Summer Exploration Camp 2025
Summer Camp Information 2025
Location: Galena Creek Regional ParkÂ
18250 Mt Rose Hwy Reno Nevada 89511
Time: Monday-Friday
Drop Off: 9:00-9:30AM
Pickup: 4:00-4:30PM
Day Camps:
- Drop starts at 9am at Manzanita Picnic Area. Pickup starts at 4:00 at the same location.Â
- Lunch and two snacks provided.Â
- See Packing List at the bottom of this webpage.Â
- Ages 8-12
Overnight Camps:
- Drop starts at 9am on Monday at the WeChMe Lodge. Pickup starts at 4:00 on Friday at Manzanita Picnic Area.Â
- All meals provided while at camp.Â
- See Packing List at the bottom of this webpage.Â
- Ages 10-16
Check Out the Weekly Themes!
Week 1: Animal Adventures Dates: June 9th-13th
Week 1: Animal Adventures
Dates: June 9th-13th
Focus: Exploring the diverse world of animals, their habitats, and behaviors.
MS-LS2-2. Â Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among organisms across multiple ecosystems.
- Day 1: Tracks and Trails-Campers will create a track book and hit the trails, observing wildlife and identifying tracks. Campers will have the opportunity to engage in a “Furs and Skulls Presentation,” during which they will learn about the unique characteristics of various animals through handling actual furs and skulls.
- Day 2: Paws & Claws- Campers will explore the anatomy of paws and claws through hands-on experiments and challenges. They will engage in a “Paw and Claw Design Lab” where they will create models of unique animal prints using clay, and molds.
- Day 3: The Call of the Wild- Campers will head into the woods to conduct field observations, focusing on animal behavior, movement, and habitat use. They will use binoculars and field guides to spot animals and take notes in their Nature Journal.
- Day 4: Nature’s Navigators-Campers will engage in an interactive exploration of animal navigation techniques. Campers will simulate migratory routes and use compasses and maps for a treasure hunt, learning how various species navigate using landmarks, the sun, and even the Earth’s magnetic field.
- Day 5: Critter Quest-Campers will participate in a “Critter Quest,” a guided exploration where they will investigate a chosen local habitat. Campers can work in small groups to build a model animal habitat or shelter using natural resources found in the area.
- Other activities include: Animal Adaptation workshop, Nature Scavenger Hunt, Sketch and Reflect, Animal Trivia, Insect investigation, Plant Adaptation Challenge, Water Exploration and more!
“The environment is where we all meet, where we all have a mutual interest. It is the one thing all of us share.”-Lasy Bird Johnson
Week 2: Bugs Life Dates: June 16th-20th
Week 2: Bugs Life
Dates: June 16th-20th
Focus: Engage in the fascinating world of insects and their ecosystems.
MS-LS2-5. Evaluate competing design solutions for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.
- Day 1: The Insect Odyssey- Campers dive into the world of insects, exploring various habitats and observing unique species. They will engage in a “Bug Scavenger Hunt,” identifying different insects and recording their observations in their Nature Journal.
- Day 2: Bee Inspired-Campers engage in a bee-inspired workshop, learning about the social structures of bees, their communication methods, and innovative bee-friendly design solutions. They will create their own bee hotels using natural materials.
- Day 3: Bug Bonanza-Campers embark on an insect-filled adventure, learning about the importance of pollinators and other beneficial insects. They will participate in a “Pollinator Power” simulation, where they learn about the role of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators in ecosystems.
- Day 4: Creepy Crawlies-Campers will explore the fascinating world of arachnids and other arthropods, learning about their unique features and behaviors. They will participate in a “Spider Web Lab,” designing and creating their own spider webs.
- Day 5: Critter Quest-Campers participate in a “Critter Quest,” a guided exploration of a local ecosystem, focusing on the unique features and adaptations of insects in various environments. They will record their observations and learn about the importance of conservation efforts for insect species.
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- Other activities include: Butterfly labs, Water Exploration, visit from the Biggest Little Bee City, Art Projects, Honey tasting, Relay Races, Habitat Building Competition, Insect Board Game Creation, Cooking with Bugs Class, Bug Bite Natural Remedies Workshop and more!
