ROWE SANCTUARY - NEBRASKA
This summer, the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary welcomed young explorers back to the Platte River Valley for a season of discovery and connection with nature.
Over three weeks, 26 campers in 2nd–5th grade immersed themselves in the rich ecosystems of the wetlands, prairies, and the Platte River. Each day featured engaging, sensory-rich experiences—from birdwatching and nature journaling to exploring the new Wetland Exploration Deck and identifying macroinvertebrates through dip-netting. Campers examined native plants, used sweep nets, and created wildlife track casts and cyanotype prints. The final day brought them to the Platte River to compare species, experiment with building dams, and observe underwater life with snorkels.
More than just a camp, these experiences sparked curiosity, built knowledge, and inspired a lasting appreciation for the natural world. We look forward to growing these programs and continuing to nurture the next generation of environmental stewards.
BRIGHAM SANCTUARY - NORTH DAKOTA
The inaugural year of Audubon Adventures Nature Camp in North Dakota was a resounding success! Campers explored the prairie trails and lakeshore of Audubon’s Edward M. Brigham III Wildlife Sanctuary, learning firsthand the important role that plants, insects, and water have in supporting healthy ecosystems and providing quality bird habitat.
The campers, who ranged in age from 6-12, let their creativity soar while discovering the ecological significance of the camp’s setting in the Prairie Pothole Region. Campers began their day at the Discovery Table to explore bird-themed curiosities, some of which changed each day to establish the day’s learning focus. Through inquiry, activity, and nature play, the campers engaged with a variety of nature experiences, which resulted in gained knowledge, confidence, innovation, and many moments of shared delight.
Each day of camp was different, so campers could join for one day or all four. Campers were empowered to engage in nature-based learning on varied topics. Each camper connected with the natural world and appreciated its beauty when collecting and identifying plants and insects, spotting birds using binoculars, playing games, walking the prairie, and producing art from nature. We are looking forward to welcoming campers to the sanctuary next summer and continue fostering environmental awareness.
SPRING CREEK PRAIRIE - NEBRASKA
This summer, our nature camps were buzzing with energy, curiosity, and plenty of muddy shoes! From exploring the tallgrass prairie to discovering the wonders of wildlife up close, campers dove headfirst into hands-on adventures that sparked learning and built lasting memories. We’re thrilled to share that all four weeks were full of laughter, discovery, and that special kind of summer magic only nature can provide.
We partner with the Lincoln Community Learning Centers to offer the camps to students from participating elementary schools. Ages can range from 1st – 5th grade and many of the campers return year after year.
Our camps start with a simple question, “What makes a bird a bird?” and build from there, immersing students in the tallgrass prairie and exploring how birds connect to and support the ecosystem. Campers step into the role of conservationists: sweeping for insects, surveying for birds, helping manage invasive plants, and, of course, enjoying plenty of bird-themed games!
Our goal is to ensure that underserved communities have the chance to experience a nature-based summer camp and discover that spark that connects them to their local ecosystems.
