Pioneers Park Nature Center

The Pioneers Park Nature Center day camp programs are designed to inspire curiosity and build understanding of others and of their surroundings through guidance of caring staff, featuring the outdoors, and natural wonder. Pioneers Park Nature Center offers summer day camp programming for ages 3-17.

Discovery Camp (Ages: 3-6 year-olds): A half-day camp for young children to learn about the world around them. Activities are planned around each nature-based weekly themes. Come prepared to be outdoors, get dirty, and have fun. Weekly sessions are offered in June and July. Each session is held Monday – Friday; 9:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Explorers Camp (Ages: 6-13 year-olds): Explorers summer day camp participants will be outside the majority of each day and will need to bring a sack lunch, water bottle, and an extra change of clothes and closed-toe shoes daily. Camp activities include: hikes, nature exploration, creeking and pond investigations, archery, fishing, yoga, arts and crafts, and more. Off-site (field trip) experiences and guest presenters are also planned throughout the summer. Details and other important information about the program and specific weekly activities will be sent out to registered participants prior to camp. Additional day camps are held throughout the year during school breaks; including spring and fall breaks. Dates vary. Summer day camps are held June-August, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Navigators Camp (Ages: 14-17 year-olds): The Navigators camp immerses youth ages 14-17 in outdoor learning and leadership building experiences. The Navigators camp experience includes outdoor recreation activities and nature exploration including, canoeing, archery, fishing, hiking, and creeking. Participants will also have opportunity to explore and learn about various habitats, native and invasive species, and build on their understanding of conservation and environmental issues. Guest presenters are also incorporated into the Navigators’ experience. Participants will be outside the majority of each day and will need to bring a sack lunch, water bottle, and an extra change of clothes and closed-toe shoes daily. Details and other important information about the program will be sent out prior to camp.

Jr. Leaders Camp–Participants: Middle School and High School, grades 6-12

The Jr. Leader program offers youth the opportunity to be involved throughout the year in Nature Center activities. This program aims to provide opportunities for youth to gain job and life skills while being introduced to the fields of outdoor recreation, environmental education, and natural resources conservation. Jr. Leader activities include leadership development and building awareness and understanding of Nebraska’s natural history.

Jr. Leaders can also be involved with the Nature Center’s summer day camp programs. Participants interested in summer Jr. Leader (also known as a JC) opportunities are encouraged to participate in the Jr. Leader activities throughout the year. Summer Jr. Leaders (JCs) will be selected in May through an application and interview process.

NATURE PRESCHOOL:

• Established in 2000, Nature Preschool is a play-based program in which children learn by doing: hiking, climbing, digging, building, and being outdoors.
• Pioneers Park Nature Center

• 3201 S. Coddington Ave. Lincoln, NE 68522
• 402-441-7895
• Preschool for children 3-4 years old:

Little Sprouts Preschool

• Lincoln Parks and Recreation has offered programs and activities for preschool age children at Calvert Recreation Center since 1989.

• At Little Sprouts children learn about nature and the world around them in an urban setting. Little Sprouts is a Step Up to Quality participating program, going above and beyond state licensing regulations.
• Little Sprouts, for children 3-5 years old, meets Monday – Friday, 9:00-11:30 am.
• Enrollment options are:

• Calvert Recreation Center
• 4500 Stockwell St. Lincoln, NE 68506
• 402-441-8480

https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/City/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation/PRPrograms/Summer-Camps/Nature-Center-Camps