Youth Camps
These day camps are designed to encourage hands-on learning through outdoor explorations, activities, games, crafts, and more. Camps will be led by naturalists. Campers are asked to bring a water bottle and sack lunch every day. Afternoon snacks will be provided.
Junior Naturalist Camp II
June 4 - 7, 2012
9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Ages: 10 - 11 years
Do you know a child who loves the outdoors? Campers will spend the week fishing, canoeing, hiking, geocaching and more while exploring the outdoors. Campers will also learn how to use a compass, build a fire, and cook a snack over a fire. On the last day of camp, campers will become official Iowa Junior Naturalists and receive a badge and certificate. Daily field trips will take us to other Polk County parks.
• Fee: $100
• Registration deadline is May 21
• Limited to 12 campers
• Meeting location: Jester Park, Shelter by Lodge
To register for Jr. Naturalist camp, click here.
Junior Naturalist Camp I - FULL
June 11 - 14, 2012
9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Ages: 10 - 11 years
Do you know a child who loves the outdoors? Campers will spend the week fishing, canoeing, hiking, geocaching and more while exploring the outdoors. Campers will also learn how to use a compass, build a fire, and cook a snack over a fire. On the last day of camp, campers will become official Iowa Junior Naturalists and receive a badge and certificate. Daily field trips will take us to other Polk County parks.
• Fee: $100
• Registration deadline is May 29
• Limited to 12 campers
• Meeting location: Jester Park, Shelter by Lodge
To register for Jr. Naturalist camp, click here.
Paddle Camp 1
June 18 - 21, 2012
9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Ages: 12 -16 years
Campers will learn the necessary skills and techniques to safely canoe and kayak. Students will then get the opportunity to apply their new skills during a daylong river trip led by naturalists trained by the American Canoe Association. This camp will be physically demanding and challenging in a safe and supervised environment.
• Fee: $100
• Registration deadline is June 4
• Limited to 12 campers
• Meeting location: Jester Park, Shelter by Lodge
To view photos from 2011 Paddle Camp, click here.
To register for Paddle Camp 1, click here.
Water Wonders Camp I - FULL
June 25 - 28, 2012
9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Ages 8 – 9 years
Come and get your feet wet as we discover all we can about water. We’ll compare ponds, rivers, lakes, and wetlands plus the animals that live in them. Daily field trips will take us to other Polk County parks.
• Fee: $100.
• Registration deadline is June 11.
• Limited to 12 campers.
• Meeting location: Jester Park, Shelter by Lodge
To register for Water Wonders Camp, click here.
Paddle Camp 2
July 17 - 20, 2012
9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Ages: 12 -16 years
Campers will apply the skills and techniques learned in Paddle Camp 1 to navigate down a variety of rivers. Four unique central Iowa rivers will be explored, each one becoming more technical and challenging. Each trip will be led by experienced American Canoe Association Certified Polk County naturalists. This camp will be physically demanding and challenging in a safe and supervised environment. Participants must complete Paddle Camp 1 to be eligible for this camp!
• Fee: $100
• Registration deadline is July 3
• Limited to 12 campers
• Meeting location: Jester Park, Shelter by Lodge
To register for Paddle Camp 2, click here.
Water Wonders Camp II
July 23 - 26, 2012
9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Ages 8 – 9 years
Come and get your feet wet as we discover all we can about water. We’ll compare ponds, rivers, lakes, and wetlands plus the animals that live in them. Daily field trips will take us to other Polk County parks.
• Fee: $100.
• Registration deadline is July 9.
• Limited to 12 campers.
• Meeting location: Jester Park, Shelter by Lodge
To register for Water Wonders Camp II, click here.