The 2026 Nature Camp marked the ninth year that the Kelleys Island School & Field Station has hosted its Nature Camp program for children ages 4–12. This season also marked a very special milestone—the first group of campers who began attending at age four officially aged out of the program and became our very first Nature Camp Graduates.
Watching these campers grow from curious preschoolers into confident young naturalists has been one of the greatest joys of leading this program. It has been an honor to share so many summers of exploration with them and their families, and we are incredibly proud of each of our graduates.
This year’s theme, “Sky to Shore,” introduced campers to the incredible diversity of the natural world through hands-on experiences in birding, marine debris, weather, kayaking, trees, water quality, and wildlife.
We were fortunate to partner with an outstanding group of educators and organizations who helped make every day exciting and memorable. The Toledo Zoo introduced campers to animal adaptations using furs and animal skins while encouraging them to compare their own speed, strength, and jumping abilities to those of wildlife. Mike Hensley from Erie MetroParks led an engaging birding adventure, teaching campers how to identify birds and record their observations on personal bird checklists. Cleveland Fox 8 visited to teach weather science while filming campers as they learned how weather influences wildlife and the environment. The Ohio Division of Forestry shared the importance of trees, teaching campers how to identify common species and understand their role in healthy ecosystems. Cleveland Water led an interactive program focused on water quality and marine debris, helping campers understand the importance of protecting Lake Erie. Campers also enjoyed kayaking adventures and plenty of time swimming and enjoying the beauty of Kelleys Island.
None of this would be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and donors. We extend our sincere appreciation to June Campbell, the Carter Family, the University of Findlay, JDM, Bad Day Training, Western Reserve Land Conservancy, Adohr Corp, Penny Plus Store, Bobbie Jo & Chris Kipfer, Kyle & Jerry Yoest, Hancock-Wood Electric, Tom & Paula Bartlett, the Kelleys Island Landowners Association, Alexi Panehal, PIB Island Transportation, and Hancock-Wood Electric for investing in outdoor education and helping make Nature Camp possible.
I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Kelleys Island School administration, the island community, our wonderful campers and their families, and the many volunteers who gave their time and talents throughout the week.
A very special thank you goes to our incredible Nature Camp Crew—Jodie Smith, Hannah Kulka, and Katie Schuler. Their enthusiasm, dedication, teamwork, and genuine care for every camper helped make this one of our best Nature Camp seasons yet. I am grateful to work alongside such an outstanding team.
As one camp season comes to a close, we are already looking ahead to Nature Camp 2027. We can’t wait to welcome returning campers, meet new families, and continue inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.
Thank you for helping make Nature Camp such a meaningful tradition on Kelleys Island. We look forward to seeing you throughout the coming year!
