Nature Camps

Overview

Day camp programs at Pioneers Park Nature Center are designed to inspire curiosity and build understanding of others and of their surroundings through guidance of caring staff, featuring the outdoors, and natural wonder. Pioneers Park Nature Center offers day camp programming during the summer and other school breaks. Day camp and leadership opportunities are also available for teens.

2024–25 Nature Camps

Spring Explorers Camp: $210/week

Summer Discovery Camp: $110/4-day week
Summer Explorers Camp: $210/week
Summer Navigators Camp: $205/week

Fall and Winter Camps: $46/day

Nature Camp Guidebook for Parents and Caregivers(PDF, 459KB)

Scholarships are available to help Lincoln youth who do not have the financial means to attend Nature Camp. The scholarship program is made possible through contributions from our local community. Complete the Scholarship Form to be considered.

Register for Nature Camp

Enroll online or by phone at (402) 441-7895. A non-refundable enrollment fee of $25 is due at time of registration.

Discovery Camp

Two campers show off their masks.

Discovery Camp is a half-day camp for young children, ages 3–6, to learn about the world around them. Camp activities and experiences are planned around seasonal changes and happenings at the Nature Center. Children have time to explore and investigate, play with other children in social setting, and express themselves through arts and crafts. Come prepared to be outdoors, get dirty, and have fun!

Summer Camps 2024

$110/week per camper

Monday–Thursday: 9:00–11:30 AM

  • June 3–6
  • June 10–13
  • June 24–27
  • July 8–11
  • July 15–18
  • July 22–25

 

Nature Camp (Explorers)

Nature Center campers explore the ecosystem they walk on.

This camp program is for children who have completed kindergarten but who have not yet entered 6th grade. Explorers Camp activities include: hikes, creek exploration, pond investigations, archery, fishing, arts and crafts, and more. Participants will be outside most of each day and will need to bring a lunch, water bottle, and an extra change of clothes and closed-toe shoes daily. Guest presenters, special activities, and field trip experiences are also planned throughout the summer. Weekly activities will be emailed to registered participants prior to camp.

Summer day camps are held Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM–5:30 PM through most of the summer break. Additional camp experiences for this age group are offered during school breaks throughout the year.

Summer Camps 2024

$210/week per camper

  • June 3–7
  • June 10–14
  • June 17–21
  • June 24–28
  • July 15–19
  • July 22–26
  • July 29–Aug 2
  • Aug 5–9

Fall and Winter Camps 2024–25

$46/day per camper

  • October 11
  • October 14
  • October 15
  • December 30
  • December 31
  • January 2, 2025
  • January 3, 2025

Nature Camp (Navigators)

A young Nature Center camper shows the small fish they caught. The fish is about the same size as the campers hand.

This day camp program is for youth who have completed 6th grade and have not yet entered 9th grade. Navigators Camp immerses youth in outdoor learning and leadership building experiences. The Navigators camp experience includes outdoor recreation and nature exploration including, canoeing, archery, fishing, and hiking. Participants will also have opportunity to explore and learn about various habitats, native and invasive species, and build on their understanding of conservation and environmental issues. Guest presenters are also incorporated into the Navigators' experience. Participants will be outside most of each day and will need to bring a lunch, water bottle, and an extra change of clothes and closed-toe shoes daily. Weekly activities will be emailed to registered participants prior to camp.

Summer Camp 2024

July 8–12 (M-F)

8:00 AM–5:30 PM

$205/week per camper