Glen Helen Eco-Camp
Since 1972, Eco-Camp has provided countless opportunities for campers to experience the beauty of Glen Helen Nature Preserve up close, while creating a safe space for them to build community, connect with friends - old and new - and gain new skills as they build self-confidence.
Now offering two different programs: Junior Naturalist Break Camps and Traditional Eco-Camp Programs.
Junior Naturalist Spring Break Camp will be back next year! Check back soon!
More info on our traditional summer Eco-Camp can be found below.
Summer Eco-Camp Programs
What's Glen Helen Eco-Camp?
Eco-Camp has been a summer tradition since 1972! We offer weeklong day, progressive, and overnight camps based out of the Outdoor Education Center in Glen Helen Nature Preserve. While each camp has a different theme, we strive to inspire campers to be curious lifelong learners through exploration, to create friendships and community at camp, and to create joy throughout their experience with us. If you are curious about Eco-Camp is all about, please check out our 2024 Wrap-Up Video!
Summer Eco-Camp Registration is OPEN!
What's New for Eco-Camp 2026
Eco-Camp has been a summer tradition since 1972! This summer we will be offering new camp themes, including Pathfinders, Summer Skies, Trailblazers, and Teen Camp! We will also be offering both traditional overnight camps as well as specialty overnight camps!
Specialty overnights include all the traditional Eco-Camp fun with additional experiences, such as field trips and more!
- Pathfinders - day camp (ages 7-8), there are many secrets hidden in our forests, meadows, and streams. Pathfinders will comb the Glen looking for tracks, scat, and hidey-holes. Each day will bring a new mystery that puts the Pathfinders hot on the trail of animals who call Glen Helen home.
- Summer Skies - overnight camp (ages 9-11, 10-12, 12-14), let the sky be your guide on your journey through Glen Helen. Taking a look up, we'll explore birds, insects, clouds, constellations, stars, and weather - all the things that call the sky their home.
- Trailblazers - overnight camp (ages 10-12), do you want to be out in the forest all day, exploring the trails less traveled? Become a Trailblazer to find adventure, friendship, and memories out in the Glen.
- Teen Camp - specialty overnight camp (ages 13-15), are you hoping for some classic summer camp fun? In this brand new camp, teens will get the opportunity to unplug and enjoy hanging out with others, staying up later than other campers, having their own teen campfire night, and taking a canoe trip on the Little Miami River.
We will also be offering a Backyard Backpacking camp to help campers prepare for our Adventure Backpacking camp as they get older. Adventure Backpacking will be taking campers down to Red River Gorge this summer for a backpacking trip full of fun and memories.
We will again be offering our summer Leaders In Training (LIT) Program! To apply, please complete this application. The program is $315 and is offered exclusively during one week this summer. More information can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions section below.
Now available - Eco-Camp Gift Cards!
Digital gift cards are available! Once purchased, an email with a discount code will be sent and the code can be applied to a camp registration in our registration system!
Frequently Asked Questions
- To register, you will first need to create an account for your household or log-in to a previously created account.
- If you are registering more than one child, you may do so within a single account.
- Select which camp options your child would like to attend and any desired additions (extended care, merchandise, scholarship donations, etc.)
- Every camper will receive one Eco-Camp t-shirt upon registering for the season, and additional attire may be purchased at Friday pick-up.
- Several forms are required upon registering and may be completed or updated prior to the start of your child's camp.
- As summer approaches and registrations for camps fill, campers may be placed on a waitlist for full camps.
- Deposits for Eco-Camp are non-refundable and due at the time of registration for each camp reservation.
- Camp fees are due in full by Monday, May 4, 2026.
- All unpaid balances as of May 5, 2026, will be processed by our staff using the last credit card on file. Any camp registrations completed after May 4, 2026 must be paid in full.
- A non-refundable deposit of $100 is due at the time of registration to hold your camper's spot. If a camper's attendance must be canceled, the remaining balance will be refunded to those who notify us at least 14 days prior to the Monday of their camp session. No refunds will be made to those who cancel after this time frame.
- If Glen Helen Outdoor Education Center cancels a camp for any reason, all camp fees will be refunded in full, including deposit fees. A partial refund can also be processed if the camper becomes ill and can provide a dated memo from a doctor to verify their condition. If a camper needs to transfer the week of camp they are attending, please contact us as soon as possible to discuss available options and to be able to provide space for any campers placed on the waitlist.
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Yes, discounts are available!
- An Early Bird Discount of 5% for early registration by January 31, 2026
- a 10% Glen Helen Association Membership Discount for those at Spicebush level or higher
- a 10% Bring-a-Friend Discount.
- a 10% Outdoor School Student's First Ecocamp. The discount will be applied to your account balance after the provided information has been confirmed. Please reach out to our office for more information (937-767-7648, oec@glenhelen.org).
- We believe that the summer camp experience is one of the most valuable experiences a child can have. Our hope is to make that experience available to every child!
- With support from generous donors, need-based Glen Helen Eco-Scholarships are made available on a first-come, first-serve basis, with a priority given to first time campers and those who have not received scholarships in a past.
- Scholarships cover 50% of total Eco-Camp fees, and are available per camper for one camp session during the 2026 Eco-Camp season.
- To apply, please submit 2 letters: 1 from the parents/guardians explaining why they are seeking a scholarship, and 1 from the camper explaining why they would like to come to camp (can be a drawing or a letter). Email applications to OEC@glenhelen.org
- Please register and pay the deposit first to secure your camper's spot in the session. Then, please submit your scholarship application.
- Please contact our office with any questions (937-767-7648, oec@glenhelen.org).
Questions?
Please reach out to the Glen Helen Outdoor Education Center office:
937-767-7648 or OEC@glenhelen.org