Summer Camp 2025

For ages 2 to 13 - Outdoor experience in the woods, field or seashore during the summer

Summer Camp

Weekdays
8 AM-5 PM

$380 for 4 days
$285 for 3 days
$190 for 2 days
$95 for 1 day
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Please read our program description and policies under the parent handbook tab for more detailed information. Feel free to contact us with any questions.

SUMMER OUTSIDE!

SUMMER OUTSIDE!

Ready Set Go Outside will offer children an opportunity to create their own learning environment outside of the classroom.  Children will explore areas in their community through hiking, writing, reading, art, ponding, tide pooling, building with tools, whittling, orienteering, listening, singing, observing, digging, creating, and socializing.  The tools teachers use to enhance these learning activities will be found in the forest or reused and recycled from the community.  Teachers will facilitate child-led learning experiences that allow children to be who they are—no lining up. No testing. No electronics. No ads. Just children exploring our natural world while teachers observe, advise on safety, and offer knowledge of natural habitats.

The main goals will be to guide children in:

  • creating a strong sense of self
  • developing independent learning skills
  • cultivating enthusiasm and curiosity through sensory experiences
  • building skills to handle challenging situations
  • becoming socially confident in an unstructured setting
  • exploring ways to become helpful members of the community
  • emotional regulation and happiness

The main goals will be to guide children in:

  • creating a strong sense of self
  • developing independent learning skills
  • cultivating enthusiasm and curiosity through sensory experiences
  • building skills to handle challenging situations
  • becoming socially confident in an unstructured setting
  • exploring ways to become helpful members of community
  • emotional regulation and happiness
girls crossing river on downed tree
Mixed-age groups facilitate greater social learning.  Children learn kindness, cooperation, and responsibility when grouped with younger and older children. They increase their capacity for empathy and consideration when navigating relationships with children of various ages.   They are motivated by the skills they see used by children who have mastered them, which in turn encourages them to become teachers or helpers to children who have not yet learned the skills they currently have. Teachers will observe children trying new roles and coping skills as the younger, middle, or older child in a group setting.
preschool children gardening

Meet the Founder

I am passionate about the environment and spending time in natural settings for myself and others.  My natural science background includes studies in ornithology, marine biology, plant identification, wetland ecology, mycology, edible plants, gardening, composting, herpetology, environmental science, and entomology. My early childhood background includes 31 years of experience working with children, as well as coursework in psychology and curriculum from college through childcare training.  I have also attended various outdoor recreation courses in and outside of college, including the Maine Guide Course and canoeing instructor certification.  I am currently CPR/First Aid certified. (Marisa- owner/director/teacher)

marisa tobey teaching children about horseshoe crabs

Dates and destinations for 2026

All trips are subject to change with notice due to scheduling problems and weather.

Week 1 

June 22 (Monday)- Forest at 79 Beech Hill Road, Freeport

  • Possible activities: hiking, kayaking, bird watching, shelter/den/fairy house building, games, stream and pond study, vernal pool survey, map and compass, whittling, wilderness tool use, journaling in hammocks, animal tracking, nature crafting, gardening, STEM challenge, edible plants, rotting log dissections, insect collecting.
  • Wear quick dry clothing or bathing suits, good hiking/running shoes, water bottle.

June 23 (Tuesday)- Forest at 79 Beech Hill Road, Freeport

  • Possible activities: hiking, kayaking, bird watching, shelter/den/fairy house building, games, stream and pond study, vernal pool survey, map and compass, whittling, wilderness tool use, journaling in hammocks, animal tracking, nature crafting, gardening, STEM challenge, edible plants, rotting log dissections, insect collecting.
  • Wear quick dry clothing or bathing suits, good hiking/running shoes, water bottle.

June 24 (Wednesday)- Two Lights State Park, Cape Elizabeth (LT 1:50 PM)

  • Hiking, tide pool exploration, playground, rock climbing, big field games, bird watching, herp hunting, fairy house/den building, ponding.
  • Wear quick dry clothes and good hiking/running shoes (good for rock climbing), bring extra layer for windy/foggy conditions, snacks, water bottle and lunch.

June 26 (Thursday)- Winslow Park, Freeport (LT 2:49 PM)

  • Possible activities: Tide pooling, sand play, playground, mud mucking, bird watching, big field games, nature hike, rock climbing, mini beast hunting.
  • Wear quick dry clothing or bathing suit, easy shoes to take on and off or water shoes, bring extra layer for windy/foggy conditions, water bottle.

