Rapp Nature Camp

Our mission is to allow individuals, especially children, to discover for themselves the wonder and beauty of the natural world, and to understand what it means to be a part of a community of living things.

Nature Lessons are Life Lessons

At Rapp Nature Camp, campers of all ages learn the names and habitats of some Rappahannock resident plants and animals, but that’s just the beginning!

We engage in projects based on our own experiences and observations at camp.

We enjoy discovery and magic each day.

We take the time to create individual Quiet Spots to look, listen, and think with the natural world surrounding us.

We all are musicians and artists.

We tell a unique story of each day, reflecting on our journey.

We create a community of wonder, mutual respect, and joy in nature.

We share what we have learned.

Rapp Nature Camp has provided a unique camp experience to children for 39 years.  Every weekly summer day camp session is open to campers ages 8 to 16, and any camper may attend any number of sessions.  No two weeks are alike.  Summer day camp will run weekly June 9-July 4, 2025.  We also hold a series of outings to area natural treasures in the spring and fall for adults—our “Perennial Campers!”  Read about our educational program at www.rappnaturecamp.org. We can also be found on Facebook @rappahannocknaturecamp.  Adult nature retreats for special groups are available upon request.

We are grateful for our past donors who have seen us successfully into our 40th year.  Camp does have some financial need in order to continue in good health.   We offer subsidized tuition rates for campers to keep camp affordable and accessible, and we offer generous scholarships.  We estimate that the actual cost per camper of Camp is more than three times our tuition.  This means that any donation you can make to Camp, large or small, will make a big difference in keeping Camp going, and with it the special discoveries, connections, and nature lessons that reverberate in our lives and communities.

Thank you for being a part of the Rappahannock Nature Camp circle!  May it never end.

Testimonials

"As I sit here during Quiet Time listening, I listen very closely. What do I hear? The whisper of the trees, the talking river. We think we have better things to do, but if you listen, you will hear a story never heard before. The river has conversations with the breeze. Listen for a long time and become part of the forest. Then you will say to yourself, "I should've started listening a long time ago!" -- camper, C.H., age 12

"At Nature Camp my sense of wonder was encouraged and rewarded. I learned many facts about the animals and plants and atmosphere around me. More importantly, though, I learned how to respect, protect and be a part of the natural world that existed long before me and will continue to exist long after I'm gone." -- Erin Platt, former camper, parent of camper, and current board member

"As we have always known, you offer two weeks of potentially life-changing magic by helping young people to see the world around them in a very different way. Thanks for all you do. You have really touched the lives of so many children." -- Beth Hilscher, parent of 2 former campers