Awakening Wonder: Discover the Joy of Nature at Calgary's New Summer Camp in Hanson Ranch

Imagine a summer camp where children step away from screens and gadgets to explore the natural world around them. Nestled in the heart of Northwest Calgary, in the peaceful community of Hanson Ranch just off Stoney Trail, a new summer camp offers exactly that. This camp invites children to slow down, observe closely, and connect deeply with nature through hands-on, low-tech experiences. It’s a chance for kids to awaken their sense of wonder, see the world with fresh eyes, and express their creativity using natural materials.

Why Nature Matters More Than Ever

Children today spend an average of over seven hours a day on screens, according to recent studies. This constant exposure to technology can overwhelm their senses and reduce opportunities for imaginative play and real-world exploration. The Art Treehouse summer camp offers a refreshing alternative by encouraging kids to:

• Slow down and notice details they usually miss

• Engage all their senses through touch, smell, sight, and sound

• Connect with living things like plants, insects, and birds

• Use natural materials to create art and stories

  
  

These activities help children develop patience, focus, and creativity. They also provide a calming effect, reducing stress and anxiety by immersing kids in the rhythms of nature.

What Makes This Camp Unique

Unlike typical summer camps packed with competitive sports or digital games, this camp focuses on low-tech, sensory-rich experiences. Here are some highlights:

Nature Walks with a Purpose

Children learn to look closely at leaves, rocks, and insects, discovering patterns and textures. They might find a tiny spider web or notice how sunlight filters through the trees.

Creative Play with Natural Materials

Using sticks, stones, pinecones, and flowers, campers build mandalas or create nature journals. This hands-on creativity helps them express what they see and feel.

Mindful Moments Outdoors

Campers practice simple breathing exercises and quiet observation, learning to slow their busy minds and appreciate the present moment.

Forest bathing (called Shinrin-yoku in Japanese) is the practice of intentionally spending time in nature and engaging your senses—not hiking for exercise or reaching a destination, but slowing down and noticing the sights, sounds, smells, textures, and atmosphere of a forest or natural space.

Storytelling Inspired by Nature

Kids share stories sparked by their discoveries, building language skills and imagination.

This approach nurtures a deep connection to the environment and encourages children to become curious, thoughtful learners.

A child creating art with autumn leaves at Hanson Ranch summer camp

Creating art with loose parts found in nature

How Parents Can Support This Experience

Parents play a vital role in encouraging their children to embrace nature. Here are some ways to support the camp experience and extend its benefits at home:

Limit Screen Time

Set clear boundaries around technology use to help children appreciate offline activities.

Explore Local Parks Together

Take family walks in nearby green spaces, encouraging kids to point out interesting plants or animals.

Create a Nature Corner at Home

Collect natural items like pinecones or smooth stones for children to touch and use in crafts.

Ask Open-Ended Questions

Instead of giving answers, invite children to share what they notice or wonder about the world around them.

By reinforcing these habits, parents help children develop a lifelong love of nature and learning.

Benefits Beyond the Camp

The skills and attitudes children gain at this summer camp extend far beyond the weeks they spend there. Research shows that time in nature supports:

Improved attention and concentration

Nature’s calming effect helps children focus better in school and daily life.

Stronger emotional resilience

Engaging with the natural world reduces stress and builds coping skills.

Enhanced creativity and problem-solving

Open-ended play with natural materials encourages flexible thinking.

Greater environmental awareness

Early connection to nature fosters respect and care for the planet.

This camp offers a foundation for children to grow into mindful, creative, and environmentally conscious individuals.

What to Expect at The Art Treehouse Summer Camp

The camp runs during the summer months and welcomes children aged 7 to 12. It is conveniently located just off Stoney Trail, making it easy for families in NW Calgary to access. Each day includes a mix of guided activities and free exploration, with plenty of time outdoors regardless of weather.

The camp director has over 20 years teaching students art and science to students ages 4-18 and recently completed a research project at the University of Calgary exploring the connection between art and nature activities.