Spring Camp Frequently Asked Questions

Is Natureversity a licensed child care facility?

Natureversity Outdoor School is a nature based learning organization. Natureversity is not a state licensed child care facility and is not required to be state licensed as such due to the unique type, scope, and duration of programming that we offer.

Are your camp staff background checked? Are they trained in First Aid? Lifeguards?

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.

What emergency procedures are there in case of an accident or illness at camp?

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.

What is your spring camp cancellation policy?

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 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.

Are there scholarships for camp?

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

Are there sibling discounts for families?

Yes. We offer sibling discounts that apply immediately on registration of campers. 

If my child can’t attend, can I give their space to a friend or sibling?

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 however.

Can I switch my child's spring camp enrollment to another camp?

No. Unfortunately we cannot offer a transfer of camp tuition from our spring camp to any other camp.

Can my child be in the same group with his or her sibling or friends?

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, its not always possible. Groups are created by age. Groups are created a week before camp starts. 

My camper may have unique or additional needs - are your outdoor camps a good fit for them?

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.

What if my child is almost old enough for camp?

Your child must turn the minimum age for the camp within 30 days of the start of the camp. Unfortunately there are no exceptions to this rule.

Do you provide any snacks or lunches at camp?

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

Is there a fridge or cooler where lunches will be kept at day camps?

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.

Does the camp change activities from year to year?

Camp themes stay the same each year 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 natural artistry. 

What type of footwear should my camper have at camp?

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 shoes. Hiking boots are a great choice. 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. Please consider mud boots if there is rainy weather forecasted for the week of camp. 

How do you mitigate the heat and cold while outside at camp?

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. During spring camp its often colder than hot. However if the heat increases then we continuously maintain adequate hydration by drinking water at breaks, as well as thermoregulation through traveling and practicing our skills in the shady areas.

If there is colder weather we request you follow all the dress code policies around layering clothing and applying proper environmental layers such as warm headwear, gloves, scarves and rain jackets if needed. If rainy weather is forecasted consider mud boots and water resistance pants for the day. All our camps include some kind of fire making skills that campers use for warmth also. NOTE: If there is a burn ban in effect we will not be able to create fires inside the park grills. 

Do the kids swim at spring camp?

Often times at Spring Camp its still too cold for campers to swim. So 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. So when we get there the river is utilized as a way to keep cool and enjoy but more importantly its to help us facilitate the experience of camp. Catching fish, turtles, crawfish, watching water birds and collecting unique pigment rocks for our arts and crafts. Campers may enter the water but if its below 72 degrees outside we often do not enter the water past our shins. 

Im not sure if I purchased a knife for camp?

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.

Can I purchase a knife at camp?

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. NOTE: Knives are for ages 7-12 only at camp.

Will my kid get wet or dirty at camp?

YES! We cant 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.

Do you ever cancel camp due to bad weather?

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.

Do you have a lost and found?

Yes, but please remember to always label ALL your campers 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.

My child attended your summer camp and I am in need of your TAX ID number

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