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  • Type:
    Day camp
  • Focus:
    Photography
  • Cost:
    $300/week
  • Ages:
    8 to 12
  • Gender:
    Coed
  • Main language:
    English
  • Capacity:
    25 to 30
  • Programs:
    0 available; 2 TBD
  • Reviews:
Request more info
  • Overview

    Here's what makes Focus on Nature stand out

    Focus on Nature is a registered charity that inspires young people to explore and connect with nature through photography. We conduct workshops in schools and day camps in the summer and during March Break. Throughout our summer camps, children will learn the technical skills to shoot and edit great photos while also exploring nature in a safe environment. The particular value of photography in enhancing the child-nature connection is its relevance to today’s digitally savvy youth, its capacity to enhance the excitement of nature experiences, and the opportunities it allows for sharing both nature appreciation and creative expression with others. We envision a world where our connections to nature create a healthy, flourishing planet.

    • Special needs: Yes, mild support.
      A few of our campers have special needs.
    • LGBTQ+ friendly community

  • Programs, Rates & Dates

    Programs and Sessions Calendar

    Focus on Nature is one of the few photography camps that specialize in bringing children outside and growing their passion for nature. We teach them how to edit their photos, how to take macro photography, as well as other photography styles. Children are allowed to explore their creative freedom in a safe environment where we can help grow and nurture their curiosity for nature and the environment. We have found positive feedback from teachers and parents who have been given the opportunity to have their students participate in our program, especially around their confidence, creativity, and physical health.


    Choose the right programs and sessions for your child; Focus on Nature currently has 0 program available; 2 TBD.

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    Choose location:

    Name
    Type/Gender
    Specialty
    Location
    Date
    Bus
     Cost
    Email
    Day Camp
    Coed
    Ages: 8 - 12
    Photography, Nature/Environment
    $256 to $425
    Guelph, ON
    200 Arboretum Rd
    Date TBDCost TBD
    Cambridge, ON
    640 Ellis Road
    Date TBDCost TBD
    Wilderness Skills|Arts & Crafts|Drawing|Mixed Media|Painting|Photography|Technology|Nature/Environment|Reading|Animals|STEAM|Hiking
    Day Camp
    Coed
    Ages: 8 - 12
    Photography, Nature/Environment
    $240 to $425
    Wilderness Skills|Arts & Crafts|Drawing|Mixed Media|Painting|Photography|Technology|Nature/Environment|Reading|Animals|STEAM|Flag Football|Hiking



    Registration Details

    We open our registration near the beginning of January for the upcoming camp season. Registration is not confirmed until payment is received. Please include an early drop-off or late pickup fee of $5 per half-hour if required. If payment is not received one month before camp and there are campers waiting on the waitlist then your spot will be forfeited to the next person on the waitlist. All spots are first come first serve, and you will be informed if you are on the waitlist and your position in line. We will refund fees in full up to 30 days before camp starts. After that, we can still refund if we have a camper on a waiting list.

  • Reviews & Insider Perspectives

    The Our Kids review of Focus on Nature

    our take

    Campers and parents alike praise the positive impact of Focus on Nature camps, emphasizing its blend of artistic education, nature exploration, and personal growth. Indeed, Focus on Nature stands out for its mission to inspire young people to connect with nature through photography. In a world increasingly oriented towards digital technology, the camp successfully merges the excitement of being in nature with the creative possibilities of photography. Children don't just learn to capture images, but also to view the natural world through a new lens, developing skills in macro photography and other styles while exploring their creative freedom. The camp's approach is inclusive, catering to campers with mild special needs and fostering a supportive environment for all. The staff, trained in first aid and CPR, ensure a safe setting for every participant. Activities at Focus on Nature extend beyond the camera. Campers engage in guided photo walks, outdoor games, and nature-themed crafts, alongside learning photo editing skills. Equipped with cameras and laptops, they create a final slideshow of their work, encapsulating their experiences and learnings at the camp.


    More reviews of Focus on Nature

    Natalie, Parent of Camper in 2023, Parent

    March Break Camp Review

    Read review

    -Arrandaelli, Parent of Camper in 2022, Parent

    Guelph Arboretum Review

    Read review

    Jordan, Teacher 2023, Parent

    Workshop Review

    Read review

    Parent of Camper 2024, Parent

    100 out of 10!

    Read review

    Parent of Camper 2024, Parent

    Great Week!

