2018 Summer Camps | Kids Out and About Milwaukee <

2018 Summer Camps


*The event has already taken place on this date: Fri, 08/17/2018
At Riveredge Nature Journeys summer camps, we’re not afraid to let kids get a little dirty. In fact, we encourage it!

Please help us keep this calendar up to date! If this activity is sold out, canceled, or otherwise needs alteration, email mindy@kidsoutandabout.com so we can update it immediately. If you have a question about the activity itself, please contact the organization administrator listed below.

Our week-long environmental summer day camps are for kids as young as 3 to high school seniors. 

At summer camp, Riveredge Kids experience the best of life outside: river walking, fort building, and bug finding, not to mention swimming, tubing, and tree climbing (with harnesses!).

In a series of nine camps that build upon skills and knowledge, Riveredge summer camps connect kids to the natural world in ways that are both meaningful and fun

This is hands-on environmental exploration: campers ask questions about the natural world, uncover evidence at their fingertips, and draw conclusions based on personal experience. 

Offered in small groups of around 10 campers, Riveredge summer camps are led by highly qualified and passionate educators—many of whom were Riveredge Kids themselves. 

And what do they remember most? The opportunities for unstructured play and discovery.

Adventures await for all interests and ages- from our Trailblazers camp exploring the secrets of nature to our Guardians camp tracking down animals and their habitats.

Discounts are available for multiple children and multiple weeks, but sessions often fill very quick, so claim your child’s spot now and let the adventures begin!

Discoverers

Eyes on Nature

Age Group: Preschool (3-4 years old) with an adult

Session 1: June 25-28, 9:15-11:15 am, M-Th

Session 2: July 16-19, 9:15-11:15 am, M-Th

Session 3: July 16-19, 1:15-3:15 pm, M-Th

Fees: Member $110 Non-member $130

Experience the wonders of summertime and learn about the amazing world of insects, flowers, birds and pond life with a Riveredge Educator. Parents join in the fun with their camper as we explore diverse habitats and create projects that go along with our theme. Spend time with your child in nature and all eyes will be opened!

Pathfinders

Search for Nature’s Wonders

Age Group: Completed Kindergarten (5-6 years old)

Session 1: June 18-22, 9 am-12 pm, M-F

Session 2: June 18-22, 1-4 pm, M-F

Fees: Member $160 Non-member $180

Spend fun-filled days traversing the trails and uncovering many hidden wonders in the nooks and crannies of Riveredge. Become immersed in the natural world as you crawl the forest floor, climb the hillsides and splash in the wetlands. All this hands-on exploration will be blended with a myriad of games, crafts, stories and snacks to keep you going.

Pathfinders

Mission Exploration

Age group: Completed a full day school program (5-6 years old)

Session 1: July 9-12, 9 am-4 pm, M-Th   FULL, waitlist available

Session 2: July 23-26, 9 am-4 pm, M-Th   FULL, waitlist available

Fees: Member $220 Non-member $250

Explore all that Riveredge has to offer as you uncover and investigate the wonders of the animal kingdom.  Each day, study a different type of animal including mammals, birds, and reptiles.  Learn and explore the wild places they inhabit.  The fun-filled exploration will be mixed with games, crafts, stories, and snacks to keep you going.  

Trailblazers

Secrets of Nature

Age Group: Completed Grades 1 or 2

Session 1:  June 18-22, 9 am-4 pm, M-F

Session 2:  June 25-June 29, 9am-4 pm, M-F   FULL, waitlist available

Session 3:  July 30-Aug 3, 9am-4 pm, M-F

Fees: Member $250 Non-Member $280

Nature is bursting with secrets and mysteries! Journey throughout Riveredge searching for secrets and solving mysteries of the forest, field, pond, and river. Join us for a week full of fun, hands-on learning adventures that will get you into the heart of the natural world. At the core of Trailblazer Camp is Trailblazer Island—our very own special world where we explore, build forts, climb, dig and catch frogs!

