Young Naturalist Camp

Welcome to the 2026 Young Naturalist Program for students entering grades 4–6 in September 2026. The program will take place at the Madrona Marsh Preserve and Nature Center, located at 3201 Plaza del Amo, Torrance, CA 90503. For additional information, please call 310-782-3989. We are very excited that your child will be participating in this program. We have planned a week full of fascinating, exciting, educational, and fun activities for our Young Naturalists. We look forward to sharing our love of nature and environmental exploration with your child. Parents/guardians, please drop off and pick up your child each day in the Nature Center Classroom on time. • Drop off: 9:00 AM • Pick up: 3:00 PM If someone other than a parent or caregiver will be picking up your child, that person must be at least 18 years old. Please provide written permission including the individual’s name. The registration fee is $170 per student. The fee includes lunch and all program supplies for the week. The program is limited to 15 students. Payment is required to reserve a student’s place in the program. To enroll, please bring a check for $170 to the Madrona Marsh Nature Center. We also accept Zelle and Venmo. A minimum of 10 students is required for the Young Naturalist Program. If minimum enrollment is not met, families will be notified approximately 3–4 days before the start date regarding any program cancellation. Through hands-on learning experiences, children will learn to appreciate, protect, and preserve our unique and diverse wildlife and habitats. Our week will rotate around group and individual activities that focus on different themes including soil, water, sun and energy, observation skills, map reading, birds, insects, mammals, plants, and how they work together to create an ecosystem. Each student will receive a journal for personal use throughout the week. Students will also complete a project of their choosing related to nature and Madrona Marsh. Each activity is designed to help students better understand what it means to be a naturalist while practicing the skills to become one. The program provides a light lunch consisting of a prepackaged sandwich, fruit, chips, and cookies. Water will always be available. Exploring the Nature Center, gardens, and preserve. Introduction to mapping, soil, plants, sunlight, and energy. Learning what it means to be a naturalist. Introduction and discussion of the independent project. Students may use different forms of media to promote nature, including storytelling, puppet shows, music, songs, videos, PowerPoint presentations, poetry, and art. Projects are due Friday. Observation and exploration activities focused on insects and reptiles found at Madrona Marsh. Bird observation, identification, and learning about bird habitats and behavior. Exploration and discussion of mammals and their role within the ecosystem. Finalizing and presenting independent projects. Awarding certificates to students completing the program and personal project. Nature games and group activities. Please leave electronic games, iPods, fidget spinners, special toys, or other distracting items at home. These items may distract students from group activities and can become disruptive or unsafe during the program. Dangerous items that may be considered weapons, including matches or pocketknives, are not allowed. Our program is designed to keep students active and outdoors for most of the day. Please monitor your child’s health each morning and do not bring a sick child to the program. A child who is ill may become uncomfortable and could expose other students and adults to illness. If your child becomes sick during the day, a parent/guardian or designated emergency contact will be contacted for pickup. If a minor injury or health concern occurs and your child requires medical attention, the following procedures will be followed: • Parents/guardians or family members will be informed of the incident at the end of the day unless immediate notification is necessary. • First aid will be provided and the incident will be documented on an accident report form. • The child will be continuously observed and cared for during and after first aid is provided. In the event of a serious injury or health emergency requiring professional medical care: • Parents/guardians or emergency contacts will be notified immediately. • 911 emergency services may be contacted. • A responsible adult may accompany the child to the hospital if a parent/guardian or emergency contact cannot be reached. • The incident and any first aid provided will be fully documented. If you prefer different emergency procedures for your child, please indicate them on the registration forms. Our goal is to provide a wonderful, fun, and safe Young Naturalist Program with meaningful learning opportunities for all students. Get excited for a week of adventure! To register, call 310-782-3989