The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host Take It Outside State Park Camps for families living near Waterloo, West Des Moines, Anamosa, Mt. Vernon, Madrid, Maquoketa, Palo and Polk City.
Take It Outside State Park Camps are five-day immersive adventures where campers explore what makes each park unique and amazing, from its habitats to its history, plants and animals, and the interconnectedness of it all.
Level 1 camps are for students entering 3rd-6th grade. These camps introduce young adventurers to outdoor basics and spark curiosity about nature.
- George Wyth State Park (Waterloo): June 15-19
- Walnut Woods State Park (West Des Moines): June 15-19
- Wapsipinicon State Park (Anamosa): July 6-10
- Palisades-Kepler State Park (Mt Vernon): July 27-31
- Ledges State Park (Madrid): August 3-7
Level 2 camps help pre-teens and early teens deepen their outdoor experience through new challenges and advanced skills - perfect for campers with some know-how or those ready to try something new. These camps are for students entering 5th-8th grade.
- Maquoketa Caves State Park (Maquoketa): June 22-26
- Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area (Palo): July 13-17
- Big Creek State Park (Polk City): July 27-31
Registration is limited to 30 students per camp. To register and learn more about the camps visit: www.iowadnr.gov/TIOcamps.
Camp instructors and group leaders include DNR professionals, licensed and pre-service teachers and college students in natural resources programs. The days will be packed with exciting forestry, fisheries, wildlife and ecology adventures. Outdoor skills sessions will foster confidence, teamwork and a desire to spend more time outside.