CAMP EAGLE NATURE PROGRAM

Camp Eagle at the Nature Center

Camp Eagle is a nature program after school hours. Each month has a fun and interesting theme! Children will be mostly outdoors exploring, learning and playing.

Please fill out our interest form to be included in our lottery for the 2026-2027 school year. We will collect applicants until April 15 and the lottery selection will take place on April 16, 2026.

Our first year of Camp Eagle will consist of an inaugural class of thirty students. Interested in having your child participate? Fill out the application below!

Enter The Lottery

Missed the lottery? A waitlist will be released after lottery drawings are completed.

Regular Tuition

$ 2,090

per semester
  • Cost: $2,090/semester per child. You may pay by the semester or in 4 installments. All payments will be processed through Brightwheel. This is our enrollment, billing and communication tool. Upon acceptance to the program, you’ll be invited to join Brightwheel to fill out all necessary forms and billing information.
  • Days: Monday through Friday
  • Dates: During the school year, aligned with the Dekalb County School System academic calendar
  • Time: 2:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Ages: Kindergarten – 5th Grade
  • Ratio: 8 students to 1 teacher

Member Tuition

$ 1,900

per semester
  • Cost: $1,900/semester per child (10% off!). You may pay by the semester or in 4 installments. All payments will be processed through Brightwheel. This is our enrollment, billing and communication tool. Upon acceptance to the program, you’ll be invited to join Brightwheel to fill out all necessary forms and billing information.
  • Days: Monday through Friday
  • Dates: During the school year, aligned with the Dekalb County School System academic calendar
  • Time: 2:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Ages: Kindergarten – 5th Grade
  • Ratio: 8 students to 1 teacher

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the origins of Camp Eagle? Is it under the Forest School?

Yes, Camp Eagle lives under the umbrella of our Forest School. Forest kindergartens started over 150 years ago in Germany, based on the philosophy that every child should spend the majority of their school time outside playing in nature and learning about the world around them. Today, there are thousands of nature based educational programs around the world that have evolved from this basic forest kindergarten idea.

What will the children be doing?

The teacher will provide and lead nature activities that align with the theme of the month. We will have some indoor time, but the majority of the time is spent outdoors in our beautiful 22 acre park. Your child will need to be prepared for outdoor play in all weather.

The maximum enrollment is 30 students divided into two groups by age. Each group will have a teacher and assistant.

Will snacks be provided?

Snacks are not provided, so please send your child with a healthy snack and a refillable water bottle each day.

What should my child wear for Camp Eagle?

Proper clothing is very important for this program. We are often outside, so dressing appropriately is integral to your child’s experience. Waterproof rain pants and boots are an everyday requirement. Layering for colder weather will be expected and necessary. Families are welcome to leave extra items such as boots, raincoats, or jackets at Camp Eagle. We also recommend packing a seasonal change of clothes to keep at the Nature Center.

What times and dates is Camp Eagle available?

Camp Eagle runs Monday through Friday from 2:30pm-6:00pm. If your child is a student at Austin Elementary School, our teacher will walk them over from the walker’s area. If you are bringing your child from another location, you may drop off starting at 2:30pm.

We are aligned with the Dekalb County School System academic calendar, observing fall break, winter break, and spring break. Please check out our school break camps and summer camps for coverage during these times.

Can I sign up for only one or two days per week?

Enrollment is for the full semester, and fees are not prorated based on attendance. While children may attend the days that work best for your family, the tuition rate remains the same. We are open any day that the school is in session. We are not open on student virtual days.

What time do I pick up my child?

Pick-up is available anytime between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM for your convenience.

What if I pick up my child after 6:00pm?

You will be charged $10 per minute after 6:00pm. Charges will be billed and paid through our Brightwheel App.

What are the benefits of sending my child to Camp Eagle?

Gross and fine motor skills, endurance and balance, communication and expression, independence, risk-taking, cooperation with others, increased social skills, increased confidence and perseverance, enthusiasm for learning, critical thinking and problem solving skills.

My child is on the autism spectrum, has ADHD or other behavioral challenges. Can he or she attend Camp Eagle?

We find that if your child is in a regular classroom at school without an aide, then they usually do great. Our teachers are wonderful, but most are not trained in special education. If your child requires a special education classroom or teacher, then Camp Eagle at the Dunwoody Nature Center might not be a good fit. Please email Holly@dunwoodynature.org to discuss your particular child’s situation.

Camp Eagle operates under the Bright From the Start exemption category #4 which states:  Short Term Care. A program serving children for no more than four (4) hours a day, excluding before and after school care. This may include part-time preschool, parent’s morning or night out, short-term educational or recreational classes, or single skill activities.

Monthly Educational Themes

Our K–5 Nature Program follows the seasons, allowing children to learn alongside the natural world through monthly themes:

August: Getting to Know the Nature Center – Exploring our trails, creek, and outdoor classroom while building community and learning outdoor routines.

September: Water All Around Us – Investigating rain, the water cycle, the Nature Center’s creek, and doing hands-on water science experiments.

October: Fall Changes – Observing seasonal shifts in leaves, weather, and animal behavior.

November: Animals and Habitats – Discovering how wildlife meets its needs through habitat hunts and survival challenges.

December: Winter in Nature – Exploring how plants and animals respond to colder weather and seasonal changes.

January: Ice, Snow, and Frozen Water – Experimenting with freezing, melting, shadows, and winter adaptations.

February: Survival and Adaptation –  Learning how plants and animals adjust to thrive in changing environments.

March: Signs of Spring – Tracking new growth, pollinators, and returning wildlife.

April: Earth and Conservation – Practicing stewardship through clean-up projects, recycling challenges, and water conservation.

May: Insects and Pollinators – Studying life cycles, building bug habitats, and exploring the important role pollinators play in our ecosystem.

Throughout the year, students explore through journaling, hands-on projects, team challenges, and quiet sit spots that encourage careful observation and critical thinking. As they learn, play and explore outdoors, they grow in confidence and develop a meaningful connection to the natural world.

Meet the Teachers

Brianna Wisman

Brianna Wisman is originally from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Penn State University in 2023 with her bachelor’s in Elementary Education PK-5. Before moving to Atlanta, GA, she worked in a public school system. She enjoys taking long walks, reading, and visiting the beach with her family!

Kat Clancy

Kat is a Georgia native who grew up in the Dunwoody area. They hold B.S degrees in Ecology and Marine Science, as well as an M.A.T in science education from the University of Georgia. She loves engaging with children’s natural curiosity for the world and learning about what holds their interests. In their free time, Kat enjoys spending time outside, making art, playing video games, and maintaining their aquariums.

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