Nature Camp

Nature Camp is a fun way for children to experience the beauty of The Wilderness Center through hands-on exploration, connect with friends - old and new - and stretch their skills and creativity in new ways.

Each camp week offers unique, age-appropriate activities on a different theme, providing children with new and exciting outdoor adventures in a safe and friendly environment.

Summer 2026 Camp Week Descriptions:

Expedition Wildlife

Session 1: June 8^th – 12^th

Session 2: July 6^th – 10^th                   

Join the adventure as we explore TWC in search of creatures and fun!  This week will cover a lot of ground – from the creek to the deep forest floor – you and a new group of friends will search for reptiles, amphibians, insects, and more with a different wildlife focus each day. Campers will use a variety of tools and techniques, from trail cameras to nets, to meet a wide range of the animals who call TWC home.  We’ll visit the planetarium to see a show about the search for life elsewhere in the solar system, learn more about the different adaptations animals use to survive here on earth, and discover how TWC staff are working to protect these creatures.  

H2Whoa!

Session 1: June 15^th – 19^th

Session 2: July 13^th – 17^th

Immerse yourself in the wonders of water and explore TWC’s creeks and ponds! Using dip-nets and field guides, we’ll peer beneath the pond’s surface in search of tadpoles, frogs, crayfish, and other macro-invertebrates.  Spend a day following the creek to learn how water shapes our landscapes and learn more about fish. Older campers will use field study techniques to collect water-quality data and learn how TWC is working to protect our aquatic ecosystems. We’ll complete our week with lots of water games and crafts – come prepared to get wet, and maybe muddy. This week is sure to be overflowing with fun, friendship, and new discoveries!

Naturally Artistic

Session 1: June 22^nd – 26^th  

Session 2: July 20^th – 24^th

Calling all young artists, come explore your wild side! This week is all about expanding our creativity, marveling at the beauty of nature, and exploring the world of artistic expression.  Each day we’ll focus on a different art project, using a variety of media and techniques. You’ll create art with natural materials and learn from helpful guest artists. Spend a morning creating temporary art with friends on TWC’s trails for other visitors to enjoy, and an afternoon painting with TWC’s reptile animal ambassadors. Plan to get messy and be creative - let nature be your inspiration! 

Nature Skills

Session 1: June 20^th – July 3^rd

Session 2: July 27^th – 31^st

Do you hear the call of the wild? This week is all about learning outdoor living and naturalist skills that build our abilities and confidence as nature explorers. Our team of new friends will craft their own base camp, where they’ll practice fire-starting techniques and construct survival shelters that can withstand a storm. We’ll explore the forest to learn from and about the plants and animals living there, practice tracking critters, and identify helpful native plants.  Through all these fun activities, we’ll talk about how to keep ourselves and others safe, and how to be good guests in nature.