This is Camp: Nature in Newport Beach

This summer, I decided, there would not be a dearth of days of sleeping in. There would not be Disney TV marathons and too many video games. Instead, there would be camp.

Not just any camp. Camps that fueled the soul, inspired hobbies, created young exlorers.

One small thing: The camps that fit the bill? Not so close to home. It would mean some driving.

And so with some trepidation I signed my summer over to the 5, the 405 and the 55 and assorted surface streets snaking the length and width of Orange County. You might say I’ve broadened my horizons as well since I can find a coffee shop in at least five new locales.

I wanted to post about the camp that my son has been at for the last two weeks, because it is so wonderful. Picking him up filthy, happy and full of stories each day has made the driving worth it.

I complain a lot about the state of our schools all yr long, and that makes it even sweeter to have something nice to say about camp.

ENC’s nature camp is not particularly fancy, although the campus is spectacularly landscaped and a world unto itself. The activities are basic games, crafts and hiking but with a hands on eco twist. Foraging for crawdads in the stream, examining birds nests, looking at animal tracks, leaf print making, planting plants for the butterflies in the giant butterfly pavillion, and learning about campfire safety. Simple. But so well done.The counselors really care. This is not mere lip service and a nod to “eco” with a recycling craft. My son knows the difference and his inner flame for learning about nature has been thoroughly re-kindled here.

The last two weeks have been nothing but pure pleasure for my son. Not so much for me (grrr freeway traffic) but I’d do it again in a heartbeat. In fact I will later this summer for a second session.

Check out the ENC if you are in the OC and still looking for fun summer activities for your child.

TIP: There is a great coffee shop around the corner for you to refuel at. I’ll meet you at Kean!