Week 2

June 29 (Monday)- Maine Wildlife Park, Gray

  • We’ll take the day to explore all the animals in the park.
  • Wear clothing appropriate for the weather, good hiking or running shoes, water bottle.

June 30 (Tuesday)- Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Boothbay

  • Possible activities: We will spend the day exploring the gardens, tree houses, ponds, streams, and the children’s area.
  • Wear quick dry clothing, good hiking/running shoes, a hat for sun protection, and a water bottle.

July 1 (Wednesday)- Forest at 79 Beech Hill Road, Freeport

  • Possible activities: hiking, kayaking, bird watching, shelter/den/fairy house building, games, stream and pond study, vernal pool survey, map and compass, whittling, wilderness tool use, journaling in hammocks, animal tracking, nature crafting, gardening, STEM challenge, edible plants, rotting log dissections, insect collecting.
  • Wear quick dry clothing or bathing suits, good hiking/running shoes, water bottle.

July 2 (Thursday)- Forest at 79 Beech Hill Road, Freeport

  • Possible activities: hiking, kayaking, bird watching, shelter/den/fairy house building, games, stream and pond study, vernal pool survey, map and compass, whittling, wilderness tool use, journaling in hammocks, animal tracking, nature crafting, gardening, STEM challenge, edible plants, rotting log dissections, insect collecting.
  • Wear quick dry clothing or bathing suits, good hiking/running shoes, water bottle.

Week 3

July 6 (Monday)- Forest at 79 Beech Hill Road, Freeport

  • Possible activities: hiking, kayaking, bird watching, shelter/den/fairy house building, games, stream and pond study, vernal pool survey, map and compass, whittling, wilderness tool use, journaling in hammocks, animal tracking, nature crafting, gardening, STEM challenge, edible plants, rotting log dissections, insect collecting.
  • Wear quick dry clothing or bathing suits, good hiking/running shoes, water bottle.

July 7 (Tuesday)- Forest at 79 Beech Hill Road, Freeport

  • Possible activities: hiking, kayaking, bird watching, shelter/den/fairy house building, games, stream and pond study, vernal pool survey, map and compass, whittling, wilderness tool use, journaling in hammocks, animal tracking, nature crafting, gardening, STEM challenge, edible plants, rotting log dissections, insect collecting.
  • Wear quick dry clothing or bathing suits, good hiking/running shoes, water bottle.

July 8 (Wednesday)- Ferry Beach State Park, Saco (LT 11:45 AM)

  • Possible activities: Indoor nature center, sand play, ponding, bird watching, beach hike, wading, blueberry picking, board walk trail hike.
  • Wear a bathing suit, easy shoes to take on and off or water shoes, bring extra layer for windy/foggy conditions, life jacket, water bottle.

July 9 (Thursday)- Cousin’s Island Sandy Beach, Yarmouth (LT 12:30 PM)

  • Possible activities: Tide pooling, sand play, sea glass collecting, bird watching, beach hike, rock climbing, wading, games.
  • Wear a bathing suit, easy shoes to take on and off or water shoes, bring extra layer for windy/foggy conditions, life jacket, water bottle.

Week 4

July 13 (Monday)- Forest at 79 Beech Hill Road, Freeport

  • Possible activities: hiking, kayaking, bird watching, shelter/den/fairy house building, games, stream and pond study, vernal pool survey, map and compass, whittling, wilderness tool use, journaling in hammocks, animal tracking, nature crafting, gardening, STEM challenge, edible plants, rotting log dissections, insect collecting.
  • Wear quick dry clothing or bathing suits, good hiking/running shoes, water bottle.

July 14 (Tuesday)- Mr. Drew and His Animals Too, Poland/Range Pond State Park

  • visit with live Lizards, snakes, insects, spiders, turtles, etc., then hiking and playground exploration after lunch at Range Pond State Park. If it’s hot, we’ll take a dip in the water.
  • Wear quick dry clothes or bathing suits (can pack to put on later especially if it’s a one piece) and good hiking/running shoes, water bottle, towel.

July 15 (Wednesday)- Mt. Apatite, Auburn

  • Possible activities: Hiking, rock hounding, rock climbing, geocaching, fairy house or den building, journaling or drawing in hammocks, nets, pond study, bird watching, herp hunting, and more
  • Wear quick dry clothes or bathing suits and good hiking/running shoes, water bottle.

