Kestrel Camp

At Kestrel Camp our day begins by giving thanks together amongst the forest and the sky. After a few songs and silly movement games bring us further into our bodies, we split into smaller groups (packs) venturing further into the forests, streams and rocks.

The days are filled with nature-based games that expand our awareness, storytelling from skilled instructors and visiting elders, songs inspired by nature’s beauty, stream wanders that cool us down, exploring the forest and the Shawangunk Ridge, sculpting clay from the stream banks, looking for mysteries amongst logs and rocks, building forts and shelters in the leaves, wandering the caves and boulders.

At the end of the day, with cattail fluff in our pockets, our faces painted with mud (and charcoal) and smiles on our faces, we return to a large village-like circle where we share stories from our day.

Kestrel is where your child will:

• Play and explore the beautiful outdoors.
• Experience and practice a variety of wilderness skills and native technology.
• Practice awareness, quiet-mind, animal forms, curiosity, exploration, telling the story of the day, and gratitude.
• Face personal and group challenges tailored to build awareness, self-confidence, and group unity.

Kestrel Camp Testimonials

“Particularly impressive are the counselors and the calm, kind way things happen.”

“My children were in love with their experiences at camp; my son is very reticent to engage with groups of people and he told us that he wants to go to Wild Earth ‘for the rest of my life!’ I am so happy for them and look forward to future engagements with Wild Earth.”

“I believe that our child has had more fun in the woods of the Hudson Valley than anywhere else we have been. There is no camp like Wild Earth in our state.”

“I like that my daughter is outside all day and in the morning must think about packing appropriate clothes for her adventures. I like that she is given independence at camp to explore. She comes home tired, but is always happy to get up the next morning and go.”

“The counselors are amazing–whatever you’re doing to select and train them is working. They are the heart of the program.”

“The staff is terrific. I like the idea that the kids have room to roam in the woods and that the counselors are there to facilitate when the kids want to explore. I appreciate that there is a structure to the program, yet plenty of room for the kids and counselors to be creative.”

“I especially liked our child’s heightened awareness of the plants, animals, and elements around us. Now we have new games to play at home! And the twice daily tick checks and tick awareness emails were truly appreciated.”

Register now and reserve your space in Kestrel Camp today. Space is limited.

— More About Wild Earth Summer Camp —

At Wild Earth our goal is to build skills for connection, awareness, and self-confidence. We work hard to ensure that our camps are welcoming, exciting, and nurturing. Since 2004, our all-outdoor camps have provided nature immersion and adventures for children of all ages.

Using multigenerational mentoring, our experienced and inspiring adult and teen instructors guide the children in engaging earth-based activities, awareness games, experiential knowledge of plants and animals, natural craft, and story and song.

Gratitude and reverence for the earth, as well as fostering a vision of community based on mutual respect and acknowledgment are modeled and encouraged.

Campers are grouped (by age) in "packs" of 8-12 children. Each pack is guided by at least three of our skilled instructors who facilitate exploration and discovery on beautiful and magical forested land. Learn more on our Summer Camp FAQ page.

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