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It’s time to make summer plans for the kiddos! The Ogden Nature Center is offering a variety of summer camps for ages 2 through 12, plus a Volunteens Program for ages 13-16, and even some family and adult camps. All of the camps are age-specific.
Kids & teens will learn fascinating and important nature knowledge, and grow both minds and spirits! This is a wonderful opportunity to have fun, be gritty, get dirty, make friends, and of course... BE OUTSIDE!
Day Camps - Half Day $60; Full Day $80
Ages 6-7
June 10: Totally Gross! (ages 6-7) 9:00 am - 1:00 pm $60 Nature can be totally gross. Together we’ll explore the sticky, slimy, and smelly side of nature through games, crafts, and hand-on exploration. Meet nature’s clean up crew and how they get rid of waste, learn about the grossest living things on earth, and explore “gross” habitats around the nature center. Prepare to get your hands dirty and dress for a mess.
July 21: Eco Art (ages 6-7) 9:00 am - 1:00 pm $60 Explore the beauty of nature! Campers will create crafts inspired by their surroundings while learning about the environment and the animals with whom we share our ecosystem.
July 29: ONC Animal Ambassadors (ages 6-7) 9:00 am - 1:00 pm $60 Utah is home to an incredible range of wildlife. Ogden Nature Center hosts a number of native species both captive and wild. Come join us to learn about our desert and forest friends; how they live, what they eat, and how they interact with nature. Through live demonstrations of ONC’s animal ambassadors, campers will be able to gain an appreciation for these amazing animals and how they support their ecosystems and the Ogden Nature Center.
July 30: Marvelous Mammals (ages 6-7) 9:00 am - 1:00 pm $60 What do a lion, a bear, and a dolphin all have in common? Why, they’re all mammals, of course! Come learn all about what sets mammals apart from birds and reptiles, and learn what really makes a mammal, a mammal. Spend the day learning about these incredible creatures, through games, crafts, and meeting a live animal!
Ages 7-9
June 12: Crafting with Nature (ages 7-9) 8:30 am - 3:30 pm $80 Creative campers will enjoy this full day of crafting with nature. Through mud painting, nature crowns, rock art, and more, campers will use what nature provides to make fun projects to take home.
June 13: Strange Nature (ages 7-9) 8:30 am - 3:30 pm $80 Get ready to uncover the bizarre, the wild, and the downright strange wonders of nature! Ever wonder how an owl can turn its head 270 degrees without needing a chiropractor? Or why some creatures glow in the dark like they’re straight out of a sci-fi movie? And what’s the deal with blobfish? Are they really made of jelly, or is there more to the story? Join us for a week of mind-boggling discoveries as we dive into the wacky world of animal adaptations, unusual behaviors, and the strangest survival strategies in the wild.
July 28: Macros and Minis (ages 7-9) 8:30 am - 3:30 pm $80 Nature is made up of so many small but mighty living things. Explore the world of bugs, buds, and miniature beasts. Dip into ponds, dig into soil, and look closer as we delve into the world of tiniest living things.
Ages 8-10
June 9: Fantastic Forts (ages 8-10) 8:30 am - 3:30 pm $80 Lodges, nests, and dens are fine for critters, but what kind of home would you make if you lived outside? We’ll explore the kinds of homes animals make, and then get to the task of creating the perfect human shelter among the trees and trails of the Ogden Nature Center.
July 22: Junior Botanists (ages 8-10) 8:30 am - 3:30 pm $80 Plants and pollinators are our best friends, but who knows why? Junior Botanists know why! Come join us outdoors as we dive into the world of local plant identification and pollinator appreciation through hands-on activities! Junior Botanists will explore the fascinating relationship between plants and pollinators, discovering the vital roles these dynamic duos play in our ecosystem.
July 25: Space Camp (ages 8-10) (NIGHT CAMP) 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm $80 Discover the incredible worlds lurking in our galaxy with this evening camp dedicated to outer space! Build your own “rover” to survive a Mars drop test, learn about the planets in our solar system, and finish the night with a campfire dinner and stargazing while hearing stories about the constellations far above us.
Ages 10-12
June 11: The Pond and Beyond (ages 10-12) 8:30 am - 3:30 pm $80 Even a small body of water can be a big pocket of life. Plan to get wet as we dive into the wonderful world of ponds. Campers will use hands-on science to investigate invertebrates and other pond-dwellers, check water quality, and observe plants.
