Discovery Day Camp returns with a Summer of Learning and Fun

The Nature Institute (TNI) is shouting from the treetops, “44 years of adventure!” Since 1982, when Aune Nelson sparked the Discovery Day Camp into life, kiddos in the Riverbend area have been turning summers into epic nature quests. We’re talking trail hikes, creek splashes, and wild plant and critter hunts! This year? Buckle up, because TNI’s turning the fun dial to eleven with fresh themes and a middle school camp-out that’s the stuff of summer dreams.
Lauren Scull, our Education Extraordinaire, and Dave Schiber, the Nature Guru, are chomping at the bit to see their master plans come alive when campers and counselors hit the scene for days of nature-filled shenanigans. Lauren’s jazzed about layering in new themes and activities each week, saying, “We’re so lucky to have a community that’s all about getting their families into the great outdoors. Their support is like rocket fuel for our programs!”
Snag a TNI family membership for a nifty 15% off camp fees. Camp runs from June 1 to July 24, with a full-day preschool adventure for the 4-to-5-year-old crowd and a half-day escapade for potty-trained 3-year-olds. Get ready for themes like Splash & Squish, Animal Architects, and Wilderness Trek that’ll have the kiddos buzzing!
While the camp crew is ready to roll, TNI is still on the lookout for volunteer camp superheroes. Kelsey Schulz, a veteran counselor, exclaims, “I’m thrilled to be back! I can’t wait to hike and ignite a passion for nature in the kids.” If you’re keen to leave a footprint by sharing the wonders of nature, check out the TNI website for application deets. Adventure is calling!
To register or learn more about camp, visit www.TheNatureInstitute.org/camp2026. People interested may also reach the TNI office at (618) 466-9930 or [email protected].