Frequently asked questions Camps

Our location is a picturesque nature preserve of 2.5 acres located in the largest green area of Amsterdam, The Gardens of

West, a unique 700-hectare rural and nature landscape. We are neighbours to a horse sanctuary and riding school, cows graze literally in front of our door, and there are many small farms on a walking distance where we pick up organic flowers, fruits and vegetables, feed goats, etc.

Our private location consists of forest and garden areas, multiple wagons and magical spaces, including a 10-meter tall tipi, a toilet wagon, and a main building. It provides the beautiful atmosphere of a faraway retreat, a hidden gem, an oasis in Amsterdam where kids can be free to explore within a safe environment.

We are a highly international camp and we welcome kids of all nationalities. Some kids speak only English, others speak only Dutch, and most of them speak both languages and even more!

The story and all instructions are given in English and Dutch, and while not all the camp counselors speak Dutch, there is always someone around who speaks Dutch. We also speak Spanish, French, some German, and often other languages.

The beauty of kids is that they communicate in other ways and in our experience language is never a problem. As a side benefit, some Dutch kids end up speaking some English at the end of the week! 🙂

The registration and payment platform will indicate if the tickets are sold out.

If it let’s you go through, it means that there is still availability.

We have a wide range of active and passive activities that are suitable for kids from 4-11 y.o.

For more information see: A Day at Terragon Nature Camps

Terragon location is equipped with tents and wagons that are fun for kids and they also provide shelter when it rains.

Among other, our 9m tall tipi makes a great space for baking bread in the campfire and staying dry!

When it is very cold outside (Early Spring and Autumn camps) we warm ourselves in the school building facilities; however, we try to stay outdoors as much as possible!

Research shows that the benefits of nature for kids are multiple.

Intellectual

The natural world is a giant, open-ended learning laboratory. Children are innate scientists and love to experience the sights, scents, sounds, and textures of the outdoors. Nature provides countless opportunities for discovery, creativity, problem-solving, and STEM education.

Emotional

Being outside feels good. Children are free to explore, move about, and make noise — all delightful forms of self-expression that are often restricted indoors. In nature, children can run, jump, hop, skip, climb, roll, and shout, which relaxes, and reduces tension, anxiety, and restlessness.

Nature enhances a sense of peace and often brings out nurturing qualities in children.

Social

When children play outdoors there may be opportunities to interact with new and different playmates.

Physical

The fresh air of the natural world is invigorating and offers endless opportunities for physical activity, which, in turn, builds strong bodies. Exposure to sunlight means children absorb vitamin D which has many positive benefits, including contributing to a strong immune system.

Environmental

Our children are future stewards of the earth. In order to raise adults who are passionate about protecting the environment and preserving our planet, they must first develop a deep love for it.

Learn more:

The real benefits of nature play every day

Last Child in the Woods- book

Benefits of Nature for Kids

At Terragon we have experience with kids with mild special needs.

Several studies have found that exposure to nature can reduce symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Also kids with Asperger / Autism can choose to socialise or focus on an activity by themselves (watering plants, looking for bugs), and in our experience, they find themselves very comfortable in nature.

We treat everyone equally and we adapt to his/her needs. The only thing we ask for is that kids have a certain level of independence, remain peaceful with other kids, and don’t have the tendency to run away. Toilet-training is a must.

We have observed that kids integrate better when they come all week, from Monday to Friday. There is a story with puzzles and scavenger hunts and it evolves throughout the week with en epic end on Friday. Sometimes kids prepare a show all week and it is presented at the end of the week. Also, we explain the camp rules on Monday upon arrival.

We can make few exceptions, however, the pick up van will give priority to kids who come all week.