Explorers Camps

Field trips with transportation provided are marked with a *. All other camps take place at the nature center.

Survivor Child *

June 24-27
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Have you ever eaten stinging nettle or shot a bow and ar­row? Make your way through the forest and endure the elements to discover what it takes to be a survivor child. Help us uncover the secrets of life in the wild.

Try-ology

July 1-3 (3-day camp)
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Decode the mysteries of three “ologies” — geology, archeology and paleontology! Research rocks, excavate an “ancient” dig and learn the science behind fossilization as you try your hand at uncovering Minnesota’s past.

Naturally Scientific

July 8-11
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Science is fun and fascinating when you’ve got oobleck and slime on your side. Dive into fun physics, chemistry and astronomy as we make volcanoes explode, stars twinkle and water flow. Mix up some crazy concoctions using ingredients you find at home, create wacky snacks with kitchen chemistry and discover how science comes naturally.

Animal Care Camp *

July 15-18
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Do you know how the nature center cares for our resident animals? Learn the answer while getting hands-on expe­rience caring for their special needs. From bees to birds, discover what it takes to create a comfortable habitat for our animal ambassadors.

Water Wild *

July 22-25
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Water is everywhere, so what’s a kid to do? Play of course! Stomp in the marsh, find critters in the pond and play games with water. How long does it take water to evaporate? Find the answer to this while designing a special Water Olympics to satisfy your curiosity.

CSI: Critter Scene Investigations

July 29-Aug. 1
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Grab your investigation gear because it’s time to probe the secrets of the animal world! View live critters under microscopes, learn what makes Minnesota mammals special, set up experiments to study behavior and play games to understand the challenges animals face. Can you solve the final critter mystery?

Animolympics

Aug. 5-8
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Who will win this Animolympics? Learn about different animal adaptations and prove that you can learn from the best teacher, nature! Have fun with this game-packed camp and test your animal instincts.

Backyard BioBlitz

Aug. 5-8
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
How many species of plants, animals, and microorganisms can you find in Tamarack’s fields, pond and forest? Prepare for a week-long field study where you’ll conduct real data collection for the nature center! Sharpen your science skills by using microscopes, binoculars and dragonfly nets.

Best of Explorers *

Aug. 12-15
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Celebrate the end of summer with a grab bag of camp fun. We’ll keep track of the best, most popular activities and recreate the magic of summer. You never know what’s going to make the “best of” list.