ALNC’S FACILITY REMAINS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC

Even though our building is closed*, our trails are free and open to the public daily from dawn until dusk.
We invite you to come out and enjoy the Wonders of Nature…it’s good for the mind, body and soul.

ALNC will be opening for limited summer camp programs starting July 6th. Access to the building will be restricted to ALNC Staff and Summer Campers.

We thank you for your patience as we determine the right course of action.
Please stay tuned for more information and do not hesitate to contact us with questions at alnc@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org.

*Please note our facility’s date of reopen to the public is based on public health recommendations and other factors.

Summer Camps

Summer Camps

Treat your child to a summer they’ll never forget with ALNC’s summer camps where young adventure-seekers can canoe Wisconsin’s waters, budding scientists can discover pond critters, and future archaeologists can unearth ancient artifacts on a dig site! ALNC’s action-packed summer camps will provide your youngster with exciting, hands-on experiences to explore, learn and enjoy the wonders of nature.

 

SUMMER CAMP UPDATE:

WE ARE OPEN FOR LIMITED SUMMER CAMPS

Summer camps operate a bit differently this year. All camps are full day, running from 9am to 4pm, Monday through Thursday. Camps will not be offered on Fridays (with the exception of Summer Wonder Bugs) and no extended day options are available. In addition, we will not be offering camps for Adventurers I & II nor camps at Pope Farms this summer.

Additional changes to our policies and procedures in 2020 include:

  • Curbside drop-off and pick-up by age group. Drop-off time: 8:45 to 9am. Pick-up time: 3:45 to 4pm. Parents are to stay in their vehicles at all times unless there are tears and the camper needs help with the transition. If you need to leave your vehicle to escort your camper to their group, a mask is required for all adults that enter the group, so please have one available if needed. ALNC will conduct a Verbal Health Screening and temperature reading upon arrival. Our staff will conduct curbside check-in and check-out during these times only. If you must drop-off or pick-up outside these windows, please contact (608) 221-0404 x0.
  • Camps will be limited to 50 campers total, with approximately 10 campers per group (will vary slightly depending on age and week, but always within required staffing ratios). Groups will not co-mingle and assigned ALNC staff will only work with their individual group to reduce as many transitions/contacts as possible.
  • Outdoor handwashing stations will be available throughout the ALNC grounds. Campers will wash hands upon arrival, in between activities, before and after snacks and meals, and before departing. Staff will carry hand sanitizer to use as appropriate if a handwashing station isn’t nearby. 
  • Please expect and prepare your camper to be outside at all times as long as weather permits. We expect to use inside spaces only in the event of inclement weather (thunder, lightning, heat in excess of 90 degrees) and for bathroom breaks, filling water, etc.
  • ALNC staff will provide spray-on sunscreen (minimum spf 30) and bug spray (both deet-free and 10% deet). We will not apply from individual bottles brought from home this year to reduce contact. 4-6 year olds are not allowed to bring their own sunscreen (SS) and bug spray (BS) as they cannot keep with their belongings. We will not have our staff carry campers’ SS or BS, but will apply the spray-on option provided. Ages 7+ can bring their own SS and BS as long as they can apply themselves and keep with their belongings. ALNC staff will also have spray-on options available. Parents are encouraged to help their children apply SS and BS before arriving to camp each morning. Staff will reapply at lunch and as needed.

Campers should bring:

  • Backpack.
  • Lunch.
  • Refillable Water bottle. Drinking fountains will not be used for sanitary reasons, but places to fill water bottles will be available.
  • Mask with a baggie to keep in (extra masks are recommended). ALNC is requiring masks be worn inside the building as well as recommending them anytime physical distancing cannot be maintained outside. Please prepare your camper for this as well as let them know that staff will also be wearing masks at drop-off and at other times inside and out.
  • Comfortable shoes that can get wet.
  • Full change of clothes, including layers for all weather and a raincoat as needed.
  • Baggie containing: markers and/or crayons and a pencil and/or pen. If you do not have a supply or access to these at home, ALNC can provide an individual baggie for your camper.
  • Please discuss physical distancing with your camper before they arrive. ALNC staff will share guidelines at the beginning of camp, but it will be helpful if children are already aware and mindful.
  • Please label each item clearly with camper’s name.

Campers should avoid bringing:

  • Any small trinkets, toys, etc.
  • Anything else easily lost or meant to be shared (pokemon cards, legos, etc).
  • Hand sanitizer, SS and BS, if they are under age 7. ALNC staff will have these available and carry them for campers to use. Younger campers cannot have access to hand sanitizer, SS and BS in their bags due to licensing restrictions.

