Environmental Education
Volunteer as a Summer Camp Sidekick!
Polk County Conservation provides youth summer camps that are designed to encourage hands-on learning through outdoor explorations, activities, games, crafts, and more. Camps are led by naturalists with the assistance of volunteers, our Summer Camp Sidekicks. This opportunity provides a volunteer with a wonderful way to spend time playing, exploring, learning, and teaching while enjoying the camp experience. The inspiring part of this volunteer opportunity is seeing firsthand the difference made in the communities and youth served by Polk County Conservation.
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!
Volunteer Requirements
This program is designed for volunteers ages 14 and up. Volunteers will assist naturalists leading camps in a variety of tasks such as helping with activities, games, or crafts in an outdoor setting. We may be hiking, getting dirty at the pond, or catching insects in the prairie. Volunteers need to be comfortable being outside in all weather conditions.
*Experience is not required and all training will be provided by Polk County Conservation camp staff.
Interested? All prospective volunteers are expected to:
- Fill out an application to volunteer
- Interview with a Naturalist
- Complete a background check
- Attend a program training & orientation
Once an application has been received, staff will reach out with the next steps to become a Sidekick.
2025 Camp Information
Lend your knowledge, enthusiasm, and a helping hand at our summer camp lineup!
Ages 6-7
Surf and Turf
Session 1: June 17-18 | 9AM - 2PM
Session 2: July 30-31 | 9AM - 2PM
Embark on an unforgettable adventure where we explore the best of both worlds – land and lake! Campers will learn about the similarities and differences of each ecosystem and complete hands-on activities to immerse themselves in nature discovery.
Nature Explorers
Session 1: June 9-12 | 9 - 11:30AM
Session 2: August 5-8 | 9 - 11:30AM
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.
Wild Kratts
Session 1: July 22-24 | 9 - 11:30AM
Session 2: July 22-24 | 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!
Ages 8-9
Birds of a Feather
Session 1: June 26 | 9 - 11:30AM
Session 2: July 15-16 | 9 - 11:30AM
Campers will dive into birdwatching, learn about local bird species, explore their habitats, and understand their unique behaviors through nature walks, games and crafts. Perfect for young bird enthusiasts!
Water Detectives
June 30 - July 3 | 9 - 11:30AM
Get ready to uncover the wonders of water as you become a Water Detective! Throughout the week, we will explore what makes freshwater so important for both plants and animals (including humans like us). We’ll investigate wetlands, ponds, creeks, and lakes as we discover how we can help to keep our waters clean.
Spaceship Earth
July 8 - 11 | 9 - 11:30AM
Volcanoes, glaciers, ecosystems, black holes, and constellations. Learn about what makes planet Earth and the space around us so amazing. Be a part of an interstellar camp at Jester Park where we’ll investigate the awe-inspiring features that make us so lucky to call this place home.
Ologies
Session 1: June 23-27 | 9AM - 3:30PM
Session 2: August 4-8 | 9AM - 3:30PM
Join us on an exciting adventure to explore the natural world through the eyes of scientists! Our Ologies Summer Camp dives into the fascinating fields of study that help us understand the incredible world around us.
Wildlife Wonders
Session 1: June 11-13 | 9AM - 3:30PM
Session 2: July 23-25 | 9AM - 3:30PM
Wildlife Wonders Camp we’ll learn about the fascinating world of local wildlife, discovering incredible adaptations that help animals thrive in our state and all over the world!
Ages 10-11
Junior Naturalist
Session 1: June 23-25 | 9 - 3:30PM
Session 2: July 7-9 | 9 - 3:30PM
This one is for those who love the outdoors! Campers will spend go fishing, canoeing, hiking, geocaching, building campfires and more while exploring the outdoors.
Fishing Camp
July 17-18 | 9AM - 3:30PM
This camp is all about fishing! We will spend time learning about different fish and how to catch them. We will try our luck at a couple different fishing spots in Polk County. Other activities will include knot tying, fish cleaning/cooking, and creek exploration.
Stones and Bones
Session 1: June 30 - July 3 | 9 - 11:30AM
Session 2: July 29-31 | 9 - 11:30AM
Get ready to rock! We’ll be exploring rocks, minerals, and fossils through hands on activities, experiments, and digs.
Summer Camp Sidekick FAQ
How old do I need to be to apply for Summer Sidekicks?
Summer Sidekicks is a volunteer program for ages 14 and up. You must be 14 years old by June 1st in order to apply.
What will I do as a Summer Sidekicks volunteer?
You will assist the naturalists leading the camp in a variety of ways. You may be helping naturalists gather and set up program materials, participating in activities right along side the children, cleaning up supplies, and helping prep the next day.
When do I volunteer?
The majority of our summer camps are offered in the months of June and July from 9am-3:30pm at Jester Park.
Do I have to volunteer a minimum number of hours?
Yes, we expect you to volunteer for the entire length of a camp. We offer a variety of camps that are two to five days long, full day or half day. Pick a camp that works within your schedule.
Do Summer Sidekick hours count towards Silver Cord?
Yes, it is your responsibility to provide the necessary paperwork and keep track of your hours.
How does the application process work?
Deadline for applications to be received is May 1st. You will be contacted to set up a brief interview via Zoom or phone. Volunteer training will take place on June 3 at the Jester Park Nature Center.
Additional questions?
Please email Heidi Anderson at heidi.anderson@polkcountyiowa.gov or 515-323-5360.