Kids, join us at the arboretum this summer as we welcome the first circle of nature explorers to Little Sparrows Nature Camp.

The day camp is sponsored by Playful Hearts, a new nonprofit in south King County developed by Maple Valley resident Sarah Schumacher that offers play-based, nature-inspired programs for young children and their families to cultivate awareness, thankfulness, respect of self and others as well as the natural world.

Each week-long session of Little Sparrows Nature Camp is designed for children ages 4-6 and encourages self-directed learning and play. Kids will explore the arboretum, gardens and native forest, igniting their curiosity for all things wild. With a 1:5 ratio of staff to child, they’ll receive the attention they need to be confident nature explorers.

“We believe that all children are gifted learners,” Schumacher says. “As mentors, our staff works hard to observe, recognize and honor each child’s gifts.”

Three sessions scheduled for 2014 include June 16-19, July 14-17 and August 11-14, from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The $175.00 per child session rate includes a camp t-shirt and hand-crafted leather treasure pouch.

Register online at www.playfulhearts.org/nature-camp/.

Visit LakeWildernessArboretum.org, email info@lakewildernessarboretum.org or call 253-293-5103 to volunteer, donate or become a member.