Looking for a fun, enriching adventure for the kids this summer? Six Iowa state parks will host the popular University of Iowa Wildlife Camps for local families. The conservation education day-camp program will be offered at Maquoketa Caves, Mines of Spain, George Wyth, Springbrook, Viking Lake and Ledges state parks.
The camps are for students entering 3rd-6th grade. Campers can expect to spend a week exploring, playing and learning about the natural environment and unique features of their state park, its wildlife and their habitats. Cost of the 5-day camp is $100 per child. Dates of each day camp are as follows:
· Viking Lake State Park (Stanton): June 12-16
· George Wyth State Park (Cedar Falls): June 19-23
· Springbrook State Park (Guthrie Center): June 26-30
· Ledges State Park (Madrid): July 10-14
· Maquoketa Caves State Park (Maquoketa): July 17-21
· Mines of Spain State Recreation Area (Dubuque): July 24-28
“We are excited to share this program with kids across the state,” says Jay Gorsh, program coordinator. “It has been a staple in the Iowa City area for 26 years, with more than 20,000 kids participating since 1991.”
Gorsh reminds that enrollment is limited to 40 students per camp and the camps have a history of filling fast. For details about each camp and to register, visit recserv.uiowa.edu/wildlife-camps-state-parks
The expansion of the University of Iowa program comes after the camps received a Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) grant from the Department of Natural Resources to pilot the program in Iowa state parks. Wildlife Camps is operated under University of Iowa Recreational Services.