Winter Camp at China Camp State Park

China Camp State Park, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA 94903

Celebrate the magic of winter with outdoor adventure at China Camp! Our days are filled with child-led discovery, nature exploration, creative expression, and plenty of time for imaginative free play.

​Children will wander woodland trails and explore the shoreline, search for signs of wildlife, collect natural treasures, build with sticks and other natural materials, create, tell stories, and invent their own games and adventures. With plenty of unhurried time outdoors, children are free to follow their curiosity, make discoveries, and shape their own experiences.

​Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, our small-group camps encourage curiosity, creativity, independence, collaboration, and a deep connection with the natural world. We don't follow a rigid schedule or rely on predetermined crafts and activities. Instead, we respond to the children, the environment, and the discoveries that unfold each day.

​Winter at China Camp offers a special opportunity to slow down, get muddy, explore, and experience the simple joy of childhood outdoors.

 

WHY FAMILIES LOVE CHINA CAMP

China Camp offers a unique landscape where woodland meets the bay, giving children endless opportunities to explore and discover. Winding trails, rocky shorelines, open spaces, and quiet corners create a natural setting for adventure and imaginative play.

​Winter brings its own special character to China Camp—cooler days, changing light, seasonal plants, interesting textures, and new signs of wildlife to notice. Children can slow down, investigate the shoreline, search for natural treasures, build forts and structures, and follow their curiosity wherever it leads.

​It's a place where children can get muddy, take supported risks, form meaningful friendships, and experience the simple joy of having time and space to explore outdoors.

 

OUR RHYTHM

Welcome Circle & Introductions

We begin each morning by coming together with a song, movement, conversation, or simple invitation to notice what is happening around us. Children have a chance to settle in, connect with friends, and share their ideas before heading out to explore.

 Explore, Play & Discover

This is the heart of our camp. Children have generous stretches of uninterrupted time for free play and exploration. We may wander the trails, investigate the shoreline, search for wildlife, build with natural materials, create, tell stories, or follow an unexpected discovery.

​The children's curiosity helps shape where the day takes us.

​Goodbye Circle

A closing song, story, or movement game creates a calm transition and helps children prepare to leave.


Safety Information

  • Staff is First Aid Certified
  • Employee Background Checks
  • Carries Liability Insurance

This information is provided by the organization and has not been independently verified by Enrichment.kids.

Policies

Camp Refund and Cancellation PolicyFamily Cancellation Policy: As a small, nature-based program, we plan staffing, materials, permits, and site logistics well in advance based on enrollment. For this reason, we do not offer refunds. At our sole discretion, we may provide a credit on a case-by-case basis that may be applied toward another Snails & Turkey Tails camp, class, or program. Any credits issued must be redeemed within 12 months of the original program date. Program Cancellation by Snails & Turkey Tails: Snails & Turkey Tails reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or modify programs due to instructor illness or injury, emergencies, weather, low enrollment, or other circumstances beyond our control. In the event of a cancellation, refunds will not be issued. A credit for the full value of the canceled program may be provided and can be used toward a future Snails & Turkey Tails program within 12 months.Right to Refuse Service: Snails & Turkey Tails reserves the right to refuse or discontinue service or enrollment at its sole discretion.By registering, you acknowledge and agree to these policies. Policies are subject to change.

Location

mapChina Camp State Park, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA 94903

Snails & Turkey Tails Snails & Turkey Tails

Snails & Turkey Tails Nature School is a small, outdoor early childhood program rooted in connection, curiosity, and meaningful experiences in nature. Through play-based learning, hands-on exploration, and daily adventure, children build confidence, resilience, and a deep relationship with the natural world in a warm and nurturing community.
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