The Natural Resource Education Foundation is opening registration for its highly anticipated Summer 2026 Nature Discovery Camp, welcoming families from across Southern Ocean County and beyond to a season of outdoor exploration at the Lighthouse Center, located at 140 Camp Lighthouse Road in Waretown. This organization adds to the Southern Ocean Chamber member offerings for a unique summer located in the Long Beach Island Region.

Nature Discovery Camp runs weekly from June 22 through August 21, 2026, offering full‑day sessions from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM for children ages 5 to 12. Before‑care and after‑care options are available upon request, making the program accessible for working families who want their children to experience a meaningful, enriching summer. Each week invites campers into a new world of hands‑on learning, outdoor adventure, and creative expression. Themes such as Marvelous Mammals, Wonderful World of Water, Hands in the Sand, and Habitat Heroes guide children through immersive experiences that blend science, play, and environmental stewardship. Whether they are exploring coastal habitats, conducting simple experiments, creating nature‑inspired art, or discovering the wildlife that calls the Jersey Shore home, campers are encouraged to observe, question, and engage with the environment in ways that build lifelong appreciation for the natural world. 

The Lighthouse Center itself is a cornerstone of the experience. Nestled along the serene waterfront of Barnegat Bay, the center spans more than 200 acres of preserved land, offering a rare combination of forests, wetlands, meadows, and shoreline. Once a historic camp and now a thriving environmental education hub, the Lighthouse Center provides a peaceful, scenic setting where children can safely explore nature’s rhythms and wonders. Its trails, open spaces, and waterfront access create an ideal outdoor classroom, allowing young learners to discover ecosystems firsthand while guided by experienced educators who are passionate about conservation and youth development.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN, CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION or call 609 698 8003 or email summercamp@nrefnj.org