July 23: Junior Wildlife Ecologists (ages 10-12) 8:30 am - 3:30 pm $80 Ever wondered who discovers new animals or decides what’s extinct or endangered? Wildlife ecologists do! Spend a day in nature in the shoes of a wildlife researcher learning to track and survey wildlife, learning to identify a variety of animals based on tracks and signs, meeting interesting animals, as well as playing fun wildlife games and creating cool animal crafts.
Toddler Tracks Camps for Preschoolers - $35
These two hour programs are designed specifically for toddlers ages 2-3 years old and their chaperones, with fun, nature-based activities, stories, songs, and games. Meals are not provided.
June 13: Mud Puppies 9:00 am - 11:00 am Mud is messy, exciting, and full of surprises! Join us in some mud fun, as we discover what’s hiding in the dirt and why it’s so important. Get ready to dig deep, create mud painting, and splash around in mud-filled pools for an unforgettable adventure.
June 20: Little Campers 9:00 am - 11:00 am Time for an adventure in the great outdoors! Campers will go on a pretend mini “camping trip” as we explore the trails, play games, sing campfire songs, and make tasty treats.
June 27: Daring Dinos 9:00 am - 11:00 am Travel back in time to learn more about the prehistoric beasts that once lived in Utah. Explore dinosaurs in all different shapes and sizes, create your very own fossil, dig for dinosaur bones, and meet dinosaur relatives!
July 11: Flutter and Fly 9:00 am - 11:00 am Explore the magic and mystery of flight with your little one! From birds to bugs and even mammals, come learn about how these rulers of the sky are capable of flapping, gliding, and fluttering.
July 18: Splish, Splash, Splat 9:00 am - 11:00 am Prepare to get wet as we learn what floats, sinks and swims in water at the Nature Center. We’ll dip for bugs in the pond, find out what water does to a sand castle, and hear stories about the creatures that call water their home.
July 25: Sounds of Nature 9:00 am - 11:00 am When taking the time to listen to nature, there's a lot that can be heard! From birds to wind, natural music is being made all around us. Campers will learn just how musical nature can be through fun crafts, games, and stories.
August 1: All About Cats and Dogs 9:00 am - 11:00 am How is a tiger like a housecat? Or a puppy like a wolf? Come to the Ogden Nature Center and learn all about the kitties and doggies that live in nature as we explore their differences and similarities, and learn about the differences between a wild animal and a pet! Have fun making puppy and kitty crafts, hearing a story about a cat in nature, playing games, and looking for signs of wild animals along the trail!
Week-long Camps
June 17-20: Creepy Crawly Critters (ages 7-9) Tues-Thur 8:30 am - 3:30 pm. Fri-5:30 pm - 10:00 pm Cost $200. Discover the fantastic world of flying, crawling, and slithering creatures that we call creepy crawlies. Join us for a weeklong adventure of games and activities that will deepen your understanding and appreciation of the “frightening” creatures. By the end, you may just find out that they’re not so scary at all. Because of the Observance of Juneteenth, this week-long camp is only 4 days from Tuesday to Friday. Camp on Friday will be a late night dinner starting at 5:30 pm and going home at 10 pm.
June 23-27: Extreme Eco (ages 11-14) Mon-Wed 8:30 am - 3:30 pm. Thurs 5:30 pm - Fri 9:00 am Cost $230. Do you know what it takes to survive in the wild? Challenge yourself in the ultimate nature adventure. Learn how to read the landscape and prepare yourself for survival using basic first aid, fire starting, leadership, shelter-building, and more. Conquer these skills and put your knowledge to the test in an all-out, end of camp scavenger hunt. Who will win in this wild adventure? Monday-Wednesday are regular camp days. The overnight portion starts at 5:30 pm on Thursday and ends at 9:00 am on Friday.
July 14-18: STEM Camp (ages 10-12) 8:30 am - 3:30 pm. Thurs 5:30 pm - Fri 9:00 am Cost $230. This exciting weeklong camp will introduce campers to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) through engaging, hands-on experiments and activities. Along the way, children will develop essential skills like problem solving, communication, teamwork, and critical thinking, all while having fun and exploring the wonders of STEM! Monday-Wednesday are regular camp days. The overnight portion starts at 5:30 pm on Thursday and ends at 9 am on Friday.
