Summer time camps at Rowe Sanctuary have lengthy been foundational to its id, serving to place the sanctuary on the map as an area chief in environmental training. It isn’t uncommon for Rowe Sanctuary workers to fulfill somebody who spent their summers exploring the sanctuary throughout camp. For many years, these packages have welcomed younger folks to the banks of the Platte River, providing them the possibility to expertise nature in an immersive and fascinating means. Generations of campers have explored Rowe’s trails and wetlands, every leaving with a stronger sense of curiosity and connection to the pure world. This long-standing custom has formed not solely the camp expertise itself, but additionally the broader status of Audubon’s Rowe Sanctuary as a spot the place studying comes alive in nature.
On the coronary heart of those camps is a philosophy grounded in exploration, discovery, and inquiry-based studying. Campers are inspired to step straight into the surroundings—whether or not by wading into wetlands with dip nets in tow, observing birds in flight with binoculars, or investigating the intricate relationships that outline prairie and river ecosystems. These experiences permit younger learners to ask questions, make observations, and draw their very own conclusions concerning the world round them. It’s not unusual to see insect guides piled up by sweep nets and muddy sneakers subsequent to seine nets on the Schooling patio exterior the Anne Hubbard Schooling Middle throughout camp. On this setting, curiosity turns into the driving power, and every day gives new alternatives for discovery.
Every day of summer time camp builds on the final, with campers diving deeper—generally actually—into every week’s theme. This yr, every camp week contains a totally different focus, permitting members to discover quite a lot of subjects. Prairie Safari camps (for present grades 2–5) provide three weeks centered on birds, habitats, and artwork, giving younger folks the possibility to comply with their pursuits whereas opening the door to new areas of exploration. The Flying Greater camp will deal with scientific examine and the work of conservationists, partaking college students in surveys and guiding them as they design and perform their very own experiments all through the week.
Platte River Safari Camps (present 2nd–fifth grade)
• June 15–19: Birds Week!
Campers will study concerning the distinct traits of birds and what they want from their habitats. Because the week progresses, they are going to discover meals sources and uncover the diversifications that assist birds thrive on this area.
• June 22–26: Habitats Week!
The Platte River ecosystem is significant to birds and different wildlife. Campers will dive into the wetlands, study nutrient biking within the prairies, and discover methods to assist defend the Platte River sooner or later.
• June 29–July 3: Artwork & Nature Week!
Nature journaling gives a significant approach to join with native ecosystems. Campers will reply to inventive prompts, full artwork initiatives, and create works utilizing pure supplies.
Flying Greater Camp (present fifth–eighth grade)
• July 7–10: Scientific Research Week!
Campers will find out how conservationists use science to know and handle prairie and river ecosystems at Rowe, whereas additionally collaborating in their very own analysis initiatives.
Registration is due by Might 26, 2026. You possibly can study extra about camp here.
By means of their lengthy historical past and continued dedication to hands-on studying, summer time camps at Rowe Sanctuary stay a necessary a part of its mission. They not solely introduce younger folks to the sweetness and complexity of the Platte River ecosystem but additionally assist be sure that future generations carry ahead an understanding of why locations like Rowe Sanctuary matter.
