Cumming Nature Center

Summer Curiosity Camps

Stay curious with a hefty helping of hands-on, minds-on nature exploration with Summer Curiosity Camps at the Cumming Nature Center!

  • Cumming Nature Center, Naples NY

  • 8 Week-Long Sessions | June 29–August 21, 2026

  • Ages 6-8, 9-11 & 12-15

  • Busing available thanks to First Student

  • Registration is OPEN NOW!

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Children peering into aquarium with net

CNC SUMMER CURIOSITY CAMP

Join us this summer at the Cumming Nature Center in Naples NY, as we search for salamanders, build gnome homes, climb trees, and dig for artifacts. Each week of camp offers a different theme to immerse children in the natural world and spark their curiosity. With 900 acres and 12 miles of hiking trails, the beautiful surroundings of the Nature Center are the perfect setting for campers to learn basic wilderness skills, nature science, outdoor team-building activities, nature awareness, and more!

Please note: All CNC camps take place at the RMSC Cumming Nature Center in Naples, NY. Transportation from/to Rochester is available each week for an additional fee.

Registration Reminders:

  • Registration is required prior to the start of camp. 
  • Enrollment is limited, so early registration is highly recommended. 

*If you have used CampSite before for Forest School (but not yet for camp), then you may use your same family portal. But you will need to create different profiles for your children to register for summer camp.


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important information

  • Prior to registering, families must review our CNC Summer Camp Information & Policies for all of the additional information you’ll need to know before camp.
  • Summer Camp takes place at Cumming Nature Center in Naples, NY. Busing available from Rochester each week for an additional fee.
  • Summer Camps run from 9am until 4pm. Busing from Rochester leaves at 7:45am and arrives back at 5pm.
  • Campers are grouped based on their ages at the start of camp.
  • All campers must bring their own lunch and snack(s).

summer camp preview

SUMMER CAMP DESCRIPTIONS

Check out the details and more information on each camp *including pricing* below:


Policies & procedures

How to enroll


Frequently asked questions

WhERE ARE YOU LOCATED?

RMSC Cumming Nature Center is located at 6472 Gulick Road, Naples NY 14512. We are about an hour south of Rochester. Busing from the RMSC’s Rochester location (657 East Ave) is available for a fee each week of camp.

who are your camp counselors?

Curiosity Camps Instructors are environmental educators, naturalists, and outdoor enthusiasts who share our passion for life-long learning.

what happens if my child is being bullied?

  • In order to provide all campers and staff with a positive and safe experience, it is important that all campers exhibit proper behavior and self-control and act respectfully at all times. As necessary, Curiosity Camps will take action steps to manage behavior incidents and/or chronic behaviors as problems arise and progress.
  • Camp Administration reserves the right to immediately dismiss a camper from current and future camp sessions at any point for conduct that is deemed detrimental to the well-being of other campers and staff, or to the overall operation of the camp. Refunds will not be given (for current or future camp sessions) if campers are dismissed from Curiosity Camps programs due to behavioral reasons. 
  • For more detailed information, please review the Policies & Procedures.

ARE CAMPERS OUTDOORS ALL DAY?

Yes! Campers will be outdoors in the woods all day, so please pack and plan accordingly. On sunny days, this can mean a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent. On rainy days, this can mean a raincoat and rainboots.

In the case of severe weather events, such as lightning, campers will come indoors until it is safe to return outside.

how do you manage camper allergies and medical needs?

Curiosity Camps strives to provide an accessible and safe environment for all campers. If your camper has a medical condition, severe allergies, dietary restrictions, or a disability, please note this information during registration. Camp Administration may contact you if there are questions or concerns regarding the successful accommodation of your camper. 

For more detailed information, please review the Policies & Procedures.

what is the refund policy?

  • To plan appropriately for staff and supplies and to maintain a safe, healthy environment, it is critical for us to accurately anticipate enrollment and attendance. Please note that all camp registration fees include a $75 non-refundable deposit (scholarship applications include a $15 non-refundable deposit).
  • If you withdraw your camper more than 3 weeks (21 days) before the start of camp, you will receive a full refund (minus the non-refundable deposit).
  • If you withdraw your camper fewer than 3 weeks (21 days) before the start of camp, you will not receive a refund.
  • For more detailed information, please review the Policies & Procedures.

What are the program hours?

Full Day Camps: Drop off is between 9 and 9:15am; campers cannot arrive before 9am. Pick up is between 3:30 and 4pm. Campers who are not picked up by 4pm will be charged a late fee.

Busing (each week): Buses will depart from the RMSC downtown Rochester campus at 7:45am and arrive at CNC by 9am. Buses will depart from CNC at 3:45pm and arrive at the RMSC downtown Rochester campus by 5pm.

The CNC will not be offering extended care this year.

What should my camper bring to camp?

  • Please send your camper with a backpack, sunscreen, insect repellent, snack, lunch, and drink/water bottle. Note that refrigeration is not available. Please pack rain gear (coat and boots) on rainy days, as campers will still be outdoors.
  • Campers should wear closed-toed shoes and comfortable clothing that can get dirty.
  • We ask that you do not send your camper with a cell phone or other personal electronic devices. We do not receive cell reception on the trails and we try to keep our camp experience screen-free!
  • The RMSC and CNC are not responsible for the loss, destruction, or theft of any personal items (including clothing, book bags, purses, toys, games, electronic devices, cell phones, money, etc.) that your child may bring to camp. We highly encourage your camper to keep valuables and other personal items at home.

do you provide financial assistance? What about payment plans?

  • If the camper’s immediate family receives SNAP benefits, they are eligible for a 50% scholarship. Each eligible camper may receive scholarship support for up to two weeks of Curiosity Camps per summer. This equals a maximum of four scholarships per family. Scholarships are limited and not guaranteed. For more information, please visit this webpage.
  • Register for camp and apply for a scholarship online. Paper applications are available.
  • During registration, you can select our payment plan option. You’ll pay a non-refundable deposit when you register, then 50% is due on March 1, 2025 and the remainder on May 31, 2025. Please note that the payment plan is set to auto-pay, meaning you will need to provide a credit card in order to use the plan.
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Important Camp Information

Drop-Off and Pick-up Procedures

For those transporting their children to and from camp, drop off and pick up take place at the Cumming Nature Center, located at 6472 Gulick Road, Naples, NY 14512. Drop off is between 9 and 9:15am; campers cannot arrive before 9am. Pick up is between 3:30 and 4pm. Campers who are not picked up by 4pm will be charged a late fee.

  • All campers must be signed in by an adult each morning. Your camper will only be released to the authorized contacts listed during registration and on the camp sign-in sheet. Authorized pick-ups must present a photo ID every time they come to pick up a camper.
  • The CNC will not be offering extended care this year.
  • In the event your camper needs to be picked up early from the Cumming Nature Center, please notify your sign-in counselors and call or check in at the Front Desk. Those picking up early will be expected to hike out to the camp or trail location unless extra staff is available.
  • In the event of an emergency, call Cumming Nature Center at (585) 374-6160.

Late Pick-Up Procedures

  • Campers that have not been picked up by 4pm will be charged a late fee. 

Are you looking for Curiosity Camps at the Rochester Museum & Science Center? Check out those camp options here!

RMSC CURIOSITY CAMPS