Making with Nature Camp Guide

Pick-up & Drop-off

Our days will begin at 9am and run until 12pm. Please drop-off your child no later than 9am as we will begin our hike to base camp shortly after 9am. Please call or text Lacey at 973-307-7401 or Christy at 917-544-9485 if you are running late and she will advise where is best to meet. Children will only be dismissed to parents and caregivers that have been authorized in writing. Any changes must be sent in writing before the child is dismissed. 

The map below shows the drop-off and pick-up location. We will meet by the dog statue in front of the Wildflower Sculpture Garden and South Mountain Dog Park.  

Inclement Weather Plans

When there is severe weather predicted in the forecast and it is not safe to be in the forest, you will receive an email and text by 6am on the day of class with a class update. 

What to Wear

Please ensure that your child is dressed appropriately for the weather. Their clothing should be comfortable and allow them to move and get wet and dirty. Please note that children will be encouraged to immerse themselves in their work, and clothes could become dirty or stained. 

Sunscreen & Bug Spray

Children should come wearing sunscreen, a hat, and bug spray each morning. For reapplication of bug spray we are using Sawyer’s Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin, and for sunscreen we are using  Alba Botanica Very Emollient Mineral Sunscreen SPF30 for Kids. If your child is allergic to any of the products we use, or if you prefer they use a different brand, please send it along with them to class. 

A helpful article for tick prevention can be found here. Please read and check your child for ticks after every class. A new study has found Permethrin to be successful with preventing ticks.

Things We Need to Know

Please remember that South Mountain Reservation is an outdoor environment and contains such hazards as bees, ticks, poison ivy, and other irritants. While we will do our best to avoid these hazards, please let us know if your child is particularly susceptible to them.  

If your child has any medical conditions, or is taking medication, please let us know in writing if it was not specified in the Information and Release Form. 

Each family must submit a completed health form before their child starts camp.