Free + Wild Summer Day Camp is a unique summer experience designed for creative, independent, and self-motivated children entering Kindergarten through 5th grade. Instead of every minute being scheduled, we give kids the freedom to explore, imagine, create, and build meaningful friendships in a safe, encouraging environment.

 

Our campers spend their days enjoying a healthy balance of structured activities and child-led play. Whether they’re building incredible LEGO creations, organizing a Pokémon trade, riding bikes, dancing to Just Dance, exploring outdoors, playing team games, practicing martial arts, creating arts and crafts, or inventing entirely new games with friends, every day is filled with opportunities to learn through play.

 

At Free + Wild, we believe childhood shouldn’t revolve around screens. Our camp offers an exciting alternative to iPads and video games by encouraging imagination, movement, curiosity, and real human connection.

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More importantly, we’re intentional about building strong character. Throughout the summer, campers naturally develop qualities like:

 

• Kindness

• Teamwork

• Perseverance

• Compassion

• Responsibility

• Confidence

• Creativity

• Grit

 

We believe some of life’s greatest lessons happen when children are trusted to solve problems together, navigate friendships, make decisions, and discover what they’re capable of.

 

Is Free + Wild the Right Fit?

 

Our camp is best suited for children who enjoy a little independence and don’t need constant entertainment or direction. Campers should feel comfortable choosing activities, making friends, and engaging in free play throughout the day.

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Because of our camp philosophy and supervision style, Free + Wild is not the best fit for children who frequently wander away from groups or require continuous one-on-one guidance to stay engaged.

 

Our goal is to create a peaceful, respectful environment where every child feels safe, included, and empowered to be themselves.

 

Camp Highlights

 

• Outdoor exploration

• Martial arts games and activities

• LEGO building

• Team games

• Just Dance

• Pokémon fun

• Bike riding

• Arts & crafts

• Daily themed activities

• Snack time

• Friendship-building

• Plenty of free play​

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Membership Camp

 

To preserve the close-knit culture of Free + Wild, enrollment is available by invitation, referral, or to families who have previously attended camp. This allows us to maintain the positive, respectful community that makes our camp so special.

 

About the Founder

 

Free + Wild Summer Day Camp was created by Alyssa Forgach, founder of PlayDojo and Ten Gems Club.

 

As a homeschooling mother of two, Alyssa is passionate about giving children something many of today’s kids don’t experience enough—unstructured outdoor play, meaningful friendships, healthy independence, and opportunities to solve problems on their own.

 

Her philosophy centers around child exploration, autonomous play, mutual respect between campers and facilitators, and creating an environment where children feel safe, capable, included, and inspired to grow.

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Current Location

737 E Woodlawn Road, Charlotte NC

(Near Park Road Shopping Center)

 

Coming Summer 2027

 

• Fort Mill

• NoDa

• Huntersville

 

Who Can Attend

Rising Kindergarten through Rising 5th Grade

 

Junior Counselor Program

Students entering middle school may apply to become Junior Counselors and attend camp tuition-free while developing leadership skills and serving as role models for younger campers.

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Early Registration begins Black Friday 2026

Regular registration begins January 2027