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.
2023 Nature Camps
Discovery Camp: $115/week
Explorers Camp: $205/week
Navigators Camp: $190/week
Nature Camp Guidebook for Parents and Caregivers(PDF, 295KB)
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.
- Complete online Participant Information and Waiver Form; one per camper per calendar year.
Registration for Nature Day Camps open Monday, January 23 at 9:00 AM!
Participants: 3–6 year-olds
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!
Days & Time: Monday–Thursday; 9:00–11:30 AM
Weeks:
- June 5–8
- June 12–15
- June 26–29
- July 10–13
- July 17–20
- July 24–27
Fee: $115/ week per camper
Participants: Elementary School, completed grades K-5
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, 8:30 AM–5:30 PM, during most weeks June through August. Additional dates for this age group are offered during school breaks throughout the year.
Weeks/Days:
- June 5–9 (M-F)
- June 12–16 (M-F)
- June 20–23* (T-F)
- June 26–30 (M-F)
- July 17–21 (M-F)
- July 24–28 (M-F)
- July 31–Aug 4 (M-F)
Fee: $205/ week per camper
Participants:Middle School, completed grades 6–8
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.
Week: July 10-14 (M-F)
Time: 8:30 AM–5:30 PM
Fee: $190/ week per camper