TimberNook Hunterdon NJ
TimberNook is an innovative nature-based developmental program designed to foster creativity, imagination, and independent play in the great outdoors.
Founded by an occupational therapist, TimberNook programs take nature programming to the next level! We give children the right combination of space and resources to build, create, and explore nature -- while nurturing child development at the same time.
TimberNook is a developmental program that intricately weaves the therapeutic aspects of nature with out unique understanding of child development to create an invaluable outdoor experience that supports growing children.
What is a day at Timbenook Camp like?
Each week of the TimberNook summer camp is guided by a specific theme intended to inspire play. ​Every day of summer camp has a rhythm and includes: forest walks, play activities, outdoor lunch, our closing circle.​​​
All of our TimberNook programs begin with drop-off near the farm's animal sanctuary....allowing for a moment to enjoy the animals before making our way to the TimberNook woodlands to kick off the fun! ​The day will end with pickup in the same area.
​​​TimberNook programs are intentionally multi-age (4-12 years) as this most accurately reflects children's natural play, school, and sibling environments beyond the camp experience. Our low 1:6, adult to child ratio, allows for an adult presence to ensure safety while respecting the space needed for unrestricted child-led play to unfold.
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Our TimberNook programs are 100% outdoors, rain or shine! In the event of dangerous weather conditions that occur during the camp day, access to indoor shelter is available. Private bathroom facilities are also available.
Location & Programs
Located in the surrounding woodlands of a 12-acre farm in the quaint rivertown of Lambertville, TimberNook Hunterdon NJ is the perfect environment for fostering Confidence, Creativity, and Connection with nature. With its bucolic pastures framed by expansive woodlands and protected by historic rock walls set deep in the woods, Twelve Acre Farm, is also home to a small peaceful animal sanctuary--offering children a more enriched meaningful experience with nature as they transition to and from the TimberNook sylvan playscape.
A variety of TimberNook programs are offered at our location, including:
Week-long summer camps
Weekly TimberNook Days during the school year
School's-Out Mini Camps
Pop-up Day Events
Night (glow-in-the-dark) Programs
Birthday parties​​
Why TimberNook?
Children learn how to be creative thinkers.
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Our open-ended therapeutic activities and enriched natural environments are socially designed to ignite both creativity and imagination in children.
Children are challenged to develop and grow naturally.
Children are encouraged to take age-appropriate risks, engage their senses, and challenge their body and mind in new ways.
Children overcome fears and practice new skills
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Children are given ample opportunities to enjoy novel experiences, try out new ideas, and overcome challenges at their own pace.
A chance for children to play in nature unhindered by adult fears.
Unrestricted play allows children to inspire each other to think creatively through natural play experiences, while being under the safe (but not hovering) supervision of the instructors.
Children learn advanced social skills...naturally!
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Children learn how to problem solve, regulate their emotions, negotiate, trade, collaborate, plan, and create complex play schemes with peers through unrestricted play in the woods.
Carryover to the home environment.
Deep unrestricted play is transformative. Parents report that children are more "calm and balanced" and skilled at imaginative and creative play. These capacities can extend into the home and school environments.
