Conservation

Summer 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 for day long camps. Prepackaged snacks will be provided.

Summer Camp Registration Opens - March 2, 2024 at 7am

Ages 6-7

Noisy Nature Camp

Session 1: June 6-7, 2024 - 9-11:30am at Jester Park

Session 2: July 11-12, 2024 - 9-11:30am at Easter Lake Park

Do you hear that? That’s the sound of us exploring nature and its many sounds! Join us as we listen and create our own sounds using materials we find in nature.

  • Fee: $40
  • Registration deadline is June 1 and June 26
  • Limited to 12 campers
  • Meeting location Session 1: Jester Park, Shelter #5
  • Meeting location Session 2: Easter Lake Park
Nature Explorers Camp

June 10-14, 2024 - 9-11:30am

Five days of explorations in nature…what could be better than that!?! Come and spend a week at Jester Park hiking, playing games, working on projects, and getting to be part of the nature that is all around us. From the animals to the plants, to the soils and the waters, this week will definitely be the best of the summer.

  • Fee: $100
  • Registration deadline is June 1
  • Limited to 12 campers
  • Meeting location: Jester Park Nature Center
Wild Kratts Camp

Session 1: June 25-27, 2024 - 9-11:30am

Session 2: June 25-27, 2024 - 1-3:30pm

Learn how different animals have adapted to survive in Iowa’s environment, catch prey or elude predators. Then we’ll use our creature power discs to take on those powers ourselves!

  • Fee: $60
  • Registration deadline is June 11
  • Limited to 12 campers
  • Meeting location: Jester Park Nature Center

Ages 8-9

Nature Discovery Camp

Session 1: June 17-18, 2024 - 9am-3:30pm

Session 2: July 17-18, 2024 - 9am-3:30pm

Discover the wonders of nature and unlock some of nature’s mysteries. How does a snake catch it’s food? Can a lizard really regrow its tail? Whose footprints were left in the mud? Bring your nature detective skills for two days of discovery. Bring a sack lunch and water bottle. 

  • Fee: $90
  • Registration deadline is June 3 and July 1
  • Limited to 12 campers
  • Meeting location: Jester Park Nature Center
Buggin' Out Camp

June 20-21, 2024 - 9-11:30am

Discover the thrilling world of insects! Grab a net and join us as we explore from the prairie to the pond; we’ll be searching high and low for what kinds of insects live in the park. Through games, crafts, and insect hunts we’ll find out why these critters matter and the role they play in nature.

  • Fee: $40
  • Registration deadline is June 6
  • Limited to 12 campers
  • Meeting location: Jester Park Nature Center

Dinosaur Discovery Camp

July 1-3, 2024 - 9am-3:30pm

Mastodons, mammoths, and prehistoric sharks…oh my! For three days learn about the creatures that roamed the water, land, and skies of Iowa millions of years ago. Come and dig for fossils, hike the trails that once were home to giant sloths, and swoop into a variety of games, crafts, and activities that will bring these ancient creatures to life.

  • Fee: $135
  • Registration deadline is June 17
  • Limited to 12 campers
  • Meeting Location: Jester Park Nature Center

Ages 10-11

Junior Naturalist Camp

Session 1: June 10-12, 2024 - 9am-3:30pm

Session 2: July 15-17, 2024 - 9am-3:30pm

Do you know a child who loves the outdoors? Campers will spend go fishing, canoeing, hiking, geocaching, building campfires and more while exploring the outdoors. On the last day of camp, campers will receive a badge and certificate. Bring a sack lunch and water bottle. 

  • Fee: $135
  • Registration deadline is May 27 and July 1
  • Limited to 12 campers
  • Meeting location: Jester Park Nature Center

Oceans Exploration Camp

July 10-12, 2024 - 9am-3:30pm

Did you know that Iowa was once covered by an ocean? From whales to reefs, to trilobites – these three days we will explore oceans both in today’s world and from long ago. Get ready for some fun as we dive into learning about the plants and animals that call these salty waters home as well as investigating how weather, climate, and human activities are affected by ocean patterns and change.

  • Fee: $135
  • Registration deadline is June 26
  • Limited to 12 campers
  • Meeting Location: Jester Park Nature Center

Botany Camp

July 23-24, 2024 - 9am-3:30pm

It's time to geek out about plants! We’ll take a hike to uncover the amazing diversity of plants and trees in the park, discover what flowers look like under a microscope, and even try water color painting with plant paint.