July 16 (Thursday)- Bradbury-Pineland Corridor and Elmwood Trails, Pownal

(500 Lawrence Road, Pownal, ME)

  • Possible activities: Hiking, rock hounding, rock climbing, geocaching, fairy house or den building, journaling or drawing in hammocks, forest games, stream exploration.
  • Wear clothing appropriate for the weather, bathing suits for wading in the stream, good hiking or running shoes, water bottle.

Week 5

July 20 (Monday)- Forest at 79 Beech Hill Road, Freeport

  • Possible activities: hiking, kayaking, bird watching, shelter/den/fairy house building, games, stream and pond study, vernal pool survey, map and compass, whittling, wilderness tool use, journaling in hammocks, animal tracking, nature crafting, gardening, STEM challenge, edible plants, rotting log dissections, insect collecting.
  • Wear quick dry clothing, good hiking/running shoes, water bottle.

July 21 (Tuesday)- Forest at 79 Beech Hill Road, Freeport

  • Possible activities: hiking, kayaking, bird watching, shelter/den/fairy house building, games, stream and pond study, vernal pool survey, map and compass, whittling, wilderness tool use, journaling in hammocks, animal tracking, nature crafting, gardening, STEM challenge, edible plants, rotting log dissections, insect collecting.
  • Wear quick dry clothing, good hiking/running shoes, water bottle.

July 22 (Wednesday)- Wolfe’s Neck State Park, Freeport (LT 12:13 PM)

  • Possible activities: Hiking, tide pool exploration, rock climbing, mud mucking, big field games, bird watching, herp hunting, fairy house/den building.
  • Wear quick dry clothes or bathing suits and good hiking/running shoes, bring extra layer for windy/foggy conditions, water bottle.

July 23 (Thursday)- Kettle Cove, Cape Elizabeth (LT 1:13 PM)

  • Possible activities: Hiking, tide pool exploration, rock climbing, mud mucking, big field games, bird watching, beach treasure hunt. Bring a collection bag.
  • Wear quick dry clothes or bathing suits and good walking shoes that are easy to take on and off, bring extra layer for windy/foggy conditions, water bottle.

Week 6

July 27 (Monday)- Florida Lake, Freeport 

  • Possible activities: hiking, bird watching, shelter/den/fairy house building, stream and pond study with nets, whittling, journaling in hammocks, animal tracking, nature crafting, edible plants, rotting log dissections, insect collecting, swimming.
  • Wear quick dry clothing or a bathing suit, good hiking/running shoes or comfortable water shoes, water bottle.

July 28 (Tuesday)- Frost Gully Trails, Freeport meet behind Burr Cemetery 56 Durham Road, Freeport

  • Possible activities: Hiking, stream exploration, log climbing, mud mucking, bird watching and owl pellet dissection, herp hunting, fairy house/den building.
  • Wear quick dry clothes or bathing suits and good hiking/running shoes or comfortable water shoes, water bottle.

July 29 (Wednesday)- Forest at 79 Beech Hill Road, Freeport

  • Possible activities: hiking, kayaking, bird watching, shelter/den/fairy house building, games, stream and pond study, vernal pool survey, map and compass, whittling, wilderness tool use, journaling in hammocks, animal tracking, nature crafting, gardening, STEM challenge, edible plants, rotting log dissections, insect collecting.
  • Wear quick dry clothing, good hiking/running shoes, water bottle.

July 30 (Thursday)- Forest at 79 Beech Hill Road, Freeport

  • Possible activities: hiking, kayaking, bird watching, shelter/den/fairy house building, games, stream and pond study, vernal pool survey, map and compass, whittling, wilderness tool use, journaling in hammocks, animal tracking, nature crafting, gardening, STEM challenge, edible plants, rotting log dissections, insect collecting.
  • Wear quick dry clothing, good hiking/running shoes, water bottle.

Week 7

August 3 (Monday)- Forest at 79 Beech Hill Road, Freeport

  • Possible activities: hiking, kayaking, bird watching, shelter/den/fairy house building, games, stream and pond study, vernal pool survey, map and compass, whittling, wilderness tool use, journaling in hammocks, animal tracking, nature crafting, gardening, STEM challenge, edible plants, rotting log dissections, insect collecting.
  • Wear quick dry clothing or bathing suits, good hiking/running shoes, water bottle.

