Each camp day is 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m and is spent almost entirely outside. Campers can be dropped off between 8:30-9:00 a.m. and picked up between 3:30-4:00 p.m. At 9:00 a.m., camp starts with a group circle and preparations for the day. Then, campers break out into small groups for morning activities. Camps for 4th grade and older may transport students in 15-passenger vans to field trips around Winneshiek County. If your child should be in a car seat, please provide one on the first day of camp for use throughout the camp week. From 12:00-1:00, campers gather back together for an hour lunch and then break out again into afternoon activities. Every summer, camp staff prepare different activities so that returning campers get a variety of outdoor experiences. Some of the campers' favorite traditions are kept from year-to-year.

Discovery Camps rules can be summed up into 1) Respect Nature, 2) Respect Others, and 3) Respect Yourself. Campers are expected to follow these rules throughout the camp week. Please help your camper prepare by talking with them about how they will act at camp in respectful ways toward nature, all other people, and themselves!

To get the most out of the experience and to respect the time of our staff, we recommend your child commits to attending the full week of camp. This experience, while fun and exciting, can also be tiring or overwhelming for some students. Please be aware of your child’s needs and abilities when determining if Discovery Camp is right for you. Students should dress in layers, bring a reusable water bottle, pack a lunch each day, and wear closed toed shoes appropriate for all-day, outdoor recreation.

More details about each camp will be communicated to parents and caretakers following the registration deadline. Email education@winneshiekwild.com with any questions.

Explorers: Survivor Challenge: In 2026, the 7th-9th grade camp will be set up like a series of challenges meant to grow the campers’ skills and knowledge on all things outdoors! This fresh take on the camp week is sure to bring excitement and a competitive spirit.

Four-Day Camp Weeks: Similar to last summer, 2026 Discovery Camps will be four days, Monday-Thursday.

Junior Naturalist Awards: We are thrilled that once again campers who participate throughout the entire week of camp will receive their Junior Naturalist Award (a super cool wooden sticker!) through the Iowa Association of Naturalists!

T-Shirt Sales: Get matching t-shirts for your whole family! Discovery Camp t-shirts feature a unique native species each year. One t-shirt is included for your student in the camp fee. Additional t-shirts will be available for purchase for $15 each. Order your shirts when you register and be sure to include any additional payment for shirts with the camp fee.

• Registration Information: When you begin the registration process you will need your insurance card, medical information for your child, and financial information if you plan to apply for a partial scholarship. Payment can be made by cash or check mailed to Winneshiek County Conservation at 2546 Lake Meyer Road, Fort Atkinson, IA 52144. There is not an option for online payment; we apologize for any inconvenience. Your student’s space is not reserved until payment is received and we have reached out to confirm via email or phone. Please allow 3-5 business days to process your payment and registration form.
• Google Forms Issues: You may be required to sign-in to Google to fill out the registration form. If you do not have a Google account, please email education@winneshiekwild.com what camp you want to register for and we can send you a PDF file of the registration form to fill out.
• Need-Based Scholarships: The camp fee helps cover camp expenses; however, it is our belief that any child wishing to come to Discovery Camps should be able to do so. Transportation issues and/or financial need should not limit your child’s opportunity. If your family is interested in carpooling with others, our office will assist you in finding families in your area who are also attending camp. Partial scholarships are available based on financial need; please complete the optional scholarship request as part of your student's registration form.