Montclair Day Camps for Kids
Les Détectives
Kids ages 5 to 11 will put on their Nature Detective caps, exploring themes of ecology, preservation, renewability, and biodiversity. Weekly lessons will focus on the natural world around them, pollution and water conservation, composting and growing plants, the food chain and habitats of various animals, climate change and weather patterns, recycling and waste reduction, green energy, and becoming advocates for the planet.
Each week includes a related field trip, including a visit to the Montclair Art Museum, Van Vleck House & Gardens, Turtle Back Zoo, the Montclair Community Farm, and several other exciting and educational locations.
You can register for camps on a weekly basis, choosing the number of weeks and the schedule that works best for your family.
Ages 5-11 (Grades K-5)
Mon-Fri, Jun 23–Aug 15*
Half-Day (8:30am—12:30pm), $419
Full Day (8:30am—3:30pm), $599
10% multi-week discount automatically applied at checkout.
5% early bird discount valid until May 31 with code NATURE.
5% sibling discount also available. Contact montclair@lallianceny.org or 973-783-0507.
After-care available until 6pm – 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM: $125/week or $12 per hour.
Download the After-Care Booking Form.
*No camps on Fri, Jul 4. Price prorated.
Please note that these programs are subject to change.
Week 1 | Les Détectives Explore Nature | June 23 – June 27
During this week, we will take your children on an exciting investigation into nature, exploring the diverse landscapes of forests and mountains. They will discover different types of terrain, learn about plant life, and understand the importance of environmental preservation. The children will participate in a course d’orientation – a nature treasure hunt where they must find natural elements based on clues provided during the activity. This fun, interactive adventure will help them observe and connect with nature.The children will also learn how to prepare pain azyme (unleavened bread), discovering how simple ingredients can be used to create a traditional recipe that requires minimal resources, highlighting the value of sustainability in food.
Field Trip: Children will visit Eagle Rock Reservation and explore scenic trails with a park guide, learning about native plants and animals while discussing environmental preservation.
Week 2 | Les Détectives Jump Into Water | June 30 – July 3
During this week, we will take your children on an educational journey to explore the water cycle, the importance of water conservation, and the role of cleaning in protecting our environment. The children will illustrate the different stages of the water cycle using watercolor paints, providing a creative way to visualize this important process. This excursion will deepen their understanding of water conservation and the impact of pollution. The children will prepare a refreshing salade fraîcheur de concombre et menthe (cucumber and mint salad), learning how simple, healthy ingredients can be enjoyed while supporting water conservation.
Field Trip: Children will visit Turtle Back Zoo’s Wetlands Exhibit and learn how wetlands filter water and support diverse species, deepening their understanding of water conservation and the effects of pollution.
Week 3 | Les Détectives Have Green Thumbs | July 7 – July 11
During this week, we will introduce your children to the fascinating world of composting, soil exploration, and the plant growth cycle. They will learn about how decomposition enriches the soil by creating their own compost. They will plant seeds and observe their growth, paying special attention to how plants change with the seasons. In a fun cooking workshop, children will prepare clafoutis aux fruits sans gluten (gluten-free fruit clafoutis), learning how to make a delicious and healthy dessert with seasonal fruits.
Field Trip: Children will explore the gardens of Van Vleck House & Gardens, participate in a planting workshop, and learn about pollinators and seasonal plants.
Week 4 | Les Détectives Meet Biodiversity | July 14 – July 18
During this week, we will take your children on an exciting exploration of ecosystems and the food chain, helping them understand the roles animals play in nature. They will learn about different ecosystems and the concept of the food chain using simple examples. Kids will engage in role-playing games to imagine the life of an animal within its ecosystem. They will also create animal masks using paper or cardboard that they can wear during their role-playing activities, bringing their animal characters to life. The children will enjoy making a delicious and healthy snack of coupes de fruits rouges et banane (mixed red berries and banana), discovering how fruits play an important part in both human and animal diets.
Field Trip: At the Essex County Environmental Center, children will observe local wildlife, explore habitats, and learn how animals play their roles in the food chain.
Week 5 | Les Détectives Take Off | July 21 – July 25
During this week, your children will embark on an exciting adventure to explore the world of climate and weather, learning how winds and other weather patterns influence our environment. They will create their own weather tools, such as a weather vane and a kite, to observe the wind in action. Kids will also build a simple wind wheel using basic materials (stick, paper, cork, and pin) to study wind direction. There will be discussions about the climate and weather, with opportunities to observe the sky and clouds.The children will build their own weather tools, such as a small weather vane or kite, to further explore the wind and its effects. In a fun and healthy cooking activity, children will prepare wraps aux légumes, filled with fresh, seasonal vegetables, and learn about sustainable eating habits.
Field Trip: At the Montclair Art Museum, children will explore weather-related art and create their own weather-inspired projects during a workshop.
Week 6 | Les Détectives Say No to Waste | July 28 – August 1
During this week, your children will dive into the world of recycling and waste reduction, learning how to reduce, reuse, and recycle materials in a fun and creative way. They will participate in a recycling workshop to create a bag from an old piece of clothing. Kids will also create a sorting station to learn how to differentiate between different types of waste. They will explore the recycling process by making their own recycled paper or paper pulp. Additionally, they will also have the chance to interact with local farmers and explore the benefits of choosing fresh, seasonal produce.In a special cooking activity, they will make chips de légumes maison (homemade vegetable chips), using healthy, seasonal ingredients like carrots and beets to create a crunchy, waste-free snack.
Field Trip: Kids will learn about sustainable food practices at the Montclair Community Farm and discover how buying locally grown produce reduces waste and supports the environment.
Week 7 | Les Détectives Renew Their Energy | August 4 – August 8
During this week, your children will explore the fascinating world of renewable energy, discovering how natural resources can power our daily lives in an eco-friendly way. They will learn about solar panels and how they harness the sun’s energy. Additionally, they will explore the processes of energy and illumination by making their own candles in an eco-friendly way. The children will also get to make their own petites éoliennes (small wind turbines) using cardboard and skewers. This hands-on craft activity will help them understand how wind energy works and the role wind turbines play in renewable energy. The children will prepare mini quiches aux légumes sans pâte (crustless mini vegetable quiches), a delicious and healthy dish that highlights the use of fresh, seasonal vegetables.
Field Trip: At the Liberty Science Center, kids will participate in interactive exhibits on renewable energy and explore sustainable solutions implemented locally.
Week 8 | Les Détectives Save the Planet | August 11 – August 15
During this week, your children will become little environmental heroes, learning about collective actions to protect our planet. They will create banners and signs to express ecological messages and raise awareness about environmental issues. Kids will also make “planet-saving superhero” capes to symbolize their role as protectors of the Earth. They will engage in a fun and educational fresque du climat activity, helping them understand the impacts of climate change and how we can all contribute to its solution. They will also take part in a hands-on workshop, creating their own eco-friendly artwork using recycled materials, encouraging creativity and promoting environmental awarenes. In a special cooking activity, they will prepare a smoothie vert, discovering how delicious and healthy plant-based foods can support a sustainable lifestyle.
Field Trip: During a visit to The Newark Museum of Art, children will explore how artists use recycled materials and participate in a hands-on workshop to create eco-friendly art.