Trailblazers

Nature’s Enchantment

Age Group:  Completed Grades 1 or 2

Session 1:  July 16-20, 9am-4 pm, M-F

Session 2:  July 23-27, 9am-4 pm, M-F FULL, waitlist available

Session 3:  August 6-10, 9am-4 pm, M-F

Session 4:  August 13-17, 9am-4 pm, M-F

Fees: Member $250 Non-member $280

Let nature cast a spell on you as you discover a magical world most people miss! Legends, myths and our own imaginations will be our guides each morning as we explore forest, prairie, wetland and river habitats at Riveredge. Our afternoon home will be the ever-changing and always magical, Trailblazer Island!

Explorers

Eco-Mysteries

Age Group: Completed Grades 3 or 4

Session 1: June 25-June 29, 9am-4pm M-Th (Overnight Thursday – 9am dismissal Friday)

Session 2: June 25-June 29, 9am-4pm M-Th (Overnight Thursday – 9am dismissal Friday)

Session 3: July 9-13, 9am-4pm M-Th (Overnight Thursday – 9am dismissal Friday)

Session 4: July 23-27, 9am-4pm M-Th (Overnight Thursday – 9am dismissal Friday) FULL, waitlist available

Session 5: July 30- Aug 3, 9am-4pm M-Th (Overnight Thursday – 9am dismissal Friday)

Fees:  Member $290   Non-Member $310

Calling all mystery and adventure seekers! Become a nature detective and spend a fun-filled week unraveling the riddles animals and plants weave throughout the landscape. Venture to Pike Lake State Park to hike the tower and spend an afternoon on the water.  Adventure through forests, prairies, ponds and creeks…and way, way up in trees! Under the guidance of a certified instructor, climb into a secret treetop world using ropes and special equipment. Don’t forget our overnight adventure complete with a night hike and campfire-roasted s’mores  Nature’s mysteries await you!

Discovering Watery Worlds

Age Group: Completed Grades 3 or 4

Session 1: June 18-22, 9 am-4 pm M-F (no overnight)

Session 2: June 18-22, 9 am-4 pm M-F (no overnight)

Session 3: July 16-20, 9 am-4 pm M-F (no overnight)   FULL, waitlist available

Session 4: August 6-10, 9 am-4 pm M-F (no overnight)

Session 5: August 13-17, 9 am-4 pm M-F (no overnight)

Fees:  Member $280   Non-Member $300

Hey campers, come explore the Milwaukee River, Riveredge Creek, ponds, and wetlands. Unravel riddles and follow clues to discover the secrets of the many aquatic wonders that we have at Riveredge. Our mission will be to discover the living things that call these unique watery worlds their homes, and how these special places affect all living things, including us. Join us for a week of wonder and play including creeking in Riveredge Creek, floating on tubes, and kayaking at Mauthe Lake. Please note: Watery Worlds sessions do not include an overnight camp out.

 

Discoverers

Eyes on Nature

Age Group: Preschool (3-4 years old) with an adult

Session 1: June 25-28, 9:15-11:15 am, M-Th

Session 2: July 16-19, 9:15-11:15 am, M-Th

Session 3: July 16-19, 1:15-3:15 pm, M-Th

Fees: Member $110 Non-member $130

Experience the wonders of summertime and learn about the amazing world of insects, flowers, birds and pond life with a Riveredge Educator. Parents join in the fun with their camper as we explore diverse habitats and create projects that go along with our theme. Spend time with your child in nature and all eyes will be opened!

Pathfinders

Search for Nature’s Wonders

Age Group: Completed Kindergarten (5-6 years old)

Session 1: June 18-22, 9 am-12 pm, M-F

Session 2: June 18-22, 1-4 pm, M-F

Fees: Member $160 Non-member $180

Spend fun-filled days traversing the trails and uncovering many hidden wonders in the nooks and crannies of Riveredge. Become immersed in the natural world as you crawl the forest floor, climb the hillsides and splash in the wetlands. All this hands-on exploration will be blended with a myriad of games, crafts, stories and snacks to keep you going.

Pathfinders

Mission Exploration

Age group: Completed a full day school program (5-6 years old)

Session 1: July 9-12, 9 am-4 pm, M-Th   FULL, waitlist available

Session 2: July 23-26, 9 am-4 pm, M-Th   FULL, waitlist available

Fees: Member $220 Non-member $250

Explore all that Riveredge has to offer as you uncover and investigate the wonders of the animal kingdom.  Each day, study a different type of animal including mammals, birds, and reptiles.  Learn and explore the wild places they inhabit.  The fun-filled exploration will be mixed with games, crafts, stories, and snacks to keep you going.  