August 4 (Tuesday)- Forest at 79 Beech Hill Road, Freeport

  • Possible activities: hiking, kayaking, bird watching, shelter/den/fairy house building, games, stream and pond study, vernal pool survey, map and compass, whittling, wilderness tool use, journaling in hammocks, animal tracking, nature crafting, gardening, STEM challenge, edible plants, rotting log dissections, insect collecting.
  • Wear quick dry clothing or bathing suits, good hiking/running shoes, water bottle.

August 5 (Wednesday)- Mackworth Island, Falmouth (LT 10:30 AM)

  • Possible activities: hiking, bird watching, fairy house building, games, pond study, journaling, animal tracking, nature crafting, turkey hunting, insect collecting, tide pooling, sand play, fairy house building, rock climbing
  • Wear quick dry clothing or bathing suit, easy shoes to take on and off or water shoes, bring extra layer for windy/foggy conditions, water bottle

August 6 (Thursday)- Reid State Park, Georgetown (LT 11:17 AM)

  • Possible activities: Tide pooling, sand play, rock collecting, bird watching, beach hike, stream play, rock climbing, swimming.
  • Wear a bathing suit, easy shoes to take on and off or water shoes, bring extra layer for windy/foggy conditions, life jacket, water bottle.

Week 8

August 10 (Monday)- Sebago Lake State Park

  • Possible activities: hiking, bird watching, shelter/den/fairy house building, games, stream and lake study, water play, animal tracking, nature crafting, edible plants, rotting log dissections, insect collecting.
  • Wear quick dry clothing or bathing suits, good hiking/running shoes, water bottle.

August 11 (Tuesday)- Range Pond State Park, Poland

  • Possible activities: Hiking, playground, swimming, ponding, bird watching, edible wild plants, fairy house/den building, mini beast hunting.
  • Wear bathing suits and good hiking/running shoes or comfortable water shoes, bring extra layer for windy/foggy conditions, towel, coast guard approved life jacket, water bottle.

August 12 (Wednesday)- Forest at 79 Beech Hill Road, Freeport

  • Possible activities: hiking, kayaking, bird watching, shelter/den/fairy house building, games, stream and pond study, vernal pool survey, map and compass, whittling, wilderness tool use, journaling in hammocks, animal tracking, nature crafting, gardening, STEM challenge, edible plants, rotting log dissections, insect collecting
  • Wear quick dry clothing or bathing suits, good hiking/running shoes, water bottle.

August 13 (Thursday)- Forest at 79 Beech Hill Road, Freeport

  • Possible activities: hiking, kayaking, bird watching, shelter/den/fairy house building, games, stream and pond study, vernal pool survey, map and compass, whittling, wilderness tool use, journaling in hammocks, animal tracking, nature crafting, gardening, STEM challenge, edible plants, rotting log dissections, insect collecting.
  • Wear quick dry clothing or bathing suits, good hiking/running shoes, water bottle.

Week 9 

August 17 (Monday)- Forest at 79 Beech Hill Road, Freeport

  • Possible activities: hiking, kayaking, bird watching, shelter/den/fairy house building, games, stream and pond study, vernal pool survey, map and compass, whittling, wilderness tool use, journaling in hammocks, animal tracking, nature crafting, gardening, STEM challenge, edible plants, rotting log dissections, insect collecting
  • Wear quick dry clothing or bathing suits, good hiking/running shoes, water bottle.

August 18 (Tuesday)- Forest at 79 Beech Hill Road, Freeport

  • Possible activities: hiking, kayaking, bird watching, shelter/den/fairy house building, games, stream and pond study, vernal pool survey, map and compass, whittling, wilderness tool use, journaling in hammocks, animal tracking, nature crafting, gardening, STEM challenge, edible plants, rotting log dissections, insect collecting
  • Wear quick dry clothing or bathing suits, good hiking/running shoes, water bottle.

August 19 (Wednesday)- Leon Gorman Park, Freeport 

  • Stream exploration, rock climbing, herp hunting, hiking, beaver dam investigation, fairy house or den building, bird watching, forest games.
  • Wear quick dry clothes or bathing suits and good hiking shoes or water shoes that are comfortable (the children like to take their shoes off and put their feet in the river), water bottle.

August 20 (Thursday)- Peak’s Island (LT 11:40 AM)  trip is for age 5 and older

  • Possible activities: Ferry boat ride, hiking, tide pool and beach exploration, bird watching, rock collecting, rock climbing, icy treat at the island store.
  • Wear quick dry clothes or bathing suits and good walking shoes or water shoes, bring extra layer for windy/foggy conditions, water bottle.