“Nature is painting for us, day after day, pictures of infinite beauty.”- John Ruskin
Week 3: Forest Defenders Dates: June 23rd-27th
Week 3: Forest Defenders
Dates: June 23rd-27th
Focus: Navigate forest ecosystems and uncover the importance of conservation.
MS-ESS3-3. Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment.
For the overnight experience on Friday June 27th Guardians will pick up campers after day camp and drop them off at 6pm at the Discovery Museum for a pizza party and overnight experience. Pickup next morning.
- Day 1: Rooted in Nature-Campers will explore the significance of trees and their ecosystems by participating in tree identification walks and understanding the roles trees play in the environment. They will engage in a hands-on park clean up and create art projects inspired by nature, fostering a deeper appreciation for the importance of nurturing and conserving natural habitats.
- Day 2: Ashes to Ecosystems-Campers will engage in a vital educational component focused on fire ecology, which highlights the essential role of fire in ecosystems, its benefits, and its impact on biodiversity. Teaching fire ecology fosters environmental stewardship, equipping campers with an appreciation for nature and preparing them for the realities of living in fire-prone areas.
- Day 3: The Call of the Wild-Campers will head into the woods to conduct field observations, focusing on animal behavior, movement, and habitat use. They will use binoculars and field guides to spot animals and take notes in their Nature Journal.
- Day 4: Tracks and Trails-Campers will create a track book and hit the trails, observing wildlife and identifying tracks. Campers will embark on a detective mission to decipher which animals visited certain areas of the forest. Campers will have the opportunity to engage in a “Furs and Skulls Presentation,” during which they will learn about the unique characteristics of various animals through handling actual furs and skulls.
- Day 5: The Great Forest Quest-Campers will navigate through a fun-filled “Eco-Adventure Challenge,” participating in various stations around the forest that focus on conservation-themed tasks like water conservation games, recycling relays, and habitat restoration challenges.
Other activities include: Orienteering Skills Workshop, Habitat Building Competition, Nature-based Escape Room Challenge, Paws & Claws Obstacle Course, Galena Creek Restoration Project, Camp skits, Fire Safety Workshop, Plant Pressing Workshop, explore Native American Culture and more!
“A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people.”-Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Week 4: Water Exploration 1 Dates: June 30th-July 4th
Week 4: Water Exploration 1
Dates: June 30th-July 4th
Focus: Investigate aquatic ecosystems and learn about water conservation.
MS-ESS3-1. Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how the uneven distributions of Earth’s mineral, energy, and groundwater resources are the result of past and current geoscience processes.
- Day 1: Aqua Odyssey-Campers will kick off the week by collecting water samples from various sources, test them for quality, and learn about the importance of clean water. A scavenger hunt will highlight local aquatic plants and animals, allowing campers to connect with their environment in a fun, hands-on way.
- Day 2: In Pursuit of Adventure-Adventure awaits as students embark on a Galena Creek expedition! Participants will use nets, collect data, make observations and engage in challenges and team-building activities with water. While playing in the creek, they will observe aquatic life and habitats, leading to discussions about how human actions affect ecosystems.
- Day 3: Water’s Edge-Dive into geology with a “Rock Detectives” day! Students will investigate local landforms created by water, using maps and models to understand erosion and sedimentation processes. They’ll participate in fun experiments to mimic these effects.
- Day 4: Streams of Discovery-Campers will investigate biodiversity with a Creek Habitat Investigation and create a plant map of the riparian zone. Campers can participate in a Conservation Workshop to brainstorm ways to protect local water resources.
- Day 5: Submerged Secrets-Campers will dive into the hidden wonders of aquatic life as they explore the mysteries beneath the water’s surface, culminating in a day filled with hands-on learning, creativity, and teamwork.
- Other activities include: Galena Creek Expedition with Data Collection, Geology Experiments, Map Reading Skills, Water-Themed Trivia Contest, Fishing lessons, Appreciation Letters to Local Park Rangers, Team Shelter Building Challenge, Nature Mandala Crafting, Wildlife Photography Contest, and more!
“The purpose of conservation: The greatest good to the greatest number of people for the longest time.”-Gifford Pinchot
Week 5: Wilderness Adventure 1 (Overnight) Dates: July 14th-18th
Week 5: Wilderness Adventure 1(Overnight)
Dates: July 14th-18th
Focus: Develop outdoor skills and discover survival techniques.
