Scroll down to see 2026 sessions & details!
CREA Camp, a proud program of BTLT, provides rich, nature-based experiences that cultivate delight, curiosity, respect for diversity and a strong sense of collaboration and stewardship in youth. Campers learn that nature is a wondrous place, filled with magic, mystery, and adventure!
Every week, campers hike into the Cathance River Nature Preserve, exploring over 5 miles of trails within its 235 acres of forest; cool their toes in the Cathance River while hunting for frogs; fish in deep river pools, catching and releasing fresh-water fish; scoop pond muck in search of newts, tadpoles, and insect larvae; engineer boats and test them out in the river rapids; hunt for salamanders under rotting leaves and logs; and so much more.
In addition to exploring our beautiful forests, CREA campers will engage daily in nature-based art, hands-on science exploration, active games, and activities. Campers will explore new interests, develop new skills, and build friendships under the supervision of our experienced and lively camp team. Each week ends with a full day of hiking on the Preserve, including lunch on the bank of the river and wallowing in the cool clay-mud at Clay Brook – campers are sure to come home tired and dirty!
Ages: CREA Camp is for youth ages 6 to 13 and CITs ages 13 to 17
Hours: 8:30am – 4:00pm. Drop-off 8:30 – 9:00am | Pick up 3:45 – 4:00pm
Wilderness Wisdom Wednesdays: Each week, a local science/nature specialist will visit camp to share their passion and expertise. Presenters’ information and details on their program will be shared with registered families prior to each camp week.
Weekly Tuition: $335 | $25 discount for BTLT Members
2026 CREA Summer Camp Offerings:
Nature Explorers (Ages 6-10)
Join us for a week of discovery, play, and outdoor adventure at the Cathance River Nature Preserve! Campers will explore forest trails, dip their toes in the Cathance River, and search for critters in ponds and under logs, all while building friendships and a strong camp community. Campers will also create nature-based art, conduct simple experiments, sing camp songs with new friends, and play group games like Camouflage and Animal Tag. Simple science exploration tools such as bug boxes, soil corers, binoculars, and wildlife cameras will give campers a chance to take an even closer look at the habitats around them.
While every week brings something a little different, all sessions are rooted in outdoor explorations that help kids engage their curiosity and creativity, cultivate new friendships, and connect with the natural world! Nature Explorer Sessions Available (Ages 6-10):
- June 29-July 3
- July 6-10
- July 20-24
- July 27-31
- August 3-7
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Trailblazers (rising 6th-8th graders)
It’s adventure time! Our Trailblazers session focuses on building essential wilderness skills, and learning what it means to be a strong teammate and leader, all while embarking on camp-wide competitions that foster teamwork and fun. From mastering fire-making techniques and cooking meals over an open flame to connecting with nature through time at the Cathance River, each day campers will put their new skills to the test–all while taking turns leading challenges, making group decisions, and supporting their crew. On our final day, we’ll head out on an epic thru-hike, where campers put their wilderness and leadership skills to the test. Do you have what it takes to take the lead? Trailblazer (rising 6th-8th graders) Sessions Available:
- July 13-17
Have questions? Head to our CREA Camp FAQ page! Still have questions? Please email camp@btlt.org.
