Camp, But Make It Wild: Curious and Kind’s Nature Playground for Kids

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Curious and Kind Education is giving kids a different kind of summer camp experience—one rooted in nature, imagination, and what they call “good old-fashioned playing.” From climbing trees and building forts to exploring a creek and creating in a mud kitchen, campers spend their days learning outdoors while making memories along the way.

Suncoast View reporter Alyssa Perry was out at the camp to get the experience firsthand—seeing how the program blends fun with skills kids can carry beyond the forest.

A classroom without walls

Camp leaders say the idea is simple: when kids are trusted to explore, learning follows naturally. Games in the woods, hands-on discovery, and creative play are built into every day.

They say children develop:

• Confidence
• Empathy
• Problem-solving skills
• Communication skills

…all while following their own curiosity.

Programs for ages 1.5 through 17

Curious and Kind offers multiple options for families—serving both homeschool and traditional school students. Programs include:

• Nature Stay and Play
• Forest School (for homeschoolers)
• ReWild Afterschool
• Teen Launch Pad (for homeschoolers)
• Summer camp

One more week of summer camp

The camp says there’s one week left this year: July 20–23, and a few spots are still open—before the program breaks until next summer.

Inspired by “Free to Learn”

Curious and Kind says their approach is backed by the ideas in Dr. Peter Gray’s Free to Learn—centering play as a key part of childhood development. Instead of being told how to learn, children are encouraged to lead the way.

The camp also highlights its ReWild Afterschool program as a way to give kids—especially those who’ve been inside all day—time in open space, real nature, and screen-free exploration while building outdoor “wild” skills.

If you’re looking for a summer camp that swaps screens for sticks, mud, and imagination—Curious and Kind says that’s exactly the point.