This summer marks the 56th Anniversary of the Summer Ecology Program at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge. With immersive exploration, children will learn some of nature’s secrets, and how important the natural world is. Your child will complete this program with more knowledge of and greater respect for the natural world. It is our hope that these lessons and memories will be carried with your children throughout their lives. Grade level is the grade that your child will be entering in September of 2025.
Priority Registration is open for 2025 QWR Members
QWR Members (at Family level or above) receive priority registration through May 11, 2025.
You can become a member at any time. Memberships are valid through the calendar year (Jan 1 to Dec 31). If you were a member last summer and haven’t renewed, you can renew your membership online today. Become a 2025 Member today!
Family Memberships are only valid for the immediate family (i.e. Parents and Children – not Grandchildren)
All non-member applications can be submitted after May 11, 2025.
Select the desired program below to learn more & register online!
Grade level is the grade that your child will be entering in September of 2025
Little Naturalist Camp for children ages 4, 5, and 6
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Register for one or multiple sessions for the Little Naturalist camp. There are 9 sessions of Little Naturalist offered
through July and August. Each session is a Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 AM to 12 PM at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge unless otherwise noted.
This program is designed to introduce and immerse young children (4, 5, and 6 years old) in nature through outdoor exploration, hands on activities, games, crafts, and meeting many of the Refuge animals up close. The children will learn respect for the natural world and will have lots of fun in the process. A variety of topics will be introduced to the children including forest and pond habitats, food chains, local plants and animals, birds, mammals, reptiles, animal defenses and adaptations, composting and recycling. Lessons change weekly. During this program, the children do not get wet or muddy.
$185 Members | $220 Non-Members
Summer Ecology Program for children in grades 2nd to 6th
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Each day of this program will be an immersive adventure into the Refuge’s incredible biodiversity. Campers will explore unique spots like Chocolate Pudding Pond, the magic of Fairy Dell, and the secret Mud Trail. On Thursday, we’ll head to Dune Road for an exciting seining experience on Shinnecock Bay! The program runs Monday through Friday, from 9am to 12pm. Please note that parents are responsible for transporting children to and from Dune Road on Thursday.
Thursday is beach day on Dune Rd (~10 minutes from the Refuge), parents must drop-off and pick-up at beach. Exact location will be provided after registration.
Members $325 | Non-Members $350
Young Explorers Program for teens in grades 7th and 8th
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In this immersive experience we will take campers to explore the biodiversity of the Refuge (Mon; 9am to 12pm) and learn about the unique habitats on Long Island with an offsite trip to Sunken Forest, Fire Island (Tues; 9am to 2:30pm) and a kayak adventure (Wed; 9am to 2pm). On Thursday, we’ll discover the secret mud trail at the Refuge (9am to 12pm), then explore the trails at night on Thursday evening (7pm to 10pm). Parents must transport their campers to and from offsite locations on Tues & Wed. Further information on offsite trips will be emailed to you after your registration. Members $400 | Non-Members $435
Explorers Program for teens in grades 9th, 10th, 11th
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Join us for a week of exploration! In this immersive experience we will take campers to explore the biodiversity of the Refuge (Mon; 9am to 12pm) and learn about the unique habitats on Long Island with an offsite trip to Sunken Forest, Fire Island (Tues; 9am to 2:30pm) and a kayak adventure (Wed; 9am to 2pm). On Thursday, we’ll discover the secret mud trail at the Refuge (9am to 12pm), then explore the trails at night on Thursday evening and stay for a camp-over (7pm Thurs to 9am Fri). Parents must transport their campers to and from offsite locations on Tues & Wed. Further information will be emailed to you.
Members $450 | Non-Members $485
Volunteer in Summer Camp and Scholarships
Scholarships
Partial scholarships are available to help ensure that financial circumstances do not restrict a child from participating in this program. Please email the Refuge at programs@quoguewildliferefuge.org with a brief description of yourself, circumstances, your child and their interest in camp.
Assistant Counselor Program (14 years old+)
The Refuge staff relies on volunteer help for a successful summer camp program. Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age and are needed between the hours of 8:30am to 12:30pm. Responsibilities include assisting educators with set up and clean up, as well as helping to guide the children in activities. Assistant counselor volunteers must attend an in-person group orientation in June or July after approval of volunteer application (dates to be determined).
If your child is interested, please have them contact Nadia Trejo, at qwrnadiat@gmail.com. Teen applicants to reach out via email or phone call and must fill out paperwork themselves.