HS-LS2-7. Design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities on the environment and biodiversity.
- Day 1: The Call of the Wild-Campers will head into the woods to conduct field observations, focusing on animal behavior, movement, and habitat use. They will use binoculars and field guides to spot animals and take notes in their Nature Journal.
- Day 2: Tracks and Trails-Campers will create a track book and hit the trails, observing wildlife and identifying tracks. Campers will embark on a detective mission to decipher which animals visited certain areas of the forest. Campers will have the opportunity to engage in a “Furs and Skulls Presentation,” during which they will learn about the unique characteristics of various animals through handling actual furs and skulls.
- Day 3: The Great Forest Quest-Campers will navigate through a fun-filled “Eco-Adventure Challenge,” participating in various stations around the forest that focus on conservation-themed tasks like water conservation games, recycling relays, and habitat restoration challenges.
- Day 4: Pathfinders- Campers will participate in a wilderness survival workshop where they will learn essential skills such as building shelters and wilderness first aid skills. They will engage in hands-on activities to construct improvised shelters and discuss the importance of these skills in real survival scenarios.
- Day 5: Nature’s Navigators- Campers will learn basic orienteering and navigation skills by reading maps and using compasses. They will practice navigating through a controlled environment and engage in discussions about the role of navigation in wilderness survival and outdoor exploration.
- Other activities include: Survival Skills Expedition Challenge, Wildlife Rescue Simulation, Water Games,Water Filter Challenge, Knot Tying Competitions, Stargazing, Wildlife Photography Contest, Animal Tracks Casting, and more!
“I do have reasons for hope: Our clever brains, the resilience of nature, the indomitable human spirit, and above all, the commitment of young people when they’re empowered to take action.”-Jane Goodall
Week 6: Wilderness Adventure 2 (Overnight) Dates: July 21st-25th
Week 6: Wilderness Adventure 2 (Overnight)
Dates: July 21st-25th
Focus: Building on wilderness skills with more advanced techniques. Â
HS-LS4-6. Create or revise a simulation to test a solution to mitigate adverse impacts of human activity on biodiversity.
- Day 1: Return to the Wild-Campers will embark on an exciting journey into the wild, where they will learn about local flora and fauna through observation and interactive activities. They will participate in a guided nature hike, discover animal tracks and signs, and engage in a team-building exercise to foster a sense of connection with their surroundings.
- Day 2: Survival Science-Campers will dive into the essentials of survival science by learning critical skills such as fire-building, shelter construction, and foraging for edible plants. Through hands-on demonstrations and group challenges, they will gain practical experience that emphasizes the importance of teamwork and resourcefulness in the great outdoors.
- Day 3: Rooted in Nature-Campers will explore the significance of trees and their ecosystems by participating in tree identification walks and understanding the roles trees play in the environment. They will engage in a hands-on park clean up and create art projects inspired by nature, fostering a deeper appreciation for the importance of nurturing and conserving natural habitats.
- Day 4: Trailblazers-Campers will participate in a more in depth wilderness survival workshop where they will learn essential skills such as building shelters and wilderness first aid skills. They will engage in hands-on activities to construct improvised shelters and discuss the importance of these skills in real survival scenarios.
- Day 5: In Pursuit of Adventure-Adventure awaits as students embark on a Galena Creek expedition! Participants will use nets, collect data, make observations and engage in challenges and team-building activities with water. While playing in the creek, they will observe aquatic life and habitats, leading to discussions about how human actions affect ecosystems.
- Other activities include: Advanced Shelter Building, Herbal Remedies Workshop, Campfire Storytelling & Skit Night, Forest Games Day, Dendrology Study, Survival Scenarios, Night Sky Observation, STEM Challenges, Field Surveys and more!
“But if we want life, we will have to stop depending on someone else to save the world. It is up to us-you and me, all of us. Myself, I have placed my faith in the children.”-Jane Goodall
Week 7: Water Exploration 2 (Overnight) Dates: July 28th-Aug 1st
Week 7: Water Exploration 2 (Overnight)
Dates: July 28th-Aug 1st
Focus: In-depth exploration of water ecosystems and conservation effortsÂ
HS-ESS2-5. Plan and conduct an investigation of the properties of water and its effects on Earth materials and surface processes.
