Campers enjoy five or six hours of free time each day, compared to only three hours spent in scheduled classes.

Three recreation periods offer numerous opportunities to work on class projects, engage in informal nature study, and visit with friends, but also to participate in many structured outdoor activities organized by the counselors.

A chlorinated, filtered swimming pool is open when weather permits and is staffed by certified lifeguards. Big Mary's Creek, which borders Nature Camp, also provides welcome relief on hot days; especially popular are such spots as the Girls' Swimming Hole and Table Rock, which features a natural water slide.

A recreation field has courts for volleyball, basketball and tetherball, as well as open space for Frisbee, kickball and other games. Campers may sign out a variety of recreational equipment for their own use during these free periods.

With mountains on either side of Nature Camp, there are also countless possibilities for hiking, and several hikes are offered during most rec periods. These include climbs to Lookout Rock, which affords a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains and Valley of Virginia, and walks to South River for swimming and wading. All hikes are led and supervised by counselors.