Take It Outside State Park Camps are 5-day immersive adventures where campers have the opportunity to explore some of the most amazing places in Iowa, experience hands-on natural resources education and build outdoor skills that can last a lifetime.
The camps are for students entering 3rd-6th grade. Dates of each day camp are:
- Walnut Woods State Park (West Des Moines): June 23-27
- Maquoketa Caves State Park (Maquoketa): July 14-18
- Ledges State Park (Madrid): July 21-25
Camp instructors and group leaders include licensed teachers and DNR professionals. The days will be packed with activities that incorporate STREAM (science, technology, research, engineering, the arts and math) concepts presented through exciting adventures involving forestry, fisheries, wildlife and ecology. Outdoor skills sessions will foster confidence, teamwork and a desire to spend more time outside.
Our days will be spent on deep dives, exploring what makes each park unique and amazing, from its habitats to its history, plants and animals, and the interconnectedness of it all. Before the week is over, your camper is likely to begin understanding and embracing their part in the story.
Enrollment is limited to 30 students per camp. Registration is open until May 30:
All campers must bring their own lunch, water bottle, and snacks. Water will be available for fill ups throughout the day. Drop-off will be done between 7:45-8:15am and pickup is between 3:30-4pm each day. More specific details will be emailed out prior to camp. Any questions, please contact Anne Riordan at 641-295-6028 or Anne.Riordan@dnr.iowa.gov.
This event is held in partnership with the Iowa Hunter Education Instructor Association, which will handle all registration fees.