The Mayapple School

The Mayapple School offers summer camps including Mess Makers, How to Catch a Monster, Nature Detectives, Mini Games & Adventure, Games and Adventure, Little Limnologists, Appalachian Eco Artists, Story and Stage, and Garden & Forest. Camp activities listed include process art, sensory experiences, books, pretend play, art about monsters, exploration of animal signs and adaptations, screen-free games, trips to Price Park, hands-on creek study, land art, storytelling, song, props, costumes, puppets, and a family performance.

Programs

• Summer Camp: Mess Makers — 3-6 · $240–$250 per week · June 15 - 19; 8:45 - 2:00. Young artists and materials scientists will explore creativity with process-art and sensory experiences.
• Summer Camp: How to Catch a Monster — 3-6 · $240–$250 per week · June 22 - 26; 8:45 - 2:00. Books, pretend play, and art centered on monsters and imagination.
• Summer Camp: Nature Detectives — 7-10 · $295–$305 per week · June 22 - 26; 9:00 - 3:15. Exploration of animal signs, adaptations, predator/prey relationships, and the senses.
• Summer Camp: Mini Games & Adventure — 3-5 · $170–$175 per week · June 29 - July 3; 8:45 - noon. Screen-free games and adventures camp for younger children.
• Summer Camp: Games and Adventure — 6-12 · $295–$305 per week · June 29 - July 3; 9:00 - 3:15. Screen-free games of all kinds, with outdoor and indoor games and trips to Price Park.
• Summer Camp: Little Limnologists — 3-7 · $295–$305 per week · July 6 - 10; 8:45 - 3:00. Hands-on experiences at Price Park focused on fresh waters and creek creatures.
• Summer Camp: Appalachian Eco Artists — 8-11 · $295–$305 per week · July 6 - 10; 9:00 - 3:15. Inspired by Appalachian surroundings and artists; includes land art and an Art Show and Crankie performance.
• Summer Camp: Story and Stage — 3-7 · $240–$250 per week · July 13 - 17; 8:45 - 2:00. Immersive imaginary play, storytelling, song, props, costumes, puppets, and a family performance.
• Summer Camp: Garden & Forest — 4-7 · $250–$260 per week · July 20 - 24; 8:45 - 2:00.

At a glance

• Ages: 3–12 years old
• Price range: $170–$305 per week

About the provider

The Mayapple School says its nature-based programs nurture creativity, curiosity, and a deep connection with the world around us. Melissa West is Teacher, Director, and Founder. Lauren Lemcke teaches regularly on Wednesdays through Fridays, Mary-Kate Easter teaches on Mondays and Tuesdays, and Isabelle Porter is the lead summer educator. The school is an approved Child Care Subsidy Vendor, a 501(c)3 non-profit, and it fundraises for and gives scholarships yearly to families.

Last updated October 27, 2026.