps.
Outdoor Engineers
Young architects, engineers, and makers will build structures and solve problems during four STEAM-filled days. Campers will experiment with simple machines, solve problems using unlikely materials, and practice team work. We’ll look at how fire works, experiment with the properties of water, earth, and wind. Pulleys and ramps, levers and fulcrums, robotic mice, shoes made out of newspaper, magnets, circuit boards, team building games, or a little bit of paint could make an appearance at this camp.
This camp is held rain or shine at the club house and surrounding grounds of Izaak Walton League in Christiansburg. Archery and target practices are not included as activities at this camp. In cases of very heavy or all-day rain, or for specific projects, up to 1/3 of the day may be held indoors. Please provide a morning snack and lunch for your child. The Mayapple School will provide an afternoon snack.
Animal Adventures
Each day, campers will inhabit the world of a different animal through dramatic play and games that hone special animal skills. Our adventures will straddle the line between appreciation of the real and delight in the imaginary as we make maps, build animal homes, and participate in art and story. We’ll hone our tracking skills as we look for and learn about animals and their signs.
This camp is held rain or shine from our base at Glade Church, In cases of very heavy or all-day rain, or for specific projects, up to 1/3 of the day may be held indoors. Please provide a morning snack and lunch for your child. The Mayapple School will provide an afternoon snack.
Fairies and Gnomes: Nature Fantasy Camp
The natural world glimmers with magic and fantasy at this summer camp where it’s all about fairies and gnomes! Children will participates in themed read alouds, storytelling, and dramatic play. We’ll also play with size and scale as we make maps of fairyland and build gnome houses. We’ll mix up magic potions, work in the garden, and create art while exploring The Mayapple School’s outdoor classroom and woodland area. This outdoor camp is held rain or shine. Campers should bring their own snack.
Dairy Camp
Experience life on a working dairy in the Sinking Creek Valley of Craig County at the Keffer Dairy, a three-generation farm. Campers will learn about farm animals and crops, insect pollinators, and farm machines from experienced farmers and educators. We’ll take tractor wagon rides, make ice cream, and play games, too! This year, Keffer Dairy will offer early drop off for one day (date TBD) at 8 am so campers can see the milking process. This outdoor camp is held rain or shine. Campers should bring their own snack and lunch. This camp is not recommended for campers with a dairy allergy.
Yes! Paint!
At this art-filled camp, painting is just the beginning. Young artists will experiment with design and color in the world of painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, photography, and constructing in order to bring their creative visions to life. Along the way, we’ll adventure on some nature explorations to inspire us and play games to hone our visual skills. Let’s experience summer fun while taking our love of arts and crafts to the next level!
Like all of our camps, we will spend at least part of the day outdoors, rain or shine, so come prepared for the weather. Campers should bring a morning snack and a lunch. Afternoon snack is provided by The Mayapple School.
Caves and Waterfalls
We will begin the week at The Mayapple School learning about the animals that inhabit the unique ecosystems of caves and waterfalls. Using beginning engineering skills, students will also create their own “waterfalls” using pipes, gutters, clear sheeting, funnels, and other loose parts. Later in the week, we’ll enjoy a full day at Falls Ridge Preserve, viewing the waterfall and exploring small caves along a one mile hiking loop. Other activities include making our own “stalactites,” making and using our own water slide, and learning about erosion.
Like all of our camps, we will spend at least part of the day outdoors, rain or shine, so come prepared for the weather. Campers should bring a morning snack and a lunch. Afternoon snack is provided by The Mayapple School.
Science Lab – CANCELLED
Every day holds a new opportunity to explore science demonstrations and experiments. In this hands-on camp, budding scientists will use the power of the sun to make art, build and cook over a fire, make their own musical instruments, and experiment with wheels, gravity, magnetism, and more. Ask “why” as much as you like, and try to find the answers! Bring a bicycle, ride-on, scooter, or tricycle with helmet on our “wheels” day and ride on a short bicycle path above the school.
Like all of our camps, we will spend at least part of the day outdoors, rain or shine, so come prepared for the weather. Campers should bring a morning snack and a lunch. Afternoon snack is provided by The Mayapple School.
Mini Animal Adventures
In this outdoor camp, campers will inhabit the world of a different animal through dramatic play and games that hone special animal skills. Our adventures will straddle the line between appreciation of the real and delight in the imaginary as we make maps, build animal homes, and participate in art and story. We’ll hone our tracking skills as we look for and learn about animals and their signs.
This week, we’ll enjoy two days at Price Park, where we will take an aquatic lens to our animal adventures. Our field trip days to Price Park will begin and end at Price Park, where you will be picking up and dropping off your child. The Mayapple School does not transport children. These days will be chosen by the end of the first camp day (Monday) based on the weather forecast. Please provide a morning snack and lunch for your child each day.
Mini Mayapplings
This camp, held over three consecutive mornings, is perfect for our youngest campers ready to have one of their very first experiences in a group setting. Come experience nature play, songs and games, read-alouds, parachute play, and art projects at this all-outdoor camp. Parents should provide a morning snack.