About
Nature Camp is a private, non-profit, residential, co-ed summer camp that offers an educational and recreational program specializing in natural history and environmental science education. Campers take part in conservation practices, evening learning and special events, hikes to Table Rock, salamander searches at Buttermilk Springs, and Sunday hikes to undiscovered mountain peaks.
• Ages: 10–18 years old
• Schedule: Sessions run for two weeks in the heart of the summer
Nature Camp began at Sherando Lake in Augusta County in the summer following 1939, and its inaugural session opened on 20 July 1942. It reopened in 1953 at Big Mary’s Creek with three sessions and expanded to four sessions the following year, and it is one of the oldest camps of its kind in the country. Since 1942, Nature Camp has sought to train interested, knowledgeable youth from 5th through 12th grade to conserve and protect the environment and to become wise stewards of the earth’s natural resources.
Current director Philip “Flip” Coulling is a member of the American Camp Association, the Association of Nature Center Administrators, the North American Association for Environmental Education, the Virginia Association for Environmental Education, and the Alliance for Camp Health. Nature Camp operates in conjunction with the Nature Camp Foundation and independently of the Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs, whose member clubs and districts continue to support Nature Camp financially and provide several annual scholarships to campers. Gender-inclusive housing is offered on a limited basis in addition to traditional, same-gender housing in two large bunkhouses each session.
Leadership roles include Philip “Flip” Coulling as current director and Executive Director, ex officio; Corey Basham as President of the Nature Camp Board of Directors; Ben Rottenborn as Vice-President; Claire Still as Secretary; Carolyn Wine as Treasurer; Brent Warner as Director of Education; Justin Yonker as Director of Facilities; Cate Coughter as Director of Financial Aid; and Payton Palmerton as Director of Publicity/Promotion.
Testimonials from campers and families describe experiences such as hikes to Table Rock, salamander searches at Buttermilk Springs, the view from Lookout Rock, and Sunday hikes to undiscovered mountain peaks, as well as immersion learning that connects to school and home life. Campers and parents also report long-lasting friendships, a strong appreciation for fair play and diversity in nature and among people, and a sense that time at Nature Camp is an essential part of their summer.
Last updated July 19, 2026.
• Ages: 10–18 years old
• Schedule: Sessions run for two weeks in the heart of the summer
Nature Camp began at Sherando Lake in Augusta County in the summer following 1939, and its inaugural session opened on 20 July 1942. It reopened in 1953 at Big Mary’s Creek with three sessions and expanded to four sessions the following year, and it is one of the oldest camps of its kind in the country. Since 1942, Nature Camp has sought to train interested, knowledgeable youth from 5th through 12th grade to conserve and protect the environment and to become wise stewards of the earth’s natural resources.
Current director Philip “Flip” Coulling is a member of the American Camp Association, the Association of Nature Center Administrators, the North American Association for Environmental Education, the Virginia Association for Environmental Education, and the Alliance for Camp Health. Nature Camp operates in conjunction with the Nature Camp Foundation and independently of the Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs, whose member clubs and districts continue to support Nature Camp financially and provide several annual scholarships to campers. Gender-inclusive housing is offered on a limited basis in addition to traditional, same-gender housing in two large bunkhouses each session.
Leadership roles include Philip “Flip” Coulling as current director and Executive Director, ex officio; Corey Basham as President of the Nature Camp Board of Directors; Ben Rottenborn as Vice-President; Claire Still as Secretary; Carolyn Wine as Treasurer; Brent Warner as Director of Education; Justin Yonker as Director of Facilities; Cate Coughter as Director of Financial Aid; and Payton Palmerton as Director of Publicity/Promotion.
Testimonials from campers and families describe experiences such as hikes to Table Rock, salamander searches at Buttermilk Springs, the view from Lookout Rock, and Sunday hikes to undiscovered mountain peaks, as well as immersion learning that connects to school and home life. Campers and parents also report long-lasting friendships, a strong appreciation for fair play and diversity in nature and among people, and a sense that time at Nature Camp is an essential part of their summer.
Last updated July 19, 2026.
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