    Read review

    Aliyah, 2023, Camper

    Student Review

    Read review

    Chloe, 2023, Camper

    Camper Review

    Read review

    More reviews of Focus on Nature


    Natalie, Parent of Camper in 2023, Parent

    March Break Camp Review

    “My son has just completed 2 days of the March Break camp at the Arboretum and absolutely loving it! Thanks for making this camp so wonderful for the kids! ”


    -Arrandaelli, Parent of Camper in 2022, Parent

    Guelph Arboretum Review

    “The camp was an amazing experience for my child. She loved every minute!”


    Jordan, Teacher 2023, Parent

    Workshop Review

    "This was a wonderful program and got even my most resistant children engaged and focused on a creative task. It helped them to see the elements of design in a concrete way and introduced artistic language that we can now use in the program. It also allowed us to have 1:1 tech so every child could work at once, something that is not possible otherwise. Best of all, they had fun and found joy in art and nature. ... Show More


    Parent of Camper 2024, Parent

    100 out of 10!

    Our kids had a fabulous time. Each day they rated it 100 out of 10.


    Parent of Camper 2024, Parent

    Great Week!

    It was a great week. My child had a great time. Learned more about nature. Made new friends. Even the rainy days were fun.


    Aliyah, 2023, Camper

    Student Review

    "I really liked taking photos of the nature that I usually overlook. I enjoyed going to the park and seeing all the cool flowers, geese and snails."


    Chloe, 2023, Camper

    Camper Review

    "I liked that we learned a lot more about nature and about how to use cameras. I liked how if we needed help they would help us. I also enjoyed how we didn't just stay in one spot we moved around to get new photos. They were also really nice and respectful. ... Show More


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  • Gallery

    Focus on Nature - profile photo

    Video Gallery

  • Meet the Staff

    Director's Message

    Hello,

    Focus on Nature is a registered charity operating in Southern Ontario that inspires young people to explore and connect with nature through photography. We conduct workshops in schools and day camps in the summer and during March Break.

    We envision a world where our connections to nature create a healthy, flourishing plan... Read more



    Staff and Counsellors

    We have a high standard for our staff, who undergo a rigorous selection process. All of our camp counselors and coordinators pass a police check for the vulnerable sector. We also ensure that they all complete their first aid training and CPR level C training as well. Additionally, all of our staff go through difficult behavior training, inclusive facilitation at camp, equity and inclusion training, AODA, and OHRC certification before the start of camp. Our camp coordinators also go through specialized training around working with campers who use communication devices at camp to help provide the best experience possible for everyone.

  • Location & Operations

    Address

    Guelph, ON
    200 Arboretum Rd, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1
    Hamilton, ON
    77 King Street West, Stoney Creek, Ontario, L8G 5E5
    Oakville, ON
    1086 Burnhamthorpe Rd East, Oakville, Ontario, L6H 7B2
    Waterloo, ON
    500 Parkside Drive, Waterloo, N2L 5J4
    Cambridge, ON
    640 Ellis Road, Cambridge, N3C 4N1



    Property Details

    Landscape

    • Forested Area
    • Lake/Pond/River
    • Nature Trails
    • Open Field

    More details about property: Surrounding nature varies on camp location and week selected.



    Accommodations

    Washrooms Facilities

    • Flush Toilets

    Is Focus on Nature technology free? Campers will be using laptops and cameras provided by us. Our laptops will not have access to the internet and are only used for photo editing. Campers are welcome to bring their own digital cameras if they desire to camp.



    Rentals & Services

    Offers outdoor education program for schools or corporate groups: Yes
    The Focus on Nature workshop is a full-day experience with a focus on teaching visual design skills and nature appreciation in a dynamic format. Designed to align with the Ontario Arts Curriculum, our workshops have been well received in classes from grades 3 to 11, including specialty art programs. Focus on Nature provides the technology needed to complete the workshop in hopes that every school is able to participate. If your school uses Google Classroom, we ask that each student have a Chromebook for the editing session. Thanks to government, business, and community support, we can offer our workshops to classes of up to 30 students for $360. We start with an interactive talk covering the Elements of Design, composition ideas, and the basics of using a digital camera. Students are then given the opportunity to practice what they learn on a morning adventure walk to a nearby natural area. Our program leaders guide students in nature awareness and sensory activities. In the afternoon, students are taught how to edit their photos and are engaged in creative outdoor activities, such as building nature sculptures. The students share their best shots with the class in an end-of-day slideshow! We leave each class with their Top Shots and a newfound appreciation for nature.

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