July 28-August 1: Digging Through History (ages 9-11) 8:30 am - 3:30 pm. Thurs 5:30 pm - Fri 9:00 am Cost $230. Find out how Utah has changed over the millennia! Throughout the week, campers will use games, crafts, and fun activities to put themselves in the shoes of an archaeologist. They’ll go back in time to explore the lives of pioneers, indigenous tribes, and even prehistoric creatures. Monday-Wednesday are regular camp days. The overnight portion starts at 5:30 pm on Thursday and ends at 9 am on Friday.
Fledglings Camps for ages 4-6 - $200
These camps are designed for our 4-6 year old friends who are ready for their first camp experience away from their parents. Three hours in length provides the perfect opportunity for friends, fun, and learning.
July 7-11 Knee-High Naturalists Mon-Fri 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Rocks, flowers, bugs, oh my! Come and learn how to be little scientists while exploring nature, making exciting crafts, and playing fun games, no lab coat necessary! Dive into the world of botany, biology, chemistry, ecology, and geology, all while having a blast at the Ogden Nature Center!
August 4-8: Animal Olympics Mon-Fri 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Jumping, swimming, and flying! What other talents do Olympians and animals have in common? Throughout the week, we’ll share their moves, make our own, and try our hand at a different sort of Olympic Games inspired by the incredible creatures that roam the earth.
Adult & Family Camps
June 14, 21, 28: Art in Nature Series, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Cost and details TBD.
June 27: Senior’s Night, Friday 6:00 pm - Saturday 9:30 am Cost $50. Nature enthusiasts aged 55 and older are invited to an overnight retreat at the Ogden Nature Center’s Picnic Grove. Enjoy a cozy campfire dinner, s’mores, and storytelling under the stars, followed by a peaceful night of camping. The adventure continues in the morning with an early senior stroll along the trails to spot birds, discover new plants, and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
July 11-12: Family Camp, Friday 6:00 pm - Saturday 9:00 am Cost $120 for up to 5 family members. $10 for each additional family member. Join us on an adventure for the whole family. Pack your tent and enjoy a night under the stars at Ogden Nature Center’s Dumke Picnic Grove. Play games, make crafts, and learn about the creatures that run the night here at the nature center. Hot dog dinner and a cold breakfast will be provided.
Volunteens for ages 13-16
June 10 - August 14, 9am - 12 Noon, every Tuesday & Thursday. Cost $60 Serve, learn and have fun with a unique program designed to get teens out of the house this summer. Participate in citizen science, habitat restoration, Nature Center projects and more, all while making friends and giving back to the community. Volunteens work on and off-site with Nature Center staff in a fun, friendly, supervised learning environment.
Summer Camp Assistants
The Ogden Nature Center is looking for enthusiastic and motivated volunteers to assist with our upcoming summer camp season. Camp assistants will work with our education team to set up camp, help with activities, and engage with campers of all ages. If you enjoy working with children, being outdoors, or are looking for opportunities to serve your community, join us this summer at the Ogden Nature Center. Camp assistants must be at least 12 years old. For complete information and application, click here. Completed applications are due by 5pm on Saturday, May 3rd. Email to
The Dirt and the Details!
Summer Camp Information
Who can I contact if I have questions?
Email
Special Needs
We welcome campers of all abilities. If your child has a medical condition or allergy that will impact their experience at camp, or the experience of others in the group, please be forthcoming with information to ensure a positive and successful experience. For campers that need special assistance, please notify staff prior to registering for camp. Parents are not allowed to stay with campers unless special permission is granted for children with special needs. Please call 385-470-0036 two weeks in advance to make arrangements. Background checks are required for any adult attending a camp with a child with special needs.
Photographs/video
Ogden Nature Center reserves the right to use any photos/video of campers to promote our programs unless otherwise notified in writing by parents.
Scholarships
We believe all children deserve the right to go to summer camp! We receive funding from generous donors who want kids to go to camp at the Ogden Nature Center. We do not require any financial documentation to apply for a scholarship. A limited number of scholarships are available for those needing assistance. Money awarded each summer depends on individual donor support. Please contact our education staff at
Reservations and Cancellations
- A $50 non-refundable deposit is required for the 3-day overnight, 4-day late-night, family camp, adult camps, and the full week Fledglings camp upon reservation.
- A $10 non-refundable deposit is required for all single-day camps, individual Fledglings camp days, and Toddler Tracks camps.
- Requests for withdrawal two or more weeks before the scheduled program date will be honored except for the initial deposit, which will be withheld for administrative fees. Refunds will not be given for cancellations or no-shows within two weeks of the camp start date.
- Please do not send your camper to camp if they are sick. Any cancellation for an illness will be honored.
