Registration begins at 3:00 PM on the first day of Adult Session. Although there are usually few events scheduled for that afternoon, many participants appreciate the chance to select a bunk, get settled, and acquaint themselves with one another and their surroundings before supper. We usually eat supper at 6:00 PM; if you arrive after this time, please come to the Lillian Schilling Building (the first building on your left, just up the road from the Staff House).  Not all attendees are able to arrive the first day, and we gladly welcome late arrivals.

Men and women reside in separate rustic, wood-frame bunkhouses, each of which is divided into two wings. The bunkhouses are equipped with metal double bunk beds (twin size) with foam rubber or cotton mattresses. Lower bunks are reserved for those who requested them. Cubbyholes with drawers are available for storing belongings; clothes may be hung on rods in each cubbyhole, although hangers are limited in number. The bunkhouses have screened windows, ceiling fans, and a limited number of electrical outlets, but no air conditioning or heating.

Men’s and women’s bathhouses (or “T-houses”) are located a short distance from each bunkhouse. Each T-house has hot water and houses four sinks, four shower stalls, and four flush toilets.

Meals are held in the central meeting area and dining hall known as the Lillian Schilling Building (or L.S., named for the founder of Nature Camp). Most seating in the L.S. is on benches at picnic tables, but several folding chairs are also available.

A number of tent sites are available for those who would prefer to sleep outdoors, and several, somewhat more luxurious accommodations are located within a 15-minute drive of Nature Camp. Options include the Comfort Inn & Suites in Raphine (540-377-2604), the Osceola Mill B&B in Vesuvius (540-377-6455; www.osceolamill.com), the Steeles Tavern Manor in Steeles Tavern (540-377-9494; www.steelestavern.com), and the Sugar Tree Inn along Rt. 56 up the mountain from Vesuvius (540-377-2197; www.sugartreeinn.com).

Please note that Nature Camp is located in a narrow mountain valley. It is not uncommon to experience highs in the uppers 80s and lows in the 50s in either early June or late August. Humidity is nearly constantly high during the summer, and although there are clotheslines behind each bunkhouse, limited direct sunlight delays the drying of anything.

Essential items to bring include:
• clothing for the duration of your stay (there are no laundry facilities available except in the event of an emergency)
• sleeping bag or sheets (mattresses measure 74 x30″) and blanket
• pillow
• toiletry articles
• towel(s)
• flashlight or headlamp
• sweatshirt, sweater, or jacket
• poncho or rain jacket
• bathing suit (for swimming in the creek or swimming pool)
• jeans or other long pants
• at least 3 pairs of footwear: everyday shoes, boots or sturdy shoes for hiking, and water shoes (sandals and other open-toed shoes are not recommended because of the abundance of rocks and potential presence of snakes)

You may also wish to bring:
• mattress pad or cover (the mattresses at Nature Camp are high-quality foam mattresses with covers resistant to moisture and bed bugs, but the surface is slick)
• water bottle
• daypack
• camera
• binoculars
• field guides or other reference books (the library at Nature Camp has extensive holdings of field guides and other reference materials, which are available to Adult Session participants)
• insect repellent
• musical instruments
• notebook or journal
• pens, pencils, or art supplies
• stationery and stamps
• hand lens (Nature Camp has a supply of a dozen or so hand lenses which we use for botany and geology classes)
• small reading light to minimize disturbance to fellow residents of the bunkhouse
• Ziploc bags for collecting specimens
• small cushion for prolonged bench-sitting
• walking stick
• teabags and sugar substitute if you have a favorite flavor (we do stock several types of tea and one kind of sweetener, but not a wide range of choices)

Nature Camp provides all meals during Adult Session, from supper on the first evening through breakfast on the final morning. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at every meal, and every attempt will be made to accommodate other dietary restrictions (gluten-free, lactose intolerant, etc.).

The Canteen, or Nature Camp store, will typically be open once or twice during each Adult Session. Items for purchase will include Nature Camp T-shirts, coffee mugs, notecards, and bumper stickers. Payment may be made by cash or check only; Nature Camp cannot process payment on site by credit card.

For maps and driving directions to Nature Camp, please click here.

Relying upon GPS navigation is not recommended.

Please note that the road into Nature Camp crosses a narrow, stone bridge. So that we might maintain the limited sod that remains on the recreation field (on the left just past the swimming pool), please refrain if at all possible from parking on this field for the duration of the weekend. Parking is available along wide stretches of the road, on the volleyball court (gravel around adjacent to the swimming pool), near the canteen and up the road past the garage. Feel free to park temporarily along narrow stretches of the road while checking in and moving your belongings into the bunkhouses.

One of the favorite activities during Adult Session every year is the sharing of nature books. Participants are invited to bring up to three nature-related books (field guides, travel narratives, biographies, memoirs, etc.); during one evening each person is invited to take a few minutes to describe his or her books, which are then placed on a table for the remainder of the session for folks to browse. A list of all shared books will be circulated after the session.

One day each session is typically devoted to a field trip to a site of interest outside Nature Camp. Transportation is provided by multi-passenger van. The trip usually departs mid-morning and returns to Nature Camp in mid afternoon, with a full picnic lunch en route. The lunch stop includes restroom facilities.