Macy Tallarico
Camp Coordinator
At this year’s traditional summer camp season Metro Parks welcomed more than 1,100 campers across five parks and nine different camp offerings.
Traditional Day Camps continued to be a favorite with families, while Metro Parks’ Adventure Camps continued to grow in popularity. Preschool Adventure Camp and Teen Adventure Camp were both highlights of the season, offering campers unique opportunities to explore the outdoors, try new activities, and challenge themselves in the parks.
Exploring the Outdoors
Every week brought new opportunities for campers to get outside and experience nature firsthand. Campers explored trails, searched for wildlife, learned about plants and animals, and discovered the many different habitats found throughout Metro Parks. Hands-on activities were a major part of the camp experience. Campers built tarp shelters, learned outdoor skills, cooked over campfires, played nature-based games and participated in activities designed to encourage exploration and curiosity.
Adventure Camps provided even more opportunities for campers to step outside their comfort zones. Teen campers participated in activities such as rock climbing, kayaking, hiking and other outdoor adventures, while Preschool Adventure Camp introduced younger campers to nature through age-appropriate exploration, games and hands-on activities.
Whether they were learning how to build a shelter, preparing food over a campfire, paddling on the water, climbing a rock wall, or simply exploring a new trail, campers had countless opportunities to learn by doing.
Building Connections
Summer camp is about more than activities. It is also an opportunity for children to build friendships, gain confidence and develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Counselors encouraged campers to try new things, ask questions, work together, and become stewards of the land. Over the course of a week, campers often became more comfortable exploring their surroundings and more confident in their ability to navigate new experiences. These experiences are at the heart of Metro Parks’ Nature Camp program, which focuses on exploration, education, community building and stewardship.
A Summer of Growth
The 2026 season provided another opportunity for the Nature Camp program to grow and evolve. With a variety of traditional and adventure-based offerings, campers of different ages and interests were able to find ways to connect with the outdoors.
Behind every camp week was a dedicated team of seasonal counselors and Metro Parks staff working to create meaningful experiences for campers. Their enthusiasm and commitment helped bring each activity, game, adventure, and nature experience to life.
As another summer comes to a close, the memories made throughout the season will continue long after campers leave the parks. From first-time adventures to new friendships and discoveries in nature, summer camp gives children the opportunity to experience the outdoors in ways they may not otherwise have the chance to do.
Thank you to all of the campers, families, counselors, and Metro Parks staff at Battelle Darby Creek, Blendon Woods, Highbanks, Scioto Grove and Quarry Trails who helped make the 2026 camp season a memorable one. We look forward to another summer of exploration, adventure and connection with nature in 2027. Keep your eyes peeled for additional camp opportunities throughout the year.
Blendon Woods Camper Parent Review of Nature Camp
“The activities provided during this camp exceed all my expectations. Working in nature myself it brings me joy just knowing that my child is outside everyday enjoying nature, too. Activities like creeking, archery, mud day, and riding the tram are such unique opportunities for my child and seeing her light up while retelling her day makes my husband and I so happy. My only hesitation in broadcasting how much we LOVE this camp is that it might make signing up for camp even more stressful due to demand.”
Scioto Grove Camper Parent Review
“We love Metro Parks camps. We do them every year. They are the perfect balance of engaging activities and being outside, and free time and games to play and connect with other campers.”
Highbanks Northern Camper Parent Review
“I loved seeing my child tired and covered in dirt during pickup time. It meant she was out having fun in nature, which is exactly what we had wanted for her. She says it’s the best camp she’s ever been to.”