Reimagine life with the strength of a village by your side—bringing new joy to rest and play.
Windy Hill Play’s Summer Camp is a relationship-centered program for children ages 5–9 that blends play, nature, and thoughtful group experiences. The summer focuses on critical thinking and social-emotional development through outdoor exploration, collaboration, and shared responsibility in a small, supportive community. With intentionally sized groups and a counselor ratio that will not exceed 1:10, children begin living a real model of the village—together.
Stay Tuned for our Weekly Summer Themes and Counselor Spotlights!
Where Children Grow Together
A nonprofit community in Durham creating adaptive care that values every child, family, and care provider.
Play-Based Learning
Children explore, discover, and grow through natural play in a safe, nurturing environment.
Adaptive Care
Care options that adapt to your family's needs, from occasional visits to daily programs.
Community Focus
Building a village where children, families, and care providers thrive together.
Our Mission
Windy Hill Play is a care framework in action. We build and operate a living village—rooted in play, nature, trust, and connection—beginning with childcare and expanding into a broader care ecosystem that supports whole people, values caregivers, and strengthens community through shared responsibility.
The pathway to joining the community
Review FAQs —> Submit an application—> Review parent handbook —> Registration —> Join the Community —> Schedule Sessions —> Camper Attends Summer Kickoff!
Families who are currently part of, or have previously participated in, the Windy Hill Play community do not need to submit an application. Please reach out directly to the WHP team with any questions about programming and registration.
We believe:
Every child is whole from the start
Families deserve a village of support
Care should be adaptive, respectful, and rooted in trust
Shared responsibility strengthens everyone
Connection is the foundation of growth
Summer Camp Frequently Asked Questons
Getting Started
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Our Summer Camp is for children ages 5–9. Children must be age 5 by early June to participate.
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We will operate a 10-week session: June 1 - August 7th.
Camp operates Monday–Friday with a single standard day. Earliest drop-off is 8:00 AM. Full daily hours are shared in the enrollment packet.
We will be closed June 18th-19th & July 4th.
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We host an in-person kickoff in May that is strongly encouraged for children. This helps kids meet the team, understand the rhythm, and enter the summer feeling comfortable and connected.
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Families may choose either full-summer enrollment or daily scheduling, depending on their needs. Enrollment closes mid-May, after which schedules and staffing are finalized.
Examples of our scheduling app can be seen here.
Daily Care
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Children should bring a packed lunch, snacks, and a water bottle. Closed-toe shoes are required, and families should provide sunscreen and bug spray as needed.
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Families provide all meals, snacks, and water for Summer Camp
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Each day includes outdoor play, nature exploration, group games, creative projects, and time for connection. The rhythm balances active play with quieter moments and flexible rest time.
Health & Safety
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We follow Windy Hill Play’s regular illness and wellness policies. Families are asked to keep children home when they are unwell to support the health of the whole community.
If your child misses a scheduled day, a makeup day can be scheduled.
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We offer flexible quiet time throughout the day for rest, regulation, and re-centering.
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All staff are background checked and CPR/First Aid certified. Groups are intentionally sized, and the maximum counselor-to-child ratio will not exceed 1:10.
Communication & Community
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Families receive weekly communication from the camp team with updates on group rhythm, activities, and important notes.
Families can directly contact directors while their child is in attendance.
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Families are invited into the life of the village through shared communication and occasional opportunities for connection throughout the summer. Participation is encouraged but never required.
Testimonials