Venture Outdoors Summer Camps

Get the kids outside this summer

Our summer camps will help your child develop confidence as they challenge themselves in daily activities, grow into outdoor enthusiasts as they gain a greater appreciation for nature, and learn new skills to lead your family on an outdoor adventure.

NEW LOCATION & HOURS: Summer camps run at North Park, North Shore, or South Park for rising 3rd-8th graders. All programs run Monday-Friday from 9:00am-4:30pm

Elementary Camps

3rd - 5th Grade

Environmental STEM

June 20-24 @ South Park

375

Grab your science goggles and join us as we observe, discover, and experiment with nature’s biggest mysteries! How do plant get water? Why do birds stay in the air? Answer all these questions and more during your week of camp.

Outdoor Survivor Camp

June 27-July 1 @ South Park

375

Set the scene– you find yourself in the woods with your fellow campers. Build fires, filter water, forage food, construct a survival shelter, and more.

Outdoor Adventure Camp

July 11-15 @ Millvale Riverfront Park

375

Fill your days with kayaking, fishing, hiking, biking, and geocaching! Enjoy traditional camp activities like arts and crafts, science experiments, and more!

Outdoor Survivor Camp

July 18-22 @ Millvale Riverfront Park

375

Set the scene– you find yourself in the woods with your fellow campers. Build fires, filter water, forage food, construct a survival shelter, and more.

Outdoor Adventure Camp

Aug 1-5 @ North Park

375

Fill your days with kayaking, fishing, hiking, biking, and geocaching! Enjoy traditional camp activities like arts and crafts, science experiments, and more!

Outdoor Survivor Camp

Aug 15-19 @ North Park

375

Set the scene– you find yourself in the woods with your fellow campers. Build fires, filter water, forage food, construct a survival shelter, and more.

Middle Camps

6th - 8th Grade

Ultimate Survivor Camp

June 20-24 @ South Park

375

Take your outdoor survival skills to the next level! Hang bear bags, cook over a fire, practice first aid, navigate with a compass, and more.

Environmental STEM

June 27-July 1 @ South Park

375

Cycling Through Summer

July 11-15 @ Millvale Riverfront Park

375

Discover Pittsburgh’s bikeable trails in this wheely cool camp! Test your skills as you map out a route, discover types of bikes, practice bike mechanics, and more!

Ultimate Outdoor Adventure

July 18-22 @ Millvale Riverfront Park

375

Ready to kayak, fish, hike, bike, and geocache TWICE all in one week? Enjoy traditional camp activities like arts and crafts, science experiments, and more.

Ultimate Survivor Camp

Aug 1-5 @ North Park

375

Take your outdoor survival skills to the next level! Hang bear bags, cook over a fire, practice first aid, navigate with a compass, and more.

Ultimate Outdoor Adventure

Aug 15-19 @ North Park

375

Ready to kayak, fish, hike, bike, and geocache TWICE all in one week? Enjoy traditional camp activities like arts and crafts, science experiments, and more.

Explorer Camp Participant

I like the first aid because i was interested to see what it would be

Camper

Explorer Camp Participant

My favorite thing was 'learning to play with my friends and learning new stuff that I never knew how to do!'

Camper

Explorer Camp Participant

Survival Camp Participant

He built the best campfire we've ever had in our backyard fire ring! He felt proud and capable.

Parent

Survival Camp Participant

Went camping last Friday and my son used all his skills

Parent

Survival Camp Participant

FAQ

What is the refund policy?

Refund Policy: All camp programs are subject to a minimum and maximum enrollment. In the event of a cancellation, Venture Outdoors will notify families in advance and refund the entire cost. If a camper must cancel, they will be refunded the program cost minus a $25 administrative fee for up to two weeks prior to the program start date. If a camper cancels within two weeks of the session start date, a refund will be provided minus a $25  administrative  fee in the form of Venture Outdoors credit.  We are monitoring the COVID-19 environment and reserve the right to modify camp plans and the experience as we see fit for the safety and protection of participants. Fees may or may not be refunded.

Can I switch which program my child is in?

Change Policy: We will happily support any changes in a family’s summer schedule. Contact kelly@ventureoutdoors.org to change a camp program. A $25 charge will apply.  

Do you offer financial assistance or payment plans?

We do! Please connect with Kelly@ventureoutdoors.org to inquire about financial assistance and payment plans.

Can I pick my child up early? What if they have to be late?

Please contact us to make arrangements.

What happens if we have bad weather?

Inclement weather or water flow may affect which recreational activities your camper will participate during the week. We take weather and camper safety seriously, revising our activity schedule and seeking shelter when needed. All locations have a safety shelter for inclement weather.

What should my camper bring?

Your camper should come prepared with:

Facemask
Lunch
Snacks
Water bottle
Sunscreen
Extra pair of clothes
Raincoat
Bug spray
Day backpack
Any medication

Extra water and some snacks will be provided each day.

What is your COVID-19 policy?

COVID precautions are always evolving. To mitigate the spread of COVID, we will follow all CDC recommended guidelines, including:

Be outside as much as possible
Practice social distancing at all times
Properly wear masks at all times
Sanitize all equipment, materials, and high-touch areas
Screen each camper and staff member every day, including a daily temperature check and health questionnaire

Click to learn more about Venture Outdoors’ COVID-19 Policies. Reach out to kelly@ventureoutdoors.org with additional questions.

Is after camp care available?

Aftercare is available from 3:30-6:00pm everyday after camp. Campers will participate in additional arts & crafts activities, science experiments, take hikes, and more. Aftercare is $25/day or $100/week.

We would like to thank NOVA Chemicals for sponsoring our summer camp. Their generous donation makes giving children outdoor experiences possible.