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.
2026 Marsh-in Summer Camp
This year, we will be hosting three in-person camp days from Monday-Wednesday, July 27-29, 10:00am-2:00pm!
We are again hosting camp at Refuge Headquarters in Fremont (1 Marshlands Rd, Fremont, CA 94555) and are offering bus transportation from Alviso to Fremont for campers from Santa Clara County.
Applications are now open! To learn more about this year’s Camp and to submit an application, fill out this form by June 5, 2026.
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.
Check out our past At-Home Activity Packet for fun, family-friendly activities to engage with nature and science at home!
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.