- Day 1: Aqua Odyssey–Campers will kick off the week by collecting water samples from various sources, test them for quality, and learn about the importance of clean water. A scavenger hunt will highlight local aquatic plants and animals, allowing campers to connect with their environment in a fun, hands-on way.
- Day 2: In Pursuit of Adventure-Adventure awaits as students embark on a Galena Creek expedition! Participants will use nets, collect data, make observations and engage in challenges and team-building activities with water. While playing in the creek, they will observe aquatic life and habitats, leading to discussions about how human actions affect ecosystems.
- Day 3: Water’s Edge-Dive into geology with a “Rock Detectives” day! Students will investigate local landforms created by water, using maps and models to understand erosion and sedimentation processes. They’ll participate in fun experiments to mimic these effects.
- Day 4: Streams of Discovery-Campers will investigate biodiversity with a Creek Habitat Investigation and create a plant map of the riparian zone. Campers can participate in a Conservation Workshop to brainstorm ways to protect local water resources.
- Day 5: Submerged Secrets-Campers will dive into the hidden wonders of aquatic life as they explore the mysteries beneath the water’s surface, culminating in a day filled with hands-on learning, creativity, and teamwork.
- Other activities include: Water Pollution Experiment, Hydroponics Workshop, Catch and Release Fishing (Must obtain required fishing licenses), Natural Dye Workshop, Epic Water Battles, Nature-based Escape Room Challenge and more!
“And surely, it is our responsibility to do everything within our power to create a planet that provides a home not just for us, but for all life on Earth.”- David Attenborough.
Week 8: Wild Wild West (Overnight) Dates: Aug 4th-Aug 8th
Week 8: Wild Wild West (Overnight)
Dates: Aug 4th-Aug 8th
Focus: Step into the shoes of legends of the Wild West while developing survival skills.
HS-ESS3-1. Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the availability of natural resources, occurrence of natural hazards, and changes in climate have influenced human activity.
- Day 1: Frontiers and Legends-Campers will embark on a journey through the stories and legends of the Wild West, exploring the lives of frontiersmen and women who shaped the region. They will learn basic survival skills and engage in hands-on activities that mimic the challenges faced by pioneers.
- Day 2: Echoes of the West-Campers will immerse themselves in the adventurous spirit of the Wild West, where they will learn essential skills that pioneers relied on for survival and success. Campers will explore the importance of teamwork as they engage in group challenges, simulating the camaraderie of early settlers.
- Day 3: Old Tales and Dusty Trails-Campers will blaze a trail through the Wild West, tracing the steps of pioneers and settlers as they expand into new territories. They will learn about key events and natural hazards that influenced the course of history and develop essential navigation skills that helped explorers find their way.
- Day 4: Wagon Wheels and Campfire Meals-Campers will experience life on the move, learning to build mini-wagons and prepare classic campfire meals that sustained the early settlers. They will discover the importance of resource management, crafting tools, and cooking with limited ingredients.
- Day 5: Prospector’s Paradise-Campers will strike gold, exploring the world of prospecting and the significance of natural resources in the Wild West. They will learn the art of gold panning, discuss the impact of mining on communities, and reflect on the importance of resource availability in shaping human activity.
- Other activities include: Pioneer Food Preparation Class, Create Your Own Frontier News, Solar Oven Creations, Natural Dye Workshop, Pioneer Skills Workshops, Create Your Own Frontier Map, Campfire History Lessons, Western Movie Night, Wild West Dance Lessons, Frontier Market Day and more!
“Wildness is the preservation of the World.”-Henry David Thoreau
- Fieldtrip or Camp Adventure
- Fire Ecology
- Guest Speakers
At Galena Creek Exploration Camps, we believe that every child should have the opportunity to experience the wonders of nature, regardless of their financial circumstances. Thanks to generous grants and donations, we offer scholarships to help make this vision a reality. Our aim is to ensure that all children can participate and benefit from our engaging and educational programs. Scholarships are subject to availability, and we encourage families in need to reach out and explore how we can support their child’s participation in our camps. Together, we can inspire the next generation of environmental stewards!
Overnight Camps at WeChMe Lodge
Campers participating in Overnight Camps will stay on property at the amazing WeChMe Lodge
For more information about this beautiful lodge at Galena Creek Regional Park visit  Camp We-Ch-Me Lodge
