Take It Outside State Park Camps

Springbrook State Park Wildlife Camp

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State Parks
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Take It Outside State Park Camps

Take It Outside State Park Camps are 5-day immersive adventures where campers have the opportunity to explore some of the most amazing places in Iowa, experience hands-on natural resources education and build outdoor skills that can last a lifetime.

The camps are for students entering 3rd-6th grade. Dates of each day camp are:

Camp instructors and group leaders include licensed teachers and DNR professionals. The days will be packed with activities that incorporate STREAM (science, technology, research, engineering, the arts and math) concepts presented through exciting adventures involving forestry, fisheries, wildlife and ecology. Outdoor skills sessions will foster confidence, teamwork and a desire to spend more time outside.

Our days will be spent on deep dives, exploring what makes each park unique and amazing, from its habitats to its history, plants and animals, and the interconnectedness of it all. Before the week is over, your camper is likely to begin understanding and embracing their part in the story.

Enrollment is limited to 30 students per camp. Registration is open until May 30:

All campers must bring their own lunch, water bottle, and snacks. Water will be available for fill ups throughout the day. Drop-off will be done between 7:45-8:15am and pickup is between 3:30-4pm each day. More specific details will be emailed out prior to camp. Any questions, please contact Anne Riordan at 641-295-6028 or Anne.Riordan@dnr.iowa.gov.

This event is held in partnership with the Iowa Hunter Education Instructor Association, which will handle all registration fees.

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Geology Rock Stars Family Camp

Looking for another adventure for the whole family? Join us for a family campout to discover your inner geology Rockstar! Iowa DNR Naturalist Anne Riordan will be hosting a family camping adventure as we discover our inner rock stars! 

Saturday morning, we will meet at Rockford Fossil and Prairie Park. We'll travel back in time and learn about the Devonian period while collecting and identifying fossils. After a picnic lunch, we will visit the historic brick kiln and tour the nature center there to learn even more!

Saturday afternoon, we'll head to Tosanak Recreation Area to hike through the history with Floyd County Naturalist Heidi Reams. We will set up our communal camp in a group cabin. (You will need to bring sleeping bags and mats.) That evening, we'll also practice fire building, outdoor cooking and flint knapping. Rustic camping in the group cabin is included in registration.

On Sunday, after breakfast over the fire, we'll travel to Dolliver Memorial State Park. While there, we'll hike to explore the impressive geology and history of the area. We'll cook lunch over the fire before heading home.

Lodging on Saturday night will be in a rustic lodge. There will be space for sleeping bags, sleeping pads and registrants. If you would like to arrange your own lodging, there are other tent, camper, and cabin camping options available. Individuals are responsible for booking and paying for those options if they so choose. Floyd County Conservation, Tosanak Recreation Area will show you other sleeping options.

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