Summer Nature Camps

Registration for 2026 camps will open Tuesday, April 21 at 6:00 p.m.

  • Story County Conservation offers half-day nature camps and overnight camps for youth each summer. Descriptions of this year's camps are available below. 
  • Specific dates for camps will be published in our Events Calendar and in our Prairie Horizons newsletter in early April each year, with registration opening in mid-April, 
  • You may choose to sign up for our email newsletters to receive a reminder when registrations open - many of the camps fill quickly, so register early to save your spot! 
  • TO REGISTER FOR CAMPS: Visit MyCountyParks.com.

Camps by Age - Youngest to Oldest

Youth will explore and experience nature! Two different camps are available for each age group, so your child can attend twice in one summer (first curriculum is in June, second is in July). Some camps are in the morning and some are held in the afternoon.

Group of kids stand on deck at McFarland Park lake

POLLIWOGS - Starting kindergarten in fall 2025

*Children must be 5 years of age by August 1, 2025 in order to attend. 

Dirt, Rocks, Plants, & Water -  Children experience nature using dirt, rocks, plants, and water and get dirty in the process! 

Fur, Feathers, Fliers, & Fins - Children explore what makes each animal special, whether they have fur, feathers, fliers, or fins.

FROGS - Completed kindergarten

Amazing Adaptations - Discover the amazing adaptations of animals! We will explore adaptations and figure out how animals use adaptations to survive. Spend the week playing games, connecting with nature, and going on adventures at McFarland Park.

Adventure - Every day at Frogs camp is an adventure as children examine the natural world around them! Campers will explore McFarland Park and discover the wonders of nature. 

WATERBUGS - Completed grade 1 0r 2

Calling all explorers! Search for nature’s treasures as we follow maps, make mini-rafts, investigate wildlife, and step into creeks and marshes. Discover Story County natural areas through hands-on activities, art, stories, games, and journaling.

Nature's Treasures - Calling all explorers! Search for nature’s treasures as we follow maps, make mini-rafts, investigate wildlife, and step into creeks and marshes. 

Expeditions - Children will go on expeditions to find nature's wonders right here in Story County.  

Nature campers paint craft outdoors
Campers play in stream with nets

EXPLORERS - Completed grade 3 or 4

"Explorers" is the name replacing the famous "F.L.O.A.T." camps from prior years.

Campers learn outdoor skills with Naturalist Clair Pfantz and experience canoeing basics, fishing, games, hiking, how to read a map and GPS, and much more while exploring McFarland, Peterson, and Hickory Grove Parks during this two-day camp!

SHOOTING SPORTS - Completed grade 6 or higher

Campers will experience some of the tools that were used for primitive hunting and some tools similar to today’s hunting practices. Campers will learn to use atlatls, sling shots, tomahawks, bow and arrows, and will end camp learning about modern air rifles. This camp is designed to be fun and educational, while also teaching campers safety and respect.

SURVIVAL SKILLS - Completed grade 4, 5, or 6

Test your skills and challenge your abilities while learning about survival. Participants will learn the skills of fire building, as well as building a shelter. 

OVERNIGHT EXPLORERS - Completed grade 5 or 6

"Explorers" is the name replacing the famous "F.L.O.A.T." camps from prior years.

Campers will learn  and test their outdoor skills during a over-night camp out. We will spend our time canoeing, setting up camp, exploring McFarland, Peterson, and Hickory Grove Parks, night hiking, and so much more! 

WATER SPORTS - Completed grade 5, 6, or 7

Get ready for a day filled with water-based adventures. Participants will get a chance to canoe, kayak and stand-up paddleboard. We will end our day by swimming at West Peterson Park. 

IOWA EXPLORERS - Completed grade 7 or 8

"Explorers" is the name replacing the famous "F.L.O.A.T." camps from prior years.

Campers will learn many outdoor skills and test these skills with a two-night camping trip to Backbone State Park. We will spend our time engaging in many fun activities including; kayaking, setting up camp, outdoor cooking, hiking and so much more! 

F.L.O.A.T. CAMPS

The F.L.O.A.T. camps have been renamed! See "Explorers."

ARCHERY - Completed grade 6 or higher

Come learn about and participate in the ancient sport of archery. Using compound bows and target arrows we will discuss equipment, safety, and go through the process of shooting. After that, participants will practice their skills shooting at targets. 

TO REGISTER FOR CAMPS: Visit MyCountyParks.com.

Camper learns to fish on lake shore

Browse and register for available camps and our other programs by viewing our events calendar.