Summer Day Camp
In this unique Jr. Ranger Day Camp series, your child will have exclusive opportunities to explore and learn about the national park that’s in their very own backyard! We have three weeks of camp and your camper can join us for all of them, learning new topics and playing new games each week!
Join multiple weeks and receive a multi-camp discount code upon registration! Join the whole camp series and your child will earn an official Cuyahoga Valley Jr. Ranger Badge, and Patch!
Discover Camp
Come with us on an outdoor adventure in the heart of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Imagine hiking through hemlock forests, exploring pond wildlife with new found friends, and listening to the roar of the Cuyahoga River. Your camper is sure to have an adventures summer discovering nature through hands-on explorations, day hikes, games, and crafts.
The Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center offers an in-depth summer learning experience that fosters an understanding of the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley and encourages a lifelong appreciation and stewardship of the environment. Made-from-scratch lunches and snacks are included each day of camp-yum! Dietary restrictions are accepted. More information upon registration. Before care is offered from 8-9am, and after care is offered from 3-5pm (not available on Fridays).
Entering grades 1-6 in the fall of 2019, campers will be divided by grade level.
Choose Your Camp Below!
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages can attend?
Campers must be entering grades 1-6 in the fall of 2019. Campers will be divided by grade level.
I paid the deposit, how do I submit final payment?
An email will be sent for your final payment two weeks prior to camp.
Are you accredited? What does that mean?
ACA Accreditation means that this camp cares enough to undergo a thorough (up to 300 standards) review of its operation — from staff qualifications and training to emergency management. American Camp Association® collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth-serving agencies to assure that current practices at the camp reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation. Camps and ACA form a partnership that promotes summers of growth and fun in an environment committed to safety.
What happens if I have to cancel?
All registrations must include a $50 non-refundable deposit. The balance of the camp fee is due at least two weeks prior to the start of the camp session. No refunds are issued after this date. If cancellation is unavoidable, please contact our office at 330-657-2796 ext. 1100.
Do you offer discounts?
We offer a member discount, as well as a multi-camp discount. Not sure if you are a member? Give us a call 330-657-2796 ext.1100 or email amcgrady@forcvnp.org. Receive $10.00 off each additional camp you register for, a promotional code is given upon registering for your first camp.
Do you offer financial assistance?
Yes, please contact us at 330-657-2796 ext. 1100, or email amcgrady@forcvnp.org for a request form.
What happens when the weather is bad?
Unfortunately, the weather cannot always be sunny at camp, but we promise campers will always be safe and have a good time. If there is light rain, we will still have campers out and about. Please send your camper ready to take on the elements. In more severe weather, we will move campers to an indoor location.
What are your staff’s qualifications?
Staff are all college graduates who work at the Environmental Education Center throughout the year. All instructors are thoroughly screened, including criminal background checks, fingerprint checks, and reference checks. First Aid and CPR certifications are also required for all instructors.
What is the staff/camper ratio?
Low camper-to-counselor ratios promote a safe atmosphere in which teamwork and individual expression flourish. We follow ACA guidelines of 8:1 ratios for day camp. Campers will never be without adult supervision in any situation.
What meals do you provide during the day?
Campers will receive lunch as well as an afternoon snack.
Is there a trained medical professional on site?
All day camp staff are First-Aid and CPR certified and professional park dispatchers are located nearby within the park.
What kind of activities will my child do at camp?
Activities will vary depending on the camp program your child is attending. Most camps involve hiking, exploring nature, arts and crafts, and hands-on activities with park staff.
Our counselors would like to share their favorite moments:
Dane Hixon: “My favorite camp memory from this summer was the first week of Jr Ranger Day Camp when the campers met the rangers. The campers really lit up, especially with the law enforcement rangers!”
Greyson Rusher: “Knowing that all of our hard work led to a lot of kids having an awesome summer experience and watching them connect with their park.
Jonathan Parker: There was an afternoon where some kids signed up to do nature art. We painted our own ‘new animals’ and it was awesome to see the crazy mixtures they came up with!”
Noam Morgan: “I most enjoyed working with the Cleveland Summer Academy. It was awesome to see how the group’s love for this park has grown over the past few years, and how the kids are so much more able to connect with the environment than they were during their first visit.”
Tara Orzechowski: “This summer we had quite a few campers each week that started off very shy and were begging their parents not to leave them on Monday morning. By Tuesday morning they were running so quickly over to the camp that they barely had time to say goodbye to their ride! This is truly a magical place for kids to feel safe, have fun, meet new friends, and make awesome summer memories. Watching the campers transition throughout the week is always the absolute best part of my job.”