Summer Nature Camps

2013 NATURE CAMPS…Where REAL Experiences Happen !

Indian Creek Nature Center offers a variety of summer nature camp experiences for children filled with outdoor fun, excitement and learning. We have redefined the age parameters for several camps to enhance the experience for all participants.

 

Registration must be made and paid in advance – no walk-ins!

Abbreviated program descriptions are included below. Download the full brochure 2013 Nature Camps (legal sized paper required for printing) for complete program descriptions. Additional camps may be added as demand arises. Watch our calendar for additional programs! Use the links below to register online or call 319-362-0664 to register by phone.

Polliwogs and Parents

For children who have not completed kindergarten and an adult companion. Recommended for ages 4-6.  Each session limited to 14 children.  9:30am-10:30am Full Series Fee: $25/Members; $30/Non-Members.   Individual Session Fee: $6/Members; $8/Non-Members.

Register for Summer Series (weekly attendance) HERE

Register for individual sessions HERE

ABC’s of Summer – Monday, June 17 or Tuesday, June 18 – Explore the ABC’s of the great outdoors.

Going Buggy – Wednesday, June 26 or Thursday, June 27 – Learn all about bugs and their lifecycles.

Soil Search – Monday, July 15 or Tuesday, July 16 – Get to know worms, snails, and other creatures that live “down under.”

Super Scales – Wednesday, July 24 or Thursday, July 25 – Crawl like a turtle and slither like a snake while you learn about the world of reptiles!

Nocturnal Neighbors – Monday, August 5 or Tuesday August 6 – What creatures are active in the night and how do they survive while we are asleep?

Water Wonders – Wednesday, August 14 or Thursday, August 15 – Get wet (and a little muddy) during your wetland adventure to find out who makes this habitat their home.

One-Day Camps

For children who have completed kindergarten through 2nd grade. 9:00am-3:00pm. Fee: $30/Member; $35/Non-Member

Register for K-2nd One-Day Camps HERE

Let’s Go Fishing – Thursday, June 27 – This camp is FILLED. Enjoy the wet side of the Nature Center as you learn about the fish, crayfish, frogs and insects that live here. Make your own fishing pole and see what you can catch!

Creek Stompers – Wednesday, June 26 or Tuesday, July 23 – (June 26th camp FILLED) Explore the sandbars, riffles and quiet pools of Indian Creek or Bena Brook while discovering the adaptations aquatic plants, insects, crawdads, and fish have for underwater life.

Birds, Bugs and Creepy Crawlies – Tuesday, June 25 or Wednesday, July 24 – Spy on birds, catch bugs and discover life under a log. Explore the world of a honeybee and follow snail trails to hidden habitats.

For children who have completed 3rd grade or older. 9:00am-3:00pm (except for Caving camp). Fee: $30/Member; $35/Non-Member (unless otherwise noted)

Register for 3rd & up One-Day Camps HERE

Caving – Monday, June 24 or Tuesday, July 30 – Maquoketa Caves are cool, mysterious, and a challenge to explore. Experience Iowa’s underground with our professional staff on a spelunking adventure.  Limited to 12 campers 8:00 am-4:00 pm; Fee: $50/Member; $60/Non-member

Let’s Go Fishing – Monday, July 22 – THIS CAMP IS FILLED! Bring your fishing gear for a fun day at Lake Don Murphy near the Nature Center. Learn fishing methods of Native Americans and try today’s techniques.

Creek Stompers – Wednesday, June 26 or Tuesday, July 23 – Explore the sandbars, riffles and quiet pools of Indian Creek or Bena Brook while discovering the adaptations aquatic plants, insects, crawdads, and fish have for underwater life.

Become an Entomologist – Thursday, July 25 – Explore three different habitats and discover the unique insects that live in each. Learn to set beetle traps and lure bugs at night.

Exploring Indian Creek and the Sac & Fox Trail by Bike – Monday, July 29 – Ride to various upstream sites along the Sac and Fox Trail to explore beaver dams and fishing holes, learn trail history and how a watershed works. Bring your own bike!

Four-Day Nature Camps

9:00am-3:00pm. Fee: $120/Member; $140/Non-Member

Bobcat Camp – June 10-13 or July 8-11 – for campers who have completed kindergarten or 1st grade.  Register HERE
Enjoy hands-on experiences as you explore the wilder areas of the Nature Center to discover the plants, animals, birds and insects who live here.

Coyote Camp – June 10-13 or July 8-11 – for campers who have completed 2nd or 3rd grade. Register HERE.
Experience Iowa’s natural and human history as you practice the outdoor skills early natives and settlers needed to survive. Fishing, foraging, fire-making and more!

Five-Day Senior Nature Camps

For youth who have completed 4th grade or older – 9:00am – 3:00pm  Fee: $150/Member; $180/Non-Member

Register HERE

Hawk Camp – June 17-21 or July 15-19 - Exploring Iowa’s natural history and learning how to interpret what you find require unique skills. Experience Iowa’s unique geology, use a GPS unit to investigate unusual areas of the Nature Center, interpret archaeological artifacts and experience early cultures, practice wildlife forensics, and learn important emergency survival skills. It’s an action-packed week!