  • Fee: $90
  • Registration deadline is July 9
  • Limited to 12 campers
  • Meeting location: Jester Park Nature Center

 

Ages 12-16

River Rats Camp 

June 12-14, 2024 - 9am-3:30pm

If you have a young experience paddler looking for a challenge, then this camp is for them. We will explore two different Central Iowa rivers and test their paddling skills. Not only will we paddle, we’ll also learn about river ethics, safety, geology, ecology, and take time to just play. Prior paddling experience required. Trips led by American Canoe/Kayak Certified and experienced instructors.  All transportation, equipment and PFD’s provided. Trips may be cancelled due to inclement weather.

  • Fee: $135
  • Registration deadline is May 26
  • Limited to 12 campers
  • Meeting Location: Jester Park, Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center
Shooting Camp

Session 1: June 17-18, 2024 - 9am-3:30pm

Session 2: July 22-23, 2024 - 9am-3:30pm

This camp will introduce participants to the lifelong sport of target shooting. We'll learn the basics of archery, air rifle and even throw Atlatls. The experience continues with a visit to the Butch Olofson Shooting Range where we'll practice our skills using .22 rifles and 20 gauge shotguns. All equipment, ammo, targets, ear and eye protection provided. All shooting activities led by certified trained range instructors.

  • Fee: $90
  • Registration deadline is June 3 and July 8
  • Limited to 10 campers
  • Day 1 Meeting location: Jester Park Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center
  • Day 2 Meeting location: Olofson Shooting Range, Polk City
Survival Camp

Session 1: June 20, 2024 - 9am-3:30pm

Session 2: July 18, 2024 - 9am-3:30pm

Set your kid’s imagination and adventurous spirit free as they learn about the natural environment and important survival skills. Activities range from plant identification, animal tracking study, and survival skills like fire and shelter building. Kids will gain confidence and comfort in being outdoors, while have a great time and staying active. Bring a sack lunch and water bottle. 

  • Fee: $45
  • Registration deadline is June 6 and July 4
  • Limited to 12 campers
  • Meeting location: Jester Park, Shelter #5
Pathfinders Experience Camp

July 24-26, 2024 - details below

Lions, tigers, and bears…nope, we don’t have any of those, but we do have two and a half days of adventures for students aged 12-16 looking for a unique summer experience. We’ll spend a few days exploring and getting to know each other, then spend the night at Jester Park! Making food, going on a night hike, and having a campfire are all highlights of this new program. Bring a sack lunch for Wednesday and Thursday and water bottle. Dinner, and breakfast provided.

  • Schedule: July 24 - 9am-3:30, July 25 - 9am to overnight through July 26 to 11am.
  • Fee: $150
  • Registration deadline is July 5
  • Limited to 12 campers
  • Meeting location: Jester Park Nature Center

Night at the Nature Center Camp

August 1 at 4pm - August 2 at 9am

A camping adventure awaits you as you experience the Jester Park Nature Center after dark! Fun games, a night hike, and making meals over the fire are all in store as you spend the night at the nature center. Bring a sleeping bag, a flashlight, and your sense of adventure.

  • Fee: $90
  • Registration deadline is June 19
  • Limited to 12 campers
  • Meeting Location: Jester Park Nature Center

Adults

Adult Summer Camp Retreat

Session 1: June 8, 2024 - 9am-3:30pm at Easter Lake Athene North Shore Recreation Area Event Building

Session 2: August 10, 2024 - 9am-3:30pm at Jester Park Nature Center

That’s right, this is summer camp, but for the grown-ups. Sign-up with your friend, your partner in crime, your family, or just by yourself. We’ll spend the day outdoors while we go on a several mile hike around the varying terrains of the park exploring, learning, and adventuring. Focus will be on animals, plants, habitats, and more as we take part in a variety of engaging activities. This retreat is great for anyone wanting to learn more about nature in Iowa in a safe space. We’ll also spend time reflecting, making new friends, and being a little bit goofy. Bring your own lunch, snacks will be provided.

  • Fee: $50
  • Registration deadline is June 5 or July 29
  • Ages: 18+

Summer Camp Sidekick Volunteers

Whether you are a high school student seeking to fulfill Silver Cord hours, a college student seeking a graduation requirement, a teacher looking to give back during summer break, or a retiree seeking to rediscover the joys of summer camp - all are welcome to apply to be a Summer Camp Sidekick! Click here for more information.