Marsh-In Summer Camp
Marsh-In Summer Camp is a yearly tradition at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge that began in 1980. This free day camp introduces children entering 1st-6th grade to the Refuge, engaging them with the wildlife that call our habitats home and encouraging them to help protect the environment. Each day of camp consists of hikes, crafts, games, and fun presentations to immerse campers with nature and the amazing wildlife protected by the Refuge. We also invite former campers entering 7th-12th grade to return to camp to volunteer as Habitat Heroes, helping lead camper groups through their activities. By continuing to engage campers year after year, we build a strong sense of environmental stewardship and leadership in our local youth.
For most of its history, Marsh-In Summer Camp has been held at the Environmental Education Center (EEC) in Alviso. In recent years, we have adapted to changing conditions; we pivoted to a virtual camp in 2020, and then moved to a hybrid model for camp. Due to construction for the South San Francisco Bay Shoreline Project impacting the EEC, we also moved the camp to Refuge Headquarters in Fremont.
2025 Marsh-in Summer Camp
Applications are officially open for this year’s camp! We will be hosting three in-person days, Tuesday-Thursday, July 29-31, 10:00am-2:00pm! Please apply for camp via this Google form: https://forms.gle/4ZHUWa8kPbdWkJFV6
We are again hosting camp at Refuge Headquarters in Fremont (1 Marshlands Rd, Fremont, CA 94555). We are also again hoping to offer round-trip bus transportation for campers from Santa Clara County, but we need to raise the funds to cover the expense. We would be most appreciative if you can share this link to help us get donations for the bus! https://www.mightycause.com/story/Bluegoosebusfund
In addition to the three in-person camp days, we will be providing an activity packet that campers can complete at home, and we will invite all campers and their families to events at the Refuge before and after camp.
If you have questions, please send an email to [email protected].
Marsh-In Summer Camp is possible thanks to support from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program, and Cargill, Inc. If you’d like to make a donation to help us ensure that we can continue to run a successful Summer Camp, please contribute here.
Become a Supporter of the San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society. Your membership will include a subscription to the Tide Rising newsletter and a 15% discount at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Nature Stores at the Visitor Center in Fremont, and the Environmental Education Center in Alviso.
Volunteering at the Refuge is a rewarding and valuable experience. Through a variety of public programs, visitors understand and appreciate the natural and cultural history of the Refuge.
Your support of our education, interpretation, and research activities is more important than ever. Any amount you’re willing to donate will be greatly appreciated! Donations may be fully tax-deductible.