Week 10 

August 24 (Monday)- Nequasset Park and Estuary, Woolwich

  • Possible activities: Stream exploration, rock climbing, herp hunting, hiking, beaver dam investigation, fairy house or den building, bird watching, forest games.
  • Wear quick dry clothes or bathing suits and good hiking shoes or water shoes that are comfortable (the children like to take their shoes off and put their feet in the river), water bottle.

August 25 (Tuesday)- Lisbon Bike Trail, Lisbon Younger children must be able to ride something with wheels- possibly ride with an adult if a trailer is available. Children who are able to ride bikes, must have a bike in good working order.

  • Possible activities: biking, bird watching, games, river exploration, nature crafting, swimming.
  • Wear quick dry clothing or bathing suit, good biking/running shoes, water bottle.

    August 26 (Wednesday)- Fort Williams, Cape Elizabeth

    • Possible activities: Hiking, tide pool exploration, rock climbing, playground, fort exploration, children’s garden walk, photography (bring a device)
    • Wear quick dry clothes or bathing suits (wading only) and good hiking/running shoes, bring extra layer for windy/foggy conditions, water bottle.

    August 27 (Thursday)- Forest at 79 Beech Hill Road, Freeport

    • Possible activities: hiking, kayaking, bird watching, shelter/den/fairy house building, games, stream and pond study, vernal pool survey, map and compass, whittling, wilderness tool use, journaling in hammocks, animal tracking, nature crafting, gardening, STEM challenge, edible plants, rotting log dissections, insect collecting.
    • Wear quick dry clothing or bathing suits, good hiking/running shoes, water bottle.
    Please read our program description and policies here for more information. Feel free to contact us with any questions.
    Download an Enrollment Form
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    “Highly recommend Ready, Set, Go! My kids have been attending for a little over a year now and love it! Marisa and staff allow the kids to learn and experiment on their own and with some guidance. The kids come home with smiles on their faces from experiences that are not only fun, but educational. 10/10 in my book!”
    Autumn Hawkes
    “Fantastic opportunity for experiential, outdoor education for students! If you have a child who loves the outdoors, this is a great opportunity for them to learn and be active in nature.”
    Anonymous
    “My children attended Ready, Set, Go! and LOVED it! My kids knew that they were loved and in a nurturing environment where they were encouraged to be kids. Their days were filled with play that was developmentally appropriate and that sparked their interest and creativity.”
    Kari Crosman
    “Our son loved outdoor learning and all the amazing hands-on experience Marisa created for the group. The kids weren’t rushed through lesson after lesson. They had time to figure things out and truly understand… This year our son went back to public school and to my surprise he was at or above where he needed to be starting Middle school… I am so happy for him and could not be happier with his experience at RSG….I know our son is better off today.”
    Jennifer Elgaaen
    “Ready Set Go has been amazing for our outdoorsy, adventurous and dirt loving kiddo. The owner Marisa and her wonderful staff are caring, energetic and passionate people who create wonderful experiences and memories every day. We couldn’t think of a better place for our son and we would recommend Ready, Set, Go! to anyone who has an outdoor, adventure loving kiddo!“
    Shay Murphy
    “My daughter attended Ready, Set Go Learning Center to compliment her half day Pre-k experience for school. Her love for the outdoors has blossomed along with her confidence, creativity and inquisitive nature. The programming, staff and opportunities afforded by this program are beyond our wildest dreams.”
    Jillian Merrill
    “My children love this program. Marisa is so inclusive and so good with creating fun and memorable experiences for the kids. I would highly recommend this for kids who love to be outdoors learning!”
    Kate Sansom
    “This was absolutely the greatest experience ever. The teachers and the owner are amazing, informative and loving. They always communicate and are transparent about everything. This childcare is a MUST try. ❤️”
    Majlinda Mulla
    “I love this school because you don’t have to wear a mask and you don’t have to sit down all day and you get fresh air and you get to skate and in the summer, you can go swimming in a pond and you have fun and we have a big cabin. Will you please come.”
    Wyatt Jackson (6)
    “Both my kids went to Ready, Set, Go Learning Center for their preschool years. The environment is great for learning, creativity, and positive social experiences. The staff were so kind, loving, and fun. I really appreciated the connection to the natural environment, field trips, and many opportunities for play. I would highly recommend sending your children here!”
    Elizabeth Cyr