Valparaiso
TimberNook Northwest Indiana is tucked into the beautiful Gabis Arboretum in Valparaiso, Indiana. Children will explore the sensory aspects of nature, challenge their bodies and their minds, and develop confidence and lasting friendships through our innovative, inclusive, nature immersive camps. Each program is designed to inspire, enchant, and bring their imaginations to life. Based on the principles from the book "Balanced and Barefoot", children are given time, space, and inspiration to immerse themselves in deep and meaningful play. Rather than directing creativity and play schemes as most programs do; TimberNook provides large scale experiences, staging the environment to inspire. There is ample time and opportunity to practice true creativity free of adult direction, control, or frequent transitions under the watchful eyes of handpicked, caring camp counselors. As a result of this transformative method children try new things, practice conflict resolution, improve gross and fine motor skills, all while engaging in exciting adventures of their own design!
Overview
TimberNook Northwest Indiana is located in a beautiful nook off-trail at the Gabis Arboretum in Valparaiso, Indiana. As a property of Purdue Northwest, they value the focus on nature, child development, and learning through play that TimberNook offers! This site offers children a rich variety from wetlands, streams, and heavily wooded areas with trails, to specially designed features such as the adventure garden. Wildflowers abound and children will keep their eyes peeled to spot nesting birds and woodland critters such as chipmunks and deer. Of course climbing fallen trees and jumping in mud puddles are sure to be favorite parts of a day at the arboretum.
TimberNook Northwest Indiana
2022 Summer Camp Registration is open!! Lets Play the TimberNook Way!
Summer Camps
May 30- June 3 7-12y/o 9am-3pm $325 SOLD OUT!
June 13-17 4-7y/o 9am-1pm $220
June 27-July 1 7-12y/o 9am-3pm $325 SOLD OUT!!!
July 11-15 5-9y/o 9am-1pm $220
July 25-29 4-7y/o 9am-1pm $220
Fall Tiny Ones
Adults attend with child. Ages walking-5/6. Babies and adults attend free.
September
2, 9, 16, 23
October
7, 14, 21, 28
November
4, 11
December
9Registration opens August 1st
Available Programs
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Field Trips – TimberNook Northwest Indiana
Ages: 6 - 12
Dates: May 26
Times: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Capacity: 36
Price: $20.00 per child
Overview:
School Field Trips provide a unique opportunity for classes to experience outdoor learning and skill development through play. Our field trips can be customized according to your needs and are offered on flexible schedules. *Programs may vary based on location.Explore
Storybook – TimberNook Northwest Indiana
Ages: 4 - 7
Dates: Jul 25 - Jul 29
Times: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Capacity: 22
Price: $220.00 per child
Overview:
One of most popular programs, young children “live and breathe” stories out in the wild. With the turn of each day, comes a new story and adventure for the children to recreate with friends! Programs may vary based on location.Explore
Barefoot and Buckets – TimberNook Northwest Indiana
Ages: 4 - 7
Dates: Jun 13 - Jun 17
Times: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Capacity: 25
Price: $220.00 per child
Overview:
This program recreates classic play experiences from days gone by. A truly sensory week for the youngest campers, Barefoot & Buckets offer days of wet and often messy adventures that leave your children excited and asking for more. Programs may vary based on location.Explore
Enchanted – TimberNook Northwest Indiana
Ages: 5 - 9
Dates: Jul 11 - Jul 15
Times: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Capacity: 23
Price: $220.00 per child
Overview:
Children will dive deep into their imaginations as they bring dramatic roles to life during this popular TimberNook program. This week is sure to inspire and create lasting memories for years to come. Programs may vary based on location.Explore
Sensory Adventures – TimberNook Northwest Indiana
Ages: 7 - 12
Dates: Jun 27 - Jul 1
Times: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Capacity: 23
Price: $325.00 per child
Overview:
This week is sensory extraordinaire. Children will enjoy fantastic sensational adventures that are sure to challenge the mind, while fully engaging the senses at the same time! Programs may vary based on location.Explore
Reviews
Barefoot and Buckets - TimberNook of Greater Cleveland
reviewed by dawncpgardiner
WE LOVE TIMBERNOOK! My kids (ages 4 and 8) attended this and loved it! They came back covered in mud and gleefully happy every day. They got to play with friends (new and old) and explore and learn. My two oldest children (8 and 10) have grown so much from Timbernook and Miss Brenda's loving care. They love her, and we are so grateful to her for all she does. The camp provides a chance to for kids to explore nature and play in an unstructured manner with peers. Kids are given a chance to do amazingly fun things and challenge themselves. I could NOT be happier with this program. My kids returned happy and exhausted every day full of pure joy. Especially after covid-time, my kids needed this chance for growth, connection with peers, and time in nature.
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Storybook - TimberNook Central Ohio wk 1
reviewed by aafosler
I can’t say enough positive things about this camp. The director and counselors put so much thought into the activities offered but then take a mindful step back to let kids do what they do best, PLAY! Camp weeks are my son’s favorite part of summer!
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Sensory Adventures - TimberNook Northwest Indiana
reviewed by Emily Paris
This program is awesome! My kids had the most wonderful time. My 12 yr old said, "I knew it would be fun, but I had no idea it would be THAT much fun!"
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Wild Ones - TimberNook Los Angeles
reviewed by Grahamdad
The Wildwood Picnic area proved an ideal setting for the children to explore the river, play games like tug of war, tire-rolling, and more. Sarah and the facilitators provided plenty of cool raw materials and cozy comforts like a fire pit for smores so there were plenty of settings for kids' individual preferences. When there were behavioral challenges, the kids were able to work things out in the end. The photos, quotes and post-session write-ups were fun to read as well. Thanks for the great experience on behalf of my son.
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