- ONC reserves the right to restrict enrollment/participation if participation in camp is deemed unsafe/unsuitable for a child by ONC, either for the safety/experience of the child or for the safety/experience of the staff/other campers. ONC reserves the right to cancel camps due to circumstances beyond our control including illness or low attendance. All fees will be refunded for canceled programs.
- All camps will be held rain or shine!
Ogden Nature Center Member Discount
All Ogden Nature Center members receive 10% off their total camp cost. Become a member here. Membership discount is not available for the Volunteen program. Please note that we do not accept membership cards for any other organizations to be used as a discount on Ogden Nature Center summer camps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do camps cost?
That depends on the camp, age of the child, length of the program and whether you are a Nature Center member. Please refer to our camp descriptions for more information.
Do you offer discounts for families sending more than one child to camp?
Due to rising cost of supplies and the effort to not raise summer camp tuition fees, we have discontinued the double camp discount. We do still offer a discount for Ogden Nature Center members.
What is the ratio of campers to counselors?
Our camper to staff ratio is 10:1 along with two camp assistants for all camps ages six and older. Fledglings and Toddler Tracks camps have 10:1 with a camp assistant in each age group.
Are the counselors qualified?
Counselors are trained naturalists with degrees in Education, Environmental Education, and various STEM subjects with many years of experience teaching children. They are all first aid and CPR certified. Teacher Naturalists are full time Ogden Nature Center employees that work year-round in all aspects of our education programming.
My child is under the minimum required age for a camp, can my child enroll in that camp anyway?
Sorry, no. We do not allow campers to enroll in programs where they do not meet the minimum age or are over the maximum age requirement. Our programs and curriculum are designed with the age requirement in mind.
My child is 6 years old and enrolled in the Fledglings program. Will my child be grouped with 4-year-olds?
No. Our Fledglings camps are split by age, and each will have their own counselor. Each group completes the same activities but at an age-appropriate level of learning.
Are these drop-off camps or must I accompany my child?
All of our camp sessions, apart from Toddler Tracks (2-3 years) and Family Camp, are drop-off camps. Parents are not allowed to stay with their campers unless they have been given permission to attend for special needs students. These parents are required to complete a background check and wear proper identification. Please contact the education director at 385-470-0036 if you are seeking special permission to attend camp with your child.
I would like to register my child for a Toddler Track program. I know that I must accompany my child, but can I bring along a younger sibling as well?
Sorry, no. We cannot accommodate siblings in our Toddler Tracks program. As the parent or adult guardian attending, you will be actively participating with your toddler. It is important that your attention be fully focused on your camper so that your child and the rest of the class will get the most out of this experience.
Are snacks or lunch provided for the day camps?
No. All snacks and lunches will need to be provided by the parent or adult guardian. We ask that you try and provide a nut-free lunch in case other campers have nut allergies.
Do you offer after-hours care?
Yes! After-camp service will be available for all 4-day and single-day adventure camps from 3:30 to 5 pm. The cost is $15 a day. Please request after-hours care prior to the first day of camp to ensure a counselor is available. This service may not be available if requested at the start of camp.
When does registration begin?
We will begin taking reservations at 9am on March 3rd.
How do I register?
To register, scroll through camps on the calendar and click on camp(s) you are interested in. If you need assistance, please call 385-470-0036 to speak with someone in our education department. A nonrefundable deposit is required for all camps.
Do Ogden Nature Center members get a discount?
Yes! Ogden Nature Center members at the family or grandparent level receive a discount rate on camp fees. Purchase a family membership here.
I am a member of Dinosaur Park/Tracy Aviary/Union Station/Zootah; do I get a discount on Ogden Nature Center Summer Camps?
Sorry, no. While your Dinosaur Park/Tracy Aviary/Union Station/Zootah membership can reciprocate admission into the Nature Center, it does not allow you all the same benefits of being a member of the Ogden Nature Center. Summer Camp discounts are only given to Ogden Nature Center members. Purchase a family membership here.
The camp that I am interested in is filled. Can I be placed on a wait list?
Yes. It does not cost anything to be placed on a wait list. If a space becomes available, you will be notified.
What is your cancellation policy?
Requests for withdrawal two or more weeks prior to the scheduled program date will be honored except for the initial deposit, which will be withheld for administrative fees. Refunds will not be given for cancellations or no-shows within two weeks of the camp start date. Deposits for all camps are not refundable.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
Email
