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
Keep your eyes peeled for fall program updates as well as information on birthday parties!
Summer programs were a smashing success!! Every camp was sold out and we had an amazing summer! Thank you for your support!!
Fall Programs
September 24 9:30-11:30 parents and toddlers walking-6y/o $15.00
Summer camps and year round programs are excellent alternative learning and field trip opportunities for homeschool families!
We are listed on TheHomeSchoolMom: TheHomeSchoolMom Homeschooling Resources
Available Programs
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Tiny Ones – TimberNook Northwest Indiana
Ages: 1 - 5
Dates: Oct 22
Times: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Price: $15.00 per child
Overview:
Tiny Ones is designed for the smallest of our TimberNook adventurers. You and your child will venture outdoors for creative play opportunities that foster healthy child development. You’ll also receive weekly ideas on how to inspire independent play at home. Programs may vary based on location.Explore
Tiny Ones – TimberNook Northwest Indiana
Ages: 1 - 5
Dates: Oct 22
Times: 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Price: $15.00 per child
Overview:
Tiny Ones is designed for the smallest of our TimberNook adventurers. You and your child will venture outdoors for creative play opportunities that foster healthy child development. You’ll also receive weekly ideas on how to inspire independent play at home. Programs may vary based on location.Explore
Tiny Ones – TimberNook Northwest Indiana
Ages: 1 - 6
Dates: Sep 24
Times: 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Price: $15.00 per child
Overview:
Tiny Ones is designed for the smallest of our TimberNook adventurers. You and your child will venture outdoors for creative play opportunities that foster healthy child development. You’ll also receive weekly ideas on how to inspire independent play at home. Programs may vary based on location.Explore
Tiny Ones – TimberNook Northwest Indiana
Ages: 1 - 4
Dates: Aug 10 - Aug 31
Times: 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Capacity: 16
Price: $50.00 per child
Overview:
Tiny Ones is designed for the smallest of our TimberNook adventurers. You and your child will venture outdoors for creative play opportunities that foster healthy child development. You’ll also receive weekly ideas on how to inspire independent play at home. Programs may vary based on location.Explore
Reviews
Enchanted - TimberNook Moose Mountain Region
reviewed by Jhavage
My 9 year old son has enjoyed every minute of Enchanted and can't wait to join other programs offered by Timber Nook. His only disappointment is that it has to come to an end. Every day starts with a song and a greeting, Followed by snack time and a group reading of the days story book. After the story is read they cooperatively re-enact the story and have experiences in the forest as the characters in the book did. The teachers are patient and kind and let the kids find the best way to express themselves, problem solve & interact with the other children. They encourage the kids to do whatever moves them even if that means getting a little messy. The teachers do all the clean up so that the kid's creativity is not inhibited by the thought that they have to clean up everything they create. When my son comes home he is alive and excited and can't wait to share everything he did and experienced. I couldn't be happier that Timber Nook has moved into our little town and I strongly recommend this program! Jennifer
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Extreme Art - TimberNook Central Ohio
reviewed by swittsto
Our child absolutely loves Timbernook and looks forward to going back every summer. We love getting pictures and reports of what the kids do each day. The staff is amazing, extremely caring, and we love that they have experience working with special needs children. They are such an encouragement to us and our child. I highly recommend this program!
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Barefoot and Buckets - TimberNook Central Ohio
reviewed by kcoen
Krista and her staff are nothing short of AMAZING! They are so sweet with the kids and you can tell she really cares about all of them and making sure they have an awesome experience. The structure (or lack of) is what we loved most about this camp- kids can be KIDS and not have to follow a strict set routine, they play outside the entire time and are encouraged to get messy, dirty, creative and have fun. We just love it.
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Storybook - TimberNook Central Ohio
reviewed by Shashika Kumarapatti
I registered my 5 year old son to storybook program at the camp and it was so much fun. This was his 1st camp experience and it was wonderful. We will be coming back again.
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Storybook - TimberNook Central Ohio
reviewed by Sarahwill
This is a fantastic experience for all kids. They learn and explore in one of the most beautiful spots in Delaware OH. My autistic son struggles at times but they are experienced and fully capable of fulfilling his needs. This is one of the best camps around. He is still asking about going to the camp in the woods (probably for the water slide!!!)
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Village Folks - TimberNook Tri-County
reviewed by SymonsFam6108
What an absolutely amazing experience for my kids (ages 7 and 11)! They were able to really dive into the depths of their imagination and were encouraged to be as creative as they’d like. I thoroughly enjoyed the daily emails including pictures and quotes from the day, it was so fun going through them with the kids and hearing all about it- it truly made me feel like I was able to experience it alongside them! Overall wonderful program that allows kids to be KIDS! I will recommend to everyone!
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Village Folks - TimberNook Tri-County
reviewed by Tracicutler
As an elementary education teacher of 20 years and mother of 3 school age children that have attended Timbernook, I highly recommend this program! My children asked after day 1 why they can’t do the camp all summer. I thought they’d change their minds after a few days but, at the last day, it was the same response. My kids love Timbernook and each day can’t stop talking about what they did, friends they made, and future ideas they came up with during camp as well that they want to put into motion. Great program!
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Storybook - TimberNook Tri-County
reviewed by ErinBowden
My kids love TimberNook! Each day the kids had opportunities to make a different storybook come to life in their cute, imaginative ways. Strega Nona’s pasta, Walter the Baker’s bakery, making mailboxes and deliveries, banking with walnuts, pinecones, and gems found in the forest. They loved to play in the creek, climb, get messy, and make friends.
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Storybook - TimberNook Tri-County
reviewed by erdickey
Absolutely love everything about this camp! Where kids just get to be kids, explore nature, and have fun. The Storybook week was cute and gave the kids a different theme in the woods each day. Will definitely be back.
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