Camp and Programs
Sweetbriar Nature Center's programs are fun and educational. We have programs for children of all ages.
Sweetbriar Scout Programs
Art Classes for ages 9 through 14
Sweetbriar Birthday Parties
View our seasonal events
Summer Discovery Camps
Start planning your summer now. Sweetbriar will once again be holding its exciting nature summer camps from early July through the end of August. Each camp runs for one week and each child must be registered for the entire week. There are four different theme camps for 5 to 11 year olds. Children will learn through hands-on activities, stories, games, encounters with our resident animals, walks on our beautiful preserve, and much more.
When: 9am to 3pm daily (Aftercare available for $20/day until 5pm)
Who: Children ages 5 to 11
How much: $235/week for members, $275/week for non-members; early registration and sibling discounts available
Field Trips may be part of the week for an additional charge.
Discount for early registration up to May 1st
There is an additional $10 materials fee for "Adventures, Animals and the Arts"
Earth Investigators (July 2–6 & August 6–10) — Children will become a different natural scientist each day from a botanist to a paleontologist to a zoologist (The possibilities are endless) as they learn about the wonders of the natural world.
Adventures, Animals and the Arts (July 16–20 & August 20–24) — Through combining wondrous experiences on our nature preserve and beyond with our wildlife and a dash of arts children will learn all about a natural science theme such as birds, native Americans, or rain forests. Additional $10 materials fee.
Amazing Animals I (July 23–27 & August 13–17) — Children will learn about a different group of animals each day including amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Amazing Animals II ( August 27–Sept. 1) Unlike Amazing Animals I, Children will go into more depth about specific animals such as whales, snakes, wolves, bats, butterflies, and more. Children can be enrolled without having been part of Amazing Animals I.
Science Seekers (July 30–August 3) — Through experiments, games, and projects children will explore the physical sciences; such as chemistry, physics, and earth science. How much: $240 for members and $275 for non-members
Natural Wonders Summer Camp
Help introduce the wonders of the natural world for your child. An experienced educator will lead your child through a fun, interactive program. Through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, stories, and much more, children will gain a greater appreciation for nature and wildlife. New this year, an outdoor playground to provide children the ability to experiment with music, art and free movement.
When: Weeks of July 9 and 16 & August 20 and 27
Time: 9am to 12pm
Who: A program for pre-school ages 3 and 4
How much: $125 for members, $150 for non-members
Explorer's Club
Campers will experience a variety of adventures as they get closer to some of the wonderful natural places on Long Island. Adventures include hiking, canoeing or kayaking, orienteering, and camping out among others.
When: Weeks of July 16 & August 6
Time: 9am to 3pm
Who: Ages 11–14
How much: $350 for members, $400 for non-members
Alumni Explorer's Club
Campers will experience a variety of adventures as they get closer to some of the wonderful natural places on Long Island. Adventures include hiking, canoeing or kayaking, orienteering, and camping out among others.
When: Weeks of July 9 & August 20
Time: 9am to 3pm
Who: Ages 13–17 & a 2 year Explorer
How much: $350 for members, $400 for non-members
Caring For Wildlife
Campers will have firsthand experience with injured and orphaned wildelife as they learn how to care for them. They will also be given tips and instruction on preparing for the New York state wildlife rehabiliator's test.
When: Weeks of July 2 & August 13
Who: Ages 12–17
How much: $350 for members, $400 for non-members