Summer Camps
Getting students outside is probably the most important aspect of our education model. It has been proven that increased outdoor time benefits cognitive functioning, reduces symptoms of attention deficit disorder, and increases self-discipline and emotional well-being.
Clay County Conservation Board continues to help address the growing need to introduce and engage today’s youth in the natural world. Every camp or classroom program we offer is designed to be fun, active, and engaging. They provide high quality environmental learning experiences through games, crafts, stories, and in-depth nature exploration.
Summer Camp 2023 registration will be April 1st.
Register online is required at www.mycountyparks.com
2023 Summer Camp and Events
Trailblazers (going into) 4th-6th Grade
Water, Wilderness and Explore
June 1st and June 2nd 9:00 AM-3:00 PM
Enjoy two-all day camps with friends from Dickinson county. This event includes two locations to discover. Thursday, June 1st will be Schmerse Wildlife Area, 2535 280th Street, Fostoria, IA. Dive into the world of water by catching fish, sampling water, and netting for aquatic life. Friday, June 2nd will be Horseshoe Bend Wildlife Area, 1924 240th Street, Milford, IA. Train in skills of wilderness survival and stealth. Blend in with the forest and learn animal tracking. Must attend both days. Mandatory online registration opens April 1st!
Wild Child (going into) K-1st Grade
Young Casters Camp at Scharnberg Park
June 12th 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
Spend the morning at Scharnberg Park where we will learn the basics of fishing and fish identification. Cast a line, use different lures, fish with live bait and master the art of unhooking your catch. Fish for the whole camp and become an expert angler. Mandatory online registration opens April 1st!
Nature Explorers (going into) 2nd-3rd Grade
Kids Rule
June 12th 12:30 PM-2:30 PM
Join us where kids rule and the sky's the limit! We’ll use natural materials and some fun accessories to explore nature. During this camp, kids get to decide what and how we explore Oneota Park! Mandatory online registration opens April 1st!
Nature Explorers (going into) 2nd-3rd Grade
Young Casters Camp at Scharnberg Park
June 14th 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
Spend the morning at Scharnberg Park where we will learn the basics of fishing and fish identification. Cast a line, use different lures, fish with live bait and master the art of unhooking your catch. Fish for the whole camp and become an expert angler. Mandatory online registration opens April 1st!
Wild Child (going into) K-1st Grade
Creepy Crawlies
June 19th 12:30 PM-2:30 PM
It’s time to think small and get our magnifying glasses out. We are going to look into the tiny world of insects. Come join us as we learn about the parts of insects and how many insects live at Oneota Park. Mandatory online registration opens April 1st!
Trailblazers (going into) 4th-6th Grade
Wave of Water at Schmerse Wildlife Area
June 26th 9:00 AM-2:00 PM
This camp will be at Schmerse Wildlife location to discover. Dive into the world of water by catching fish, sampling water, and netting for aquatic life. Train in skills of wilderness survival. All day camp. Mandatory online registration opens April 1st!
Expedition (going into) 7th-12th Grade
Outdoor Survival at Kindlespire
June 28th 9:00 AM-2:00 PM
The wilderness is out there. Most of the wilderness has been explored, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find yourself in a remote area with nothing but your intelligence. Join us to discover the secrets of surviving that may just save your life one day. Do you have what it takes? Mandatory online registration opens April 1st!
Toddler Tracks Ages 2-4 year old with adult
Forest Fun at Oneota Park
June 29th 10:00 AM
Caregiver and child make discoveries together at Forest Fun Camp! Exploring outside is full of new experiences from feeling moss to watching ants crawl on a log. Using our senses, we will listen for animals, look for animal signs, and so much more! A parent or guardian must accompany each child in this camp. Mandatory online registration opens April 1st!
Trailblazers (going into) 4th-6th Grade
Oneota Nature Survival
June 29th 12:30PM-2:30 PM
Think you know what it takes to survive in the wild? Challenge yourself in the ultimate nature adventure. Learn how to prepare yourself with shelter building skills, fire starting, and cooking. Are you up for the challenge? Mandatory online registration opens April 1st!
Nature Babies Ages 0-1 year old with adult
Oneota Park Mud
June 30th 10:00 AM
This is sure to be a muddy good time. Caregiver and baby discover the wonders of nature together. This program is to introduce babies and caregivers to nature! A parent or guardian must accompany each child in this camp. Ages 0-1 years old with an adult. Mandatory online registration opens April 1st!
Nature Explorers (going into) 2nd-3rd Grade
Discover Nature at Oneota Park
July 10th 9:00-11:00 AM
We will discover how useful nature can be. As we color leaf rubbings, we will learn how we can use nature in an artistic way. We will also learn about safe to eat, wild edibles. Come join us as we enjoy all that nature has to offer. Mandatory online registration opens April 1st!
Wild Child (going into) K-1st Grade
Let’s Go Play
July 12th 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
Roll on a hill, make a mud pie, build a small dam and play games in the grass. Have fun in nature playing among hills, along streams, at a marsh and in our open spaces. Use your five senses to explore and enjoy Oneota Park. Mandatory online registration opens April 1st!
Toddler Tracks Camp Ages 2-4 year old with adult
Bubbles, Boats and Float
July 12th 1:30 PM
Caregiver and child enjoy water play Oneota Park style! Build your own boat and float it in the stream, experiment with objects and find the ones that float, and end the day with a bubble celebration. Come prepared to get wet! A parent or guardian must accompany each child in this camp. Mandatory online registration opens April 1st!
Trailblazer (going into) 4th-6th Grade
Outdoor Recreation at Oneota Park
July 19th 9:00-11:00 AM
Time to warm up those arms for some great outdoor activities. This camp is a great way to test out your skill at archery, slingshot, and ax throwing, while enjoying nature. Mandatory online registration opens April 1st!
Toddler Tracks Camp Ages 2-4 year old with adult
Mud Camp
July 24th 10:00 AM
Spend the morning with your toddler making mud discoveries at Oneota Park! Caregiver and child will participate in activities to develop motor, sensory, and awareness skills. Making mud tracks, and building mudpies, campers will enjoy a morning immersed in nature. Prepare to get muddy. A parent or guardian must accompany each child in this camp. Mandatory online registration opens April 1st!
Nature Babies Ages 0-1 year old with adult
Splash
July 28th 10:00 AM
Caregiver and child enjoy water play Oneota Park style! What makes a splash at Oneota Park? We will discover what rivers, ponds, lakes, and wetlands have in common. Come prepared to get wet! Caregiver and baby discover the wonders of nature together. This program is to introduce babies and caregivers to nature! A parent or guardian must accompany each child in this camp. Ages years old with an adult. Mandatory online registration opens April 1st!