Discovery Camps
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. Drop off is from 8:30 - 9:00 M - F, behind the Olin Building on the Luther Campus, and pick up is from 3:00 - 3:30.
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.
2013 Summer Camp Dates
June 10 - 11: Wild Wonderers (1st Grade)
June 12 - 14: Wild Wonderers (2nd Grade)
June 17 - 21: Adventurers (3rd-6th Grade)
June 24 - 28: Kindernature (pre- K)
June 24 - 28: River Expedition (7th-9th Grade)
July 8 - 12: Energy Camp (4th-7th Grade)
July 8 - 12: Survival Camp (5th-8th Grade) Full!
July 15 - 19: Kindernature (pre- K)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kindernature: Introduce your curious pre-schooler to the wonders of nature. Hands-on exploration in the out-of-doors through games, crafts, guided exploration and discovery! Your child will learn about plants and animals while building confidence, balance and entertaining their curious nature!