We created a short video to give parents and campers a visual reference of drop-off and pick-up procedures this year:

If you originally signed up for a half day camp or are interested in summer camps, limited space is still available. Please contact our Summer Camp Coordinator at camps@aldoleopldnaturecenter.org or (608) 216-9374 for more information.

SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Remember, in addition to early Summer Camp registration, ALNC Members also receive 10% off all summer camps – visit the Member Page to join or renew!

For flexibility for your busy family, ALNC offers more than 150 camp sessions for kids ages 2-16, including half-day sessions, full-day options, full-week packages and much more, including extended day options from 8 am to 5:30 pm.

Please see individual pages below for specific camp details.

 

  • SC-WB-SquareWonder Bugs (2-3 year olds) Introduce your toddler to a safe and wonderful natural world. This program is specifically designed for children ages 2-3 and their parent/caregiver. Each session is offered 5 times/week, Monday through Friday. Register for a package to attend weekly for the whole summer or choose your favorite sessions!
  • SC-Sprouts-SquareSprouts (4 year olds) Treat your child to a summer they’ll never forget with ALNC’s summer camps where young adventure-seekers can hike the trails, budding scientists can discover pond critters, and future archaeologists can unearth ancient artifacts on a dig site! Nature Discovery Summer Camp sessions are available in combinations of 1 day (Fri), 4 days (Mon-Thu), or 5 days (Mon-Fri), and either half or full days. Extended Day options are available from 8 to 9 am and 4 to 5:30 pm.
  • SC-Tadpoles-SquareTadpoles (5 year olds) Treat your child to a summer they’ll never forget with ALNC’s summer camps where young adventure-seekers can hike the trails, budding scientists can discover pond critters, and future archaeologists can unearth ancient artifacts on a dig site! Nature Discovery Summer Camp sessions are available in combinations of 1 day (Fri), 4 days (Mon-Thu), or 5 days (Mon-Fri), and either half or full days. Extended Day options are available from 8 to 9 am and 4 to 5:30 pm.
  • SC-Polliwogs-Square Polliwogs (6 year olds) Treat your child to a summer they’ll never forget with ALNC’s summer camps where young adventure-seekers can hike the trails, budding scientists can discover pond critters, and future archaeologists can unearth ancient artifacts on a dig site! Nature Discovery Summer Camp sessions are available in combinations of 1 day (Fri), 4 days (Mon-Thu), or 5 days (Mon-Fri), and either half or full days. Extended Day options are available from 8 to 9 am and 4 to 5:30 pm.
  • SC-Wanderers-SquareWanderers (7-8 year olds) Treat your child to a summer they’ll never forget with ALNC’s summer camps where young adventure-seekers can hike the trails, budding scientists can discover pond critters, and future archaeologists can unearth ancient artifacts on a dig site! Sign up for a full-week package or choose your favorite individual session(s). Extended Day options are available from 8 to 9 am and 4 to 5:30 pm.
  • SC-Explorers-SquareExplorers (9-10 year olds) Treat your child to a summer they’ll never forget with ALNC’s summer camps where young adventure-seekers can hike the trails, budding scientists can discover pond critters, and future archaeologists can unearth ancient artifacts on a dig site! Sign up for a full-week package or choose your favorite individual session(s). Extended Day options are available from 8 to 9 am and 4 to 5:30 pm.
  • summer campsPope Farm Explorers (7-10 year olds) Join us on the west side for a full day nature camp! Westside Pope Farm Explorers camps meet at Blackhawk Ski Club, and will spend their days exploring Blackhawk and Pope Farm Conservancy.
  • SC-Adventurers-IAdventurers I (11-12 year olds) Looking for an exciting, affordable and educational experience this summer? Check out the Aldo Leopold Nature Center’s Adventure Summer Camps! These camps will give your child hands-on opportunities to experience and enjoy the best of the outdoors as they backpack local trails, learn to canoe, camp and more!
  • SC-Adventurers-IIAdventurers II (13-16 year olds) Looking for an exciting, affordable and educational experience this summer? Check out the Aldo Leopold Nature Center’s Adventure Summer Camps! These camps will give your teen hands-on opportunities to experience and enjoy the best of the outdoors with week-long canoeing or backpacking trips!

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Aldo Leopold Nature Center