Camps

SUMMER DAY CAMPS

All camps are designed to be fun and active and to provide high quality environmental learning experiences through games, crafts, stories, and in-depth exploration. Kids love coming to our camps and look forward to them each summer. Parents love our camps too because they know their kids are having fun AND are learning at the same time! All camps include a mid-morning snack.

Camps usually begin the third week of June but may vary depending on when the last day of school is and run through the first week of August. We have camps for 3 year olds all the way up to 13 year olds. With the exception of Polliwog, each camp has 12 openings, and Polliwog has 10 openings in each.

Here is a description of our camp offerings:

Polliwog Camp

Ages 3-4 with guardian accompaniment

9:30 – 11:30 am

Cost is $10

There are a total of 2 Polliwog Camps offered. Each is two days long and will take place during the week.

Parents can introduce their child to the wonders of nature during this camp. Both days there will be a hike, craft, and hands-on nature learning that parents and children will get to explore together.

Caterpillar Camp

Ages 5-6

Mon-Fri

9 am – 12 pm

$25

In this fun camp, young children are introduced to the world of the outdoors. Activities include a different craft each day, stories, games in the woods, learning how to use binoculars, insect netting, and much more!

Discovery Camp

Ages 7-9

Mon-Fri

9 am – 12 pm

$25

Explore the prairie, forest, and creek as we focus on habitat. We'll look closely at where animals live and what they need to survive.

Firefly Camp

Ages 7-9

Mon-Thurs

7 – 10 pm

$25

See what comes out at night during this night camp! As the sun sets, we'll see bugs that light up, bats that eat them, and extraordinary birds with night vision. We'll also play flashlight tag and tell stories and roast marshmallows over the campfire.

Dark Wings Camp

Ages 10 – 13

Mon-Thurs

7-10 pm

$25

What goes on in the natural world at night? We'll be hooting for owls, listening for bats, and peering through a telescope at the night skies. This camp includes one evening at Big Hollow Recreation Area.

Young Naturalist Camp

Ages 10-14

Mon-Fri

9 am – 12 pm

$25

Investigate the natural communities of the creek, cave, prairie, and forest as you learn what it takes to be a real naturalist. You'll go on hikes, learn about famous naturalists such as Aldo Leopold, and try your luck on the rock climbing wall.

Registration

Registration for all summer camps is always held the last Tuesday in April from 5 – 7 pm at Starr's Cave Nature Center. No camp registration forms will be accepted until that time. That Wednesday after summer camp sign up night, walk-in registrations will be accepted at the Starr's Cave office. Forms will also be available online after sign up night at www.dmcconservation.com and may be either hand-delivered or mailed in. Registrations are not confirmed without payment.

Scholarships

A limited number of scholarships are available. If the camp fees are a financial hardship, please call (319) 753-5808 to inquire about assistance.

Volunteers

Most camps need volunteers to assist our staff with the exception of Young Naturalist and Polliwog. If you would like to be a volunteer for the week of your child's camp, the regular fee will be waived. Call (319) 753-5808 to volunteer.

Disabilities

If a disability prevents you from attending registration night, please call (319) 753-5808 to make other arrangements. We will do our best to accommodate your child's special need; please let us know about your child's special needs when you register.

Refunds

Full refunds will be given for cancellations made one full week before the start of the camp. Cancellations made less than a week before camp starts will not receive a refund (with the exception of medical emergencies).

WINTER DAY CAMPS

Our winter day camps are for children in the K-5th grade age groups and are held at Starr's Cave Park over the local school districts' winter break. Each camp includes outdoor play, games, crafts, stories, and quality environmental learning experiences. Kids will learn how animals and insects survive the winter, winter weather, looking for tracks in the snow, etc.

Registration is required and begins the first part of December. Fees are $8 for Snow Bunny (1-day from 9 am – 12 pm) and $15 each for Winter Discovery and Snow Trekkers (2-days each from 9-11:30 am). Limit of 10 children per camp. Scholarships are available to those in need of financial assistance.