Discovery Camps are week-long environmental education programs providing hands-on learning experiences in the out-of-doors that are fun, engaging and FULL OF DISCOVERIES! Learn about: woodland, wetland and prairie ecology, wilderness camping and survival, alternative energy, animal behavior, nature crafts, wilderness awareness and much, much more!

Classes:

Classes are open to all students interested in learning more about the beauty and diversity of our natural world. Each week students participate in two courses designed to engage them in hands-on, discovery-oriented learning about their environment. Courses are divided by age level.

Each year provides new and diverse classes in all of our camps. Topics run the gamut from wilderness ecology, ornithology, entomology, geology, nature art, awareness, team building skills and so much more! Knowledgeable instructors provide diverse learning experiences that are guaranteed fun and educational for all! Our focus camps are designed to concentrate on specific concepts and ideas related to human needs and our environment.

Registration details are available March 2012.

2012 Summer Camp Dates:

June 11 - 15th: Adventure Hunt (6th - 9th Grade, $175)

June 11 -12th: Wild Wonderers (1st Grade, $90)

June 13 - 15th: Wild Wonderers (2nd Grade, $100)

June 18 - 22nd: Adventurers: (3rd - 6th, $150)

June 25th - 29th: Discovery Survival (5th-8th grade, $175)

July 9th - 13th: NEW! Energy Expedition: (4th - 6th, $150)

July 16th - 20th: Edible Earth (2nd - 5th, $155)

July 16th - 20th: Expeditioners (7th - 9th Grade, $175)

Adventure Hunt Camp: Entering
 Grades 6–9
Adventure is out there! Action-packed, Adventure Hunt will take you to places you’ve never been before! This camp will teach you the skills and resources necessary to create your own adventure through experiential learning and cooperative team building. We’ll get you out on the high ropes course at Luther College as well as into the wilderness to camp and trek! Campers will also learn how to create adventure in their own community via active transportation and GPS units. Whether it is on rocks, trails, or wheels, adventure is on! Camp includes one overnight campout on Wednesday night.
Adventure Hunt Camp: June 11-15

Wild Wonderers: Entering
 Grades 1–2 
Welcome to the wild world of wonder! Little ones are filled with such excitement about the natural world, and they carry with them a spirit of discovery! This camp is designed with this sense of discovery and excitement in mind. Campers will spend time learning and exploring the natural world through adventure hikes, nature games, crafts, and plenty of hands-on exploration activities related to plants, animals, geology, and beginning wilderness awareness.
Two-day camp for Grade 1: June 11–12
Three-day camp for Grade 2: June 13–15

Adventurers: Entering 
Grades 3–6
Dig in the dirt, investigate interesting places, spy on bugs, crawl through grass, open your eyes, venture forth, explore the water, and rediscover roots. Campers will spend each week learning and exploring the beauty and diversity of our natural world. Topics vary each week, but all provide a general ecology focus. Students will hike, canoe, play adventure games, and explore the natural areas of northeast Iowa!
For students entering 5th and 6th grade, there will be an optional campout on Thursday night.
Adventurers: June 18-22

Discovery Survival Camp: Entering
 Grades 5–8
Shelter, water, food, fire and fun! Learn basic survival techniques, wilderness awareness, and try your hand at staying in the wild. Students will learn how to make natural cordage, build primitive shelters, find “wild” food, and build primitive fires. Learn how survival teaches us about our connection to the earth. Camp includes a Thurday overnight campout. Limited enrollment of 14 campers.
Survival Camp: June 25–29

Energy Expedition: Entering
 Grades 4-6
Come learn about the AWESOME power of the sun, wind and water to power our world! Learn how energy use can be green, clean and fun! Experiment with solar cars, build mini-wind turbines and more! Use a solar cooker to bake delicious treats! Take a tour of Winneshiek County to learn how innovative folks are using renewable energy to fuel their lives. Learn how composting and recycling can reduce our wastes, and burn lots of "free" energy with fantastic games and activities.
Energy Expedition: July 9-13

“The Edible Earth” Food Camp: Entering
 Grades 2–5
Grow, taste, and cook! Food is the fuel for our bodies and minds. Learn about how the growing and production of food affects our world and our health. Through hands-on activities, food tasting parties, visits to local farms, and participation in food preparation and collection, students will learn about the various intricacies of the fuel that sustains us!
The Edible Earth Camp: July 16–20

Expeditioners: Entering
 Grades 7–9
This week is a time for heading out into the wild! Learn about the natural world through hands-on activities and fun outdoor experiences. Students will canoe down the Upper Iowa River and spend two nights camping along the bank! This exciting week will be a time to fine-tune your naturalist skills through environmental monitoring and fieldwork. Bring your sense of adventure, river shoes, and get ready for a wet and exciting expedition. Limited enrollment of 14 campers.
Expeditioners: July 16–20 (Monona shuttle available)