Yes, all our staff, volunteers included, have been background checked as well as fingerprinted at a national level through IdentoGo and the Texas Department of Public Safety at a state level. In addition we also train all of our staff in Domestic & Sexual Abuse Awareness Training through TrainRight which is certified through the Texas Health and Human Services. Each of our staff are also trained as a Youth Development Professional that is certified by EOT (Expert Online Training). Our nature staff are also certified in both Basic & Wilderness First Aid as well as CPR through NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School). Finally, there is always one certified lifeguard with each group of campers each week of summer while at the river.

The staff at Natureversity are all trained in Wilderness First Aid and CPR. Camp directors are certified at the higher level of Wilderness First Responder. We follow an established medical policy and emergency procedure guide developed by multiple outdoor wilderness schools around the country. All camp counselors carry first aid kits at all times and a full first aid kit is on site for more serious injuries. If further medical assistance is required we will call the parent immediately. If necessary, we can take the student to the nearest clinic or hospital from the camp. Our on site camp directors always have the ability to call 911 or the school office for additional support or assistance.

If you cancel for ANY reason:

• 30 days or more prior to the camp starting date you will be given a full refund, minus a $75 registration fee.
• 14-29 days prior to the camp starting date, you will be given a 50% refund.
• 13 days or less prior to the camp starting date and once the camp has begun, there will be no refund.

If you are requesting to switch camps or weeks:

• 14 days or more prior to your current camp week – available at no charge if there is a spot open in your desired camp.
• 7-13 days prior to your current camp week – available for a $25 fee, if there is a spot open in your desired camp.
• 6 or less days prior to your current camp week – not available.

If your camper is sick or is unable to attend for any reason:

• Campers who do not attend camp may not make up missed days at future camps.
• Campers who miss camp entirely may not transfer tuition to any other weeks of camp or future camp dates.

Yes! We offer scholarships for qualifying families for up to 50% off of camp tuition. A minimum number of scholarships are available each summer and are given on a first-come first-serve basis.

Yes. We offer sibling discounts that apply immediately on registration of campers. However when camps are in “Priority” enrollment (Jan 1st – Mar 1st) and “Early Bid” enrollment (Mar 1st- June 1st) these automated discounts will NOT apply. 

Yes. If the space is paid for and unfilled – you can substitute another camper in that exact same camp for that exact same week. No camp substitutions or date changes are possible. Please see the next question below to switch camps or weeks of camp.

If you are requesting to switch camp weeks:

• 14 days or more prior to your current camp week – available at no charge if there is a spot open in your desired camp.
• 7-13 days prior to your current camp week – available for a $25 fee, if there is a spot open in your desired camp.
• 6 or less days prior to your current camp week – not available.

Feel free to add any requests during registration or simply reply to your registration email. While we do our best to accommodate friends and families, it’s not always possible. Groups are created by age. Groups are created a week before camp starts. 

We firmly believe that the outdoors is for everyone, and we do our best to accommodate all camper needs as best we can. We also acknowledge that sometimes we are not able to meet all the needs and requests for all our campers.

Many of our staff are passionate about supporting mental health, neurodivergence, and accessibility for our campers, however most are not specifically trained or licensed to provide additional care beyond the scope of Wilderness First Aid and CPR. Our counselors are in charge of the safety, well-being, and instruction of 8 campers at a time, and when situations arise in which spending a disproportionate amount of time tending to one camper’s needs may have a significant impact on the instructor’s ability to keep the rest of their group safe and engaged. In these situations, our staff will work with your family and camper to determine what adjustments we can make and whether our camp is the best fit for your camper.

One thing you can do to increase your camper’s chances of success at camp is to ensure that their medical information is complete when you register. This gives each camp’s director a chance to speak with you ahead of time about what you can expect, and how they may best support your camper. Please be as detailed as possible so we can prepare as best that we can.

In particular, younger children attending day camps may find themselves without some of the resources and routines that are vital to their well-being. We believe in cultivating independence, healthy risk-assessment skills, and social and emotional skills, and we know that camp is a great place to practice and explore these things. However, we admit that these challenges may not be appropriate for every camper. Please consult with your child and use your best judgment about signing up for our outdoor camps.

Your child must turn the minimum age for the camp within 30 days of the start of the program. No exceptions.

No, your camper will need to bring their own snacks and lunch to camp each day.

No, your child will need to carry all of their belongings in their backpack all day. Please take cooling methods and weight into consideration when packing.

Camp themes stay the same but the experiences and moments are never duplicated. Because we are in nature with the ever-changing seasons that are affected by weather, all kinds of things happen each week at camp that won’t happen or may happen again, but there’s no sure way to duplicate our camps week after week. Your camper can rest assured that each week of camp will include some of the following: fort building, fire making, tool crafting, water exploration, archery and nature arts & crafts.

Our best answer is shoes that are closed toed and comfortable that also can get wet and dirty. Our recommendation would be a keen type of shoe. Keens, Tevas, Chacos, etc. Hiking boots are hot in the summer so would not be recommended. Walking shoes/sneakers are great options, as well. Whatever feels comfortable to your camper is your best bet. But remember not to wear your best shoes to camp unless you want them to have a new muddy look to them.

Yes. Please be advised that we do not have any sealed indoor spaces with AC. Please see next question below for more. 

Safety is always our first priority at any of our programs so we take heat into consideration when doing all of our planning for camps. This includes ensuring kids are getting signed in and picked up in the shady parts of the park, making sure our game fields and activity stations are also in the shade and most importantly we are constantly ensuring that kids at camp drink plenty of water to make sure everyone stays hydrated and cool. The best part of these camps according to our campers is the giant river that cools them off during the day. Here is what one mother had to say:

“I signed up my twin 6-year old boys and was so worried about the heat but they came home that first day and couldn’t wait to go back. I asked ‘what about the heat?’ They replied, ‘we were in the river mom!’ I signed them up for 2 more weeks after seeing how well they were handling the heat and how much they loved the camp”  – Janice T.

We do not swim per se, we more extremely wade in the water, explore up and down the river walking in usually shin-deep water. The goal for camp is to go to the river to enjoy the ecology of the water and atmosphere of the river rather than to swim. The river is utilized as a way to keep cool and enjoy but more importantly it’s to help us facilitate the experience of camp such as: catching fish, turtles, crawfish, watching water birds, collecting shells, rocks and other natural treasures along our journey.

You can always visit this link: https://www.hisawyer.com/account/orders
to see your order history and see what add ons you may or may not have purchased.

Yes! We always have extra knives on hand for campers at camp. Each knife is $20 and can be paid through your account on Sawyer or cash is also fine. 

YES! We can’t stress this enough. In fact, it would be a great idea to bring a towel, trash bag, and a change of clothes for after camp.

Although we run our camps in rain or shine, we will cancel or possibly have a delayed start to camp in cases of severe/dangerous weather (i.e. tornado warnings, flash flood warnings, etc.). If camp is to be canceled/postponed we will email and text the primary contact on your account. If heat index hits 120 degrees fahrenheit we will cancel camp for the day. 

Yes, but please remember to always label ALL your camper’s belongings with a first and last name. Items left at camp will remain with the Camp Director until the end of the week. We will hold camp items for two week after your child’s week of camp. If you believe your child has lost something at camp after your camp week has concluded, please contact info@natureversity.org with the dates and location of the camp your child attended, and a description of the item in question. We have very limited space for holding lost and found items, so all unclaimed items still with us two weeks after the end of your child’s camp week will be donated.

Our TAX ID is 83-2020295 and it is printed on your summer camp receipt as well.