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The 2025 season of the Elizabeth May Duvall Foundation Nature Grows Kids Camp has officially wrapped up and what a fantastic week it was! Nearly 80 children joined us at the Redwood Hill Preserve to explore, learn, and connect with the natural world through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences.

Campers rotated through activities that immersed them in environmental topics including water quality and the water cycle, pollination, composting, seed propagation, food webs, nature-based art, and more. With the guidance of our dedicated volunteers and educators, these young explorers experienced the joy of discovery while building a deeper appreciation for nature.

Returning parent Kalie Vidales shared just how meaningful this program has been for her family:

“This was our second year at camp. Both years were such a special experience for our children. From our littlest to our biggest, our kids found a place in nature with hands-on activities and education that left them wanting to know more. Each day they came home telling us how we could better steward and protect the world around us. The planning of this camp is so intentional that no matter how your child learns best, they will walk away impacted by the kind leaders of this program and with a heart beating for the beauty of nature.”

The Nature Grows Kids Camp is made possible by the generosity of donors and business sponsors, who allow us to offer this incredible program completely free of charge to all participating families. While it costs approximately $125 per camper to run the program, the support of our community ensures that no child is turned away from this opportunity to grow and learn in nature.

One of our business partners, United Professional Benefits, shared why they continue to support this program:

“At United Professional Benefits, we believe that investing in education, especially programs that connect children with nature, is one of the most impactful contributions we can make. Supporting IRLC’s Nature Grows Kids Camp aligns with our values of community, sustainability, and lifelong learning. Watching young minds engage with topics like water quality, pollination, and environmental stewardship reminds us why it’s so important to keep the wonder alive for future generations.”

We are deeply grateful to the many businesses and organizations whose support made this year’s camp possible, including:

Elizabeth May Duvall Foundation, Cross Island Farms, The Enchanted Edible Forest, Stewarts Shops, JKS Roadhouse, Art’s Jug, GYMO Architecture Engineering & Land Surveying, United Professional Benefits, Clipper Inn Restaurant & Lounge, RBC Wealth Management, Vintage Doors / YesterYear’s, Carthage Area Hospital, Bella’s Dining on the St. Lawrence, Corner Market of Theresa, Dale Industries Marine Parts & Accessories, All Pest, and Stout’s Ready Mix LTD.

Thanks to their support, and yours, we are able to Keep the Wonder Alive and honor the legacy of Elizabeth May Duvall, who believed deeply in the power of nature to inspire and educate young minds.

Thank you again to all our campers, families, volunteers, and sponsors for another unforgettable year!

Let’s keep the wonder alive. Let’s keep living like Liz.