Trailblazers

Secrets of Nature

Age Group: Completed Grades 1 or 2

Session 1:  June 18-22, 9 am-4 pm, M-F

Session 2:  June 25-June 29, 9am-4 pm, M-F   FULL, waitlist available

Session 3:  July 30-Aug 3, 9am-4 pm, M-F

Fees: Member $250 Non-Member $280

Nature is bursting with secrets and mysteries! Journey throughout Riveredge searching for secrets and solving mysteries of the forest, field, pond, and river. Join us for a week full of fun, hands-on learning adventures that will get you into the heart of the natural world. At the core of Trailblazer Camp is Trailblazer Island—our very own special world where we explore, build forts, climb, dig and catch frogs!

Trailblazers

Nature’s Enchantment

Age Group:  Completed Grades 1 or 2

Session 1:  July 16-20, 9am-4 pm, M-F

Session 2:  July 23-27, 9am-4 pm, M-F FULL, waitlist available

Session 3:  August 6-10, 9am-4 pm, M-F

Session 4:  August 13-17, 9am-4 pm, M-F

Fees: Member $250 Non-member $280

Let nature cast a spell on you as you discover a magical world most people miss! Legends, myths and our own imaginations will be our guides each morning as we explore forest, prairie, wetland and river habitats at Riveredge. Our afternoon home will be the ever-changing and always magical, Trailblazer Island!


Explorers

Eco-Mysteries

Age Group: Completed Grades 3 or 4

Session 1: June 25-June 29, 9am-4pm M-Th (Overnight Thursday – 9am dismissal Friday)

Session 2: June 25-June 29, 9am-4pm M-Th (Overnight Thursday – 9am dismissal Friday)

Session 3: July 9-13, 9am-4pm M-Th (Overnight Thursday – 9am dismissal Friday)

Session 4: July 23-27, 9am-4pm M-Th (Overnight Thursday – 9am dismissal Friday) FULL, waitlist available

Session 5: July 30- Aug 3, 9am-4pm M-Th (Overnight Thursday – 9am dismissal Friday)

Fees:  Member $290   Non-Member $310

Calling all mystery and adventure seekers! Become a nature detective and spend a fun-filled week unraveling the riddles animals and plants weave throughout the landscape. Venture to Pike Lake State Park to hike the tower and spend an afternoon on the water.  Adventure through forests, prairies, ponds and creeks…and way, way up in trees! Under the guidance of a certified instructor, climb into a secret treetop world using ropes and special equipment. Don’t forget our overnight adventure complete with a night hike and campfire-roasted s’mores  Nature’s mysteries await you! 

Explorers

Discovering Watery Worlds

Age Group: Completed Grades 3 or 4

Session 1: June 18-22, 9 am-4 pm M-F (no overnight)

Session 2: June 18-22, 9 am-4 pm M-F (no overnight)

Session 3: July 16-20, 9 am-4 pm M-F (no overnight)   FULL, waitlist available

Session 4: August 6-10, 9 am-4 pm M-F (no overnight)

Session 5: August 13-17, 9 am-4 pm M-F (no overnight)

Fees:  Member $280   Non-Member $300

Hey campers, come explore the Milwaukee River, Riveredge Creek, ponds, and wetlands. Unravel riddles and follow clues to discover the secrets of the many aquatic wonders that we have at Riveredge. Our mission will be to discover the living things that call these unique watery worlds their homes, and how these special places affect all living things, including us. Join us for a week of wonder and play including creeking in Riveredge Creek, floating on tubes, and kayaking at Mauthe Lake. Please note: Watery Worlds sessions do not include an overnight camp out.

Guardians

Animal Tracking

Age Group: Completed Grades 5 or 6

Session 1: July 16-20, 9 am-4 pm, M-F (no overnight)   FULL, waitlist available

Session 2: Aug 6-10, 9 am-4 pm, M-F (no overnight)   FULL, waitlist available

Session 3: Aug 13-17, 9 am-4 pm, M-F (no overnight)

Fees: Member $280 Non-member $300

From aquatic insects to Wisconsin Mammals, we’ll spend the week stalking animals of various habitats! Extra stealth and attentiveness will be needed as we follow animal signs leading us throughout the sanctuary.   We’ll visit hidden lookouts, set trail cams and lure animals to our hiding spots.  We’ll venture to Mauthe Lake for a paddling experience field trip and float the Milwaukee River in search of crayfish and adventure!  Please note: Animal Tracking  sessions do not include an overnight camp out.

