Kids thrive when they get to be in nature and immersed in play. So we gather together to do just that!
We’ll meet at several child-friendly outdoor locations in Bellingham, WA to play and explore. Our summer camps include structured activities and adventures, as well as time for open-ended play. We’re outside all day, every day! On any day we are likely to: hike, run, dig, climb on rocks or logs, watch clouds, tell and read stories, bushwhack, build shelters, make art, explore new trails, play group games, problem solve, try something new, build trust and connection with each other, and learn about plants and critters we encounter along our way.
Our camps are open to kids ages 4—12 years. There are opportunities for both mixed-age and age-specific activities and adventures during each day. Group size is limited to 14 participants/day with a 1:4 adult to child ratio.
REGISTRATION IS CLOSED FOR SUMMER CAMP 2024
Monday-Thursdays, 10am-3pm
Session 1: Adventures in Art, Nature, and Storytelling
June 24-27 & July 1-4
Ages 4~10
Session 2: Adventures in Play
July 8-11 & July 15-18
Ages 6~11
Session 3: Adventures in Play
July 22-25
& July 29-Aug. 1
Ages 6~11
Session 4: Adventures in Hiking
Aug. 5-8
Ages 6-12
PLEASE NOTE:
Each session requires a $50 non-refundable deposit
$50 discount if registering a sibling
(one discount per family)9am drop-off option available
($75/week for first child, +$18/week per sibling)
ADVENTURES IN ART & PLAY
EXAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE
10-10:30am: Arrive / Open Play
10:30-11am: Morning Hello / Group Game
11am-12:15pm: Group Hike or Activity / Open Play
12:15-1:15pm: Lunch / Story Time / Rest
1:15-2:45pm: Art Project / Open Play / Small Group Exploration
2:45-3pm: Closing Circle / Group Share
3pm: Parent/Guardian Pick-Up
MEET OUR SUMMER 2024 FACILITATORS
REN SKOLNIK
LEAD FACILITATOR
As a kid you could find Ren in the backyard... picking flowers, singing, talking to faeries, and rolling around on the Earth. As an adult, you’ll still find them rolling around outdoors.
Ren is returning to the Play Project! To explore the wonder and awe they find in nature and shared experiences with children. They have 4+ years of experience working in private childcare and summer camps with ages 2-15. Ren studied ecology and embodied movement at Fairhaven College and draws from these knowledge bases when engaging with kids.
RUBY ROEBUCK
LEAD FACILITATOR
Ruby (BA, CYT, they/them) is a recent graduate of Fairhaven College. They wrote their concentration in Social Justice and Education and Politicized Somatic Healing. Ruby is certified in a 200-hour mindfulness, social emotional learning, and yoga teacher training. They are passionate about collective care, food justice, and supporting future generations to experience healthy culture, earth connection, and liberation.
TILLY BISHOP
LEAD FACILITATOR
Tilly (she/they) loves to make a silly face and marvel at the many functions of mud. She’s a current student of Fairhaven College minoring in Social Justice and Education and Salish Sea Studies. Tilly loves summer camps, the feeling of the sun on a day of fun, and making animal noises. Tilly is excited to learn about this beautiful place and play in it with campers!
KELSEY MALONEY
PROGRAM DIRECTOR AND FACILITATOR
Kelsey (she/her) founded The Play Project in 2021. Her favorite parts of camp include: lunch story time, skits, and watching kids grow their confidence and comfort in nature. Not to mention wading into the warm waters of mud bay looking for sand dollars.
She’s worked with kids since she was a teenager—at summer camps and environmental education centers across the US and Australia.
ALYSON GREENE MAY
GUEST FACILITATOR
Alyson loves to pet plants, track slugs, muck around in mud, and attune with the moon. She brings a history of designing and guiding kids’ (and grown ups’) experiential adventures in nature—from creative nature camps and nature-discovery games to wilderness hiking trips and whispery nighttime nature walks. She completed a Masters of Education (M.Ed.) in environmental education at WWU (emphasis in inspiring folks to deepen their relationships with the natural world via presence, exploration, and creative expression). She’s excited to be immersed in mystery and fun this summer, as we explore, discover, and play together in the wilds.
AIDAN MALONEY
COUNSELOR IN TRAINING
Aidan is a soon to be sophomore at Bellingham High School. He worked at the Play Project in 2021 and 2022 as a junior apprentice. During those summers, he loved exploring the Mud Bay caves, climbing to hilltop views in small groups, and playing games! Aidan loves exploring outside, rock climbing, and skiing. He is looking forward to another fun summer!