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 begins the second 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 15-year-olds. Registration for all camps at Starr’s Cave Nature Center (SCNC) will be held online. Registration opens at 12:00pm on March 20th, 2024.

If the camp names differ by just 1 or 2, both camps are identical for each age group. Every camp includes a snack. All camps take place at Starr’s Cave, unless specified otherwise.

Click here to register for camps!

Discovery 1 - Ages 7-9

June 10-14 9:00am-12:00pm

$60

Join Discovery camp for a fun-filled journey! Campers will explore fossils, build shelters, explore different habitats, and venture beyond Starr’s Cave to visit local partners. Camp features nature exploration, hiking, games, snack, and other hands-on activities. It's the perfect way to have a blast while learning about the wonders of the outdoors!

 

Caterpillar 1 - Ages 5-6

June 17-20 9:00am-11:00am

$50

In this camp little explorers dive into the outdoor world! Activities may include catching bugs, birding, meeting live animals, and creek stomping! Camp features nature exploration, hiking, games, snack, and other hands-on activities.

 

Firefly 1 - Ages 7-9

June 17-20 7:00pm-10:00pm

$50

Explore the wonders of nature at night with this camp! Activities include firefly catching, canoeing, a visit to the Witte Observatory, and creek stomping. Camp features nature exploration, hiking, games, snack, and other hands-on activities. One day of this camp will be completed at Big Hollow. Campers can be dropped off at Big Hollow at 7:00, or dropped off by 6:25 at Starr’s Cave. The van will leave Starr’s Cave at 6:30 and return by 10:00.

 

Caterpillar 2 - Ages 5-6

June 24-27 9:00am-11:00am

$50

In this camp little explorers dive into the outdoor world! Activities may include catching bugs, birding, meeting live animals, and creek stomping! Camp features nature exploration, hiking, games, snack, and other hands-on activities.

 

Firefly 2 - Ages 7-9

June 24-27 7:00pm-10:00pm

$50

Explore the wonders of nature at night with this camp! Activities include firefly catching, animal tracking, canoeing, a visit to the Witte Observatory, and creek stomping. Camp features nature exploration, hiking, games, snack, and other hands-on activities. One day of this camp will be completed at Big Hollow. Campers can be dropped off at Big Hollow at 7:00, or dropped off by 6:25 at Starr’s Cave. The van will leave Starr’s Cave at 6:30 and return by 10:00.

 

Tadpole - Ages 5-6

July 1st-3rd 6pm-8pm

$50

Discover the natural world during the nighttime! What does it mean to be nocturnal? What animals come out at night? Learn the answers to these questions at this camp! Camp features nature exploration, hiking, games, snack, and other hands-on activities.

 

Polliwog - Ages 3-4 with parent

July 1st-2nd 9:30am-11:30am

$25

Parents can introduce their child to the wonders of nature during this camp. Each day may feature a nature hike, craft, games, as well as hands-on nature learning that parents or guardians will get to experience along with their children. 

 

Paddling/Camping Camp - Ages 12-15

July 8th-10th

$100

Experience the great outdoors and hone your outdoor skills with our three-day adventure designed for older campers aged 12-15. Join us for an unforgettable experience, including a canoe trip on the Skunk River (subject to water levels) and an overnight camping trip at Big Hollow Recreation Area. If the weather/water level does not allow us to go on the river, we will spend the camp at Big Hollow, where we will still paddle and camp overnight.

Our journey begins with a comprehensive review of canoeing techniques, water safety, and tent set up at Big Hollow from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Monday. The excitement continues Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. as we embark on our overnight expedition. On Wednesday, we conclude our adventure with a morning of reflection and packing up before departing. The cost for this adventure is $100 per camper.

Discovery 2 - Ages 7-9

July 15th-19th 9am-12:00pm

$60

Join Discovery camp for a fun-filled journey! Campers will explore fossils, build shelters, explore different habitats, and venture beyond Starr’s Cave to visit local partners. Camp features nature exploration, hiking, games, snack, and other hands-on activities. It's the perfect way to have a blast while learning about the wonders of the outdoors!

 

Darkwings 1 Ages 10-13

July 15th-18th 7pm-10pm

$50

Campers will learn what goes on in the natural world at night. Campers will canoe at sunset, explore nocturnal animals, and creek stomp at dusk. Camp features nature exploration, hiking, games, snack, and other hands-on activities. One day of this camp will be completed at Big Hollow. Campers can be dropped off at Big Hollow at 7:00, or dropped off by 6:25 at Starr’s Cave. The van will leave Starr’s Cave at 6:30 and return by 10:00.

 

Darkwings 2 Ages 10-13

July 22nd-25th 7pm-10pm

$50

Campers will learn what goes on in the natural world at night. Campers will canoe at sunset, explore nocturnal animals, and creek stomp at dusk. Camp features nature exploration, hiking, games, snack, and other hands-on activities. One day of this camp will be completed at Big Hollow. Campers can be dropped off at Big Hollow at 7:00, or dropped off by 6:25 at Starr’s Cave. The van will leave Starr’s Cave at 6:30 and return by 10:00.

 

Adventure Camp Ages 10-13

July 22nd-25th 9am-1pm

$75

If you like non-stop action and a whole lot of fun, this camp is for you! We have combined all the favorite activities into one camp which will include learning survival skills, a visit to Homestead 1839, shooting firearms, and of course a creek stomp. Camp features nature exploration, hiking, games, snack, and other hands-on activities. One day of this camp will be completed at Big Hollow. Campers can be dropped off at Big Hollow at 9:00, or dropped off by 8:25 at Starr’s Cave. The van will leave Starr’s Cave at 8:30 and return by 1:00. Campers should bring a water bottle and lunch.

 

Young Naturalist Ages 10-13

July 29th-August 1st 9am-1pm

$75

Enjoy outdoor recreation and discover what it is like to be a naturalist. Campers will learn skills like archery and fishing. This camp will include a visit to Big Sand Mound and two days will be completed at Big Hollow. Campers can be dropped off at Big Hollow at 9:00, or dropped off by 8:25 at Starr’s Cave. The van will leave Starr’s Cave at 8:30 and return by 1:00. Camp features nature exploration, hiking, games, snack, and other hands-on activities. Campers should bring a water bottle and lunch.


 

 

Scholarships

A limited number of scholarships are available. If the camp fees are a financial hardship, please contact us to inquire about assistance.

Volunteers

Most camps need volunteers to assist our staff with the exception of Polliwog. If you would like to be a volunteer for a week of camp, contact SCNC at 319-753-5808

Disabilities

Camp activities can be designed to accommodate children of different abilities; please let us know of any special needs when you register.

 

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