Guardians

Earth Skills

Age Group: Completed Grades 5 or 6

New Session: July 9-13, 9 am-4 pm, M-Th (Overnight Thursday – 9 am dismissal Friday) 

Session 1: July 9-13, 9 am-4 pm, M-Th (Overnight Thursday – 9 am dismissal Friday)   FULL, waitlist available

Session 2: July 23-27, 9 am-4 pm, M-Th (Overnight Thursday – 9 am dismissal Friday)   FULL, waitlist available

Session 3:  July 30-Aug 3, 9 am-4 pm, M-Th (Overnight Thursday – 9 am dismissal Friday)   FULL, waitlist available

Fees: Member $290 Non-member $310

Foods, Fibers, and Finding your way! Harvest and prepare wild edible edibles, improve your cartography (map making) abilities and find a hidden treasure. Utilize primitive pigments in artistic creations, float on tubes, and practice your Leave No Trace skills at the sanctuary. Venture to Pike Lake State Park to hike the tower and spend an afternoon on the water. Connect with the forest as you climb into the treetops using ropes and special equipment under the supervision of trained tree climbing facilitators.

Garden Wonders

Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots

Age Group: 6-8 year olds

July 30- Aug 3, 9am-4pm, M-F

Fees: Member $270 Non-member $300

The Riveredge Children’s Garden is a magical place full of mysteries to explore, plants and animals to meet and delicious sights, smells and tastes. Be ready for adventure as we journey through forests, prairies, ponds and rivers to discover how they are similar to our garden. This fun-filled week includes swimming, fishing, digging, catching frogs, feeding chickens at the Woodland Harvest permaculture site and much more.

Garden Wonders

Green Thumbs and Dirty Knees

Age Group: 8-10 year olds

August 6-10, 9am-4pm, M-F

Fees: Member $280 Non-member $300

Come and explore the bounty of the Riveredge Children’s Garden as we unravel the secrets of plants, the glory of pollinators and the joy of simply digging in the soil. Discover how the garden is like other ecosystems as we journey through forests, prairies, ponds and rivers in search of adventure and fun. Our week will also include river tubing, swimming, fishing, a harvest quest and other surprises along the way. We’ll top our week off with a field trip to a local organic farm.  

Garden Wonders

Life on the Farm

Age Group: 10-12 year olds

August 13-17, 9am-4pm, M-F

Fees: Member $280 Non-member $300

Have you got what it takes to experience life on the farm? Riveredge’s Woodland Harvest permaculture site is a great place for new or experienced farm kids to deepen their relationship with food. Campers will explore how natural systems support both humans and wildlife by visiting a variety of habitats. Throughout the week, we will get our hands dirty as we gain a new appreciation of where our food comes from by harvesting, planting, and preparing vegetables for the whole family to enjoy. Our week will culminate with a field trip to Port Fish Aquaponics.

Stewards

Outdoor Adventures

Age Group: Completed grades 7-9

June 18- June 22, 9am-4pm M-Th (Overnight Thursday – 9am dismissal Friday)

Fee: Members $290  Non-members $310

During this leadership focused week, we’ll look inwards and outwards as we learn the skills necessary to be a successful camp counselor, and challenge ourselves in a variety of exciting outdoor pursuits. During the week we’ll hike, build seaworthy rafts, and paddle Sheboygan Marsh. We will try out our leadership skills with younger campers and build a lasting legacy with land stewardship. When the sun sets, we’ll explore the trails in search of wildlife and glimmering stars on our overnight campout. Come prepared to make new friends and experience new challenges- Riveredge style, of course!

Stewards

Mirror Lake Outpost Adventures

Age Group: Completed grades 7-9

July 9-13, 9am-4pm M-F(overnight Thursday at Mirror Lake)

Fee: Members $350 Non-members $380

During this leadership