Event Details

Eight!  The Kansas Wetlands Education Center is offering eight discovery camps all designed to get kids outside and exploring nature!  Dive into the exciting world of the Cheyenne Bottoms marsh and sign up your camper for a summer of adventure.

Camps are for participants who have completed 1st-6th grade. Each camp will run from 9am-3pm on the days offered. Campers can sign up for single camps or for all camps! Registration is required by calling 877-243-9268. There is a $10 camp fee for each day to cover materials. Campers must provide their own lunch; a morning and afternoon snack will be provided.

Tuesday, July 7 – Wetlands Wrigglers - It is always a camp favorite to put on waders and explore the biodiversity of Cheyenne Bottoms.  This is the camp where we will search for aquatic invertebrates.  We’ll also catch terrestrial inverts with nets and construct critter catchers.  Build a pollinator puddler to assist your backyard bees and butterflies and use mealworms to create an artistic masterpiece.

Thursday, July 9 – Critter Codes - How do animals talk to each other? In this camp, we'll decode some of the mysteries of animal communication. Campers will use all of their senses to find out the different methods animals can use to communicate. Interpretive dance, a lovely scent, speaking bird squawk, and more! We'll also make our own animal communicators to take home! 

Tuesday, July 14 – Herp Haven - In this camp, we'll become herpetologists, or people who study reptiles and amphibians! Campers will go herping (safely look for reptiles and amphibians) and learn about some amazing adaptations herpetofauna have such turtle shells, frog slime, snake venom and so much more! Make and take home a toad abode for the toads in your backyard!

Thursday, July 16 – Mudflat Masters - Do you have what it takes to survive in the wilds of Cheyenne Bottoms?  This camp will test your navigation abilities, hone your knot tying skills, and ensure your campfires start quickly, safely, and efficiently.  Campers will learn the importance of boater safety and put this knowledge to practice by canoeing at Vet’s Lake. Wilderness first aid will also be covered.

Tuesday, July 21 – Marsh Makers - Den, Drey, Warren, Gall, Nest – in this engineering focused camp, campers will explore the unique habitats and shelters animals construct.  Campers will build a bee hotel and a 3D printed critter to take home.  A team-building activity and service project enhancing the Cheyenne Bottoms habitat will help round out the day.

Thursday, July 23 – Weather Wonders - Campers will be meteorologists for the day! How do storms form or lightning work? We'll conduct experiments to find out! Campers will also make a weather safety kit list, learn how wildlife survives extreme weather, and make a tornado to take home! 

Tuesday, July 28 – Bottoms BioLab - Calling all Mad Scientists!  If you love explosions, mysteries, and solving problems, this camp is for you. Campers will dissect owl pellets, use microscopes, and test bird feet adaptations.  Grown-ups are invited to a live chemistry show performed by the campers at 2:30pm.

Thursday, July 30 – Hoots and Howls - When the sun goes down, a whole world of nocturnal critters comes to life! In this camp, we'll explore the creatures of the night found around Cheyenne Bottoms and beyond. We'll test our hearing and night vision with an echolocation activity, a flashlight game, some glow-in-the-dark art, and an eye shine activity!