Experiencing a sense of achievement is a common sentiment among newcomers to Camp Woodend’s backpacking program.
“I was incredibly proud of them,” remarks Brenna Houck, the Youth Programs Director at Nature Forward, reflecting on last year’s adventure group. “They faced challenging weather and successfully trekked nearly ten miles over the span of three days.”
Participants in grades seven through nine learned essential skills like carrying their own equipment, organizing their supplies, and providing mutual support as they journeyed from Washington Monument State Park to Harpers Ferry.
The Impact of Nature on Youth Development
Such experiences of growth underscore a well-known truth among the Nature Forward team: outdoor activities offer significant advantages for young individuals. Studies indicate that children who frequently engage with natural environments tend to experience lower levels of stress and anxiety, enhanced concentration, and improved creative thinking. Participating in physical activities in nature helps foster healthy habits, while interactive environmental learning nurtures critical thinking and ecological awareness.
Equally important, youth who spend time outdoors establish enduring connections to the environment, which lays the groundwork for future environmental stewardship. In today’s increasingly digital world, outdoor adventures enable kids to cultivate resilience, self-assurance, and an appreciation for the natural surroundings they will one day inherit.
Jack Thibault, a naturalist and former camper at Woodend Nature Sanctuary, has witnessed these transformative effects personally. “Camp equipped me with the confidence to backpack with friends as I grew older,” Jack shares. “However, the skills I’ve gained extend beyond outdoor pursuits—they encompass planning, responsibility, independence, and a passion for challenges.”
Nature Experiences Tailored for All Ages
At Woodend, younger campers have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in nature, with the sanctuary adjacent to Rock Creek Park. Visitors to the camp can observe children constructing bug hotels, investigating creek ecosystems, and exploring forest habitats. Programs like Eco Explorers and El Mundo de Pájaros, designed for first and second graders, incorporate vocabulary lessons in both English and Spanish alongside engaging environmental activities.
Parents frequently express how Camp Woodend cultivates a passion for nature in their children. One family noted that their camper delighted in creating leaf impressions and exploring the garden, while another reported that their elementary-aged kids thoroughly enjoyed the Nature Play Space, where they could explore a large wooden sculpture of a thrush.
“There truly is something for everyone at Camp Woodend,” Brenna emphasizes. “Our programs blend high-quality environmental science education with traditional camp enjoyment.”
All camps are led by skilled environmental educators, ensuring a favorable child-to-teacher ratio of 8:1. Activities range from tracking animal prints to preparing meals from the produce harvested from the Children’s Garden and even visiting the National Zoo.
Become a Part of the Camp Woodend Community
Brenna invites parents to explore the 2026 Camp Woodend Catalog prior to registration opening on January 22 at 10:00 AM. Families can also meet the Camp Woodend team at the Summer Camp Fair, taking place at Piney Branch Elementary School on February 3.
Throughout the year, additional camp opportunities are available, including school-year camps, a Winter Mini Camp in February, and a Spring Break Camp in late March.
By choosing to invest in outdoor education, parents offer their children more than just a seasonal activity—they provide experiences that nurture environmental consciousness, promote personal development, and create lasting memories of exploration and adventure in nature.
Disclaimer
This content reflects general information and perspectives regarding the benefits of outdoor education at Camp Woodend. Individual experiences and outcomes may vary. No guarantees of specific results are implied.
