Nature-based day camps may focus on a single aspect of environmental protection, special project or stewardship of natural resources in the local region. Day camps often feature outdoor adventure themes encouraging youth to discover the enjoyment of outdoor recreation without harming the land. Giving back through volunteerism efforts while improving or maintaining the area is also a common focus of environmental camps. Conservation or environmental camps divide the participants by age groups to study nature's attributes, engage in outdoor recreation and accomplish volunteer projects.
While outdoor classroom activities vary by geographic area, common attributes are present at environmental camps. Water study events typically include "creeking" or walking through shallow water. Campers gather rocks and aquatic flora for educational review purposes. Testing water quality and learning about the living creatures of the waterway are also common experiences at a day camp. Adult camp instructors typically organize water sports activities as a part of the experience. The youth campers often go kayaking, canoeing, fishing and swimming after studying the waterway.
Forestry and wildlife topics are often focused upon from a preservation viewpoint. Day campers can expect to go on guided hikes where camp counselors teach the youth about native trees, plants and the negative impact of boring insects, human disruption and climate change. Conservation projects at the day camp may include planting tree seedlings, cleaning trails and removing trash. A state park naturalist may offer a workshop about native wildlife and endangered animals. Campers often have the opportunity to meet animals and birds which have been injured and can't return to the wild.
Environmental camps are often held at state parks or similar public lands. Although rural camps offer the chance for youth to experience nature first-hand, urban camps also teach conservation and good stewardship practices. Day camp activities in urban areas typically include developing a community garden, creating an indoor herb garden, abandoned lot clean-up and recycling. Some environmental day camps infuse art with conservation efforts, teaching participants how to "up-cycle" discarded items by turning them from trash to eclectic treasures.