Summer Guided Discoveries

2025 Guided Discoveries registration is open!

If a session is full, you may select to join the waitlist.

Guided Discoveries are week-long outdoor natural adventure camps for children ages 5 to 13. Programs, taught by experienced naturalist educators, give children an in-depth exploration of nature and science. We are delighted to offer Guided Discoveries this summer and look forward to a fun and safe experience for everyone.

Minimum Age

Campers must be a minimum of 4 years and 8 months of age by the first day of the session they are registered for. We cannot make exceptions to this requirement, as it is determined by our Youth Skills Camp License through NH Department of Health and Human Services. Sessions for Ages 5 to 6 are open to children 4 years and 8 months old.

First Guides Program for ages 14 to 17

First Guides is a teen volunteer program based on our adult docent program. During the summer, teens between the ages of 14 and 17 attend training to become a welcoming and informative presence on the exhibit trail, often demonstrating animal artifacts alongside volunteer docent mentors with live animals. Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the year.Learn More.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available. To apply for a scholarship, complete the scholarship application form during the online registration process. Select scholarship as your payment method at check out. This will hold your child's spot. Scholarship applications are due by April 4; award notifications wi ll be made by April 18. Any remaining balance not covered by a scholarship will be due at that time.

Guided Discoveries Cancellations... Yours and Ours

A $25 administration fee will be charged for all cancellations. Cancellations made more than 30 days prior to the start of a session will be issued a full refund (less $25 fee). Cancellations made 14-30 days prior to the session start date will be issued a 50% refund (less $25 fee). Cancellations made less than 14 days prior to the start of a session will not be refunded. If there is low enrollment , Squam Lakes Natural Science Center will cancel week-long programs on the Wednesday prior to the scheduled start date and will fully refund your payment at that time. The Science Center will make every effort to alert participants to possible cancellations one month in advance. Registration and payment may be transferred to an alternative session at no additional cost if space allows.

Click on the Schedule-at-a-Glance below to see full details of each camp session

Background Check Policy

For program questions email us at .

Betsy Budesky, 09/22/24
We hosted another couple from out of state 11am Friday 9/20/24. None of us had experienced this 90 minute pontoon boat ride showcasing Squam Lake. It was truly wonderful. We would highly recommend it. We were warmly welcomed by staff and we were made to feel very comfortable all throughout. Pierce narrated the tour. We hung on to his every word. He's a warm, attentive steward. This is a must do activity for everyone who lives here and for those visiting. History, nature. Terrific.
Scott McDonough, 08/21/24
The whole experience was great! A lot of educational opportunity. Eric, one of the scientist, was displaying an owl and giving an educational talk about the owl. He took all kinds of questions from the kids. You get to see deer, bear, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, hawks, eagles and much more. When you go do not leave without taking one of the cruises. We had Eric again on the cruise and what an amazing experience. We saw loons, a bald eagle(trying to eat the loon chick). We got to see how the loon has different distress calls and how the second parent comes back quickly to help defend the chick. .
Dyanna O, 07/18/20
We loved it here. We spent 2 hrs and we didnt even walk the trails! Our 6 year old read every single word on the nature trail! He really enjoyed the bobcat, mountain lion and otters but his favorite was the bears! I wish we had packed a lunch. We only had some water and apples. We would have liked to explore the trails that were open. Just another reason to return!
Lori Blais, 06/08/21
Another fun experience at Squam. It was clean and beautiful. Always great to see the animals. The kids always love it.
Lauren Busby, 10/17/18
We go here once a year and always love it. My son has been going since he was 2 and gets something out of it every year. It's a great little home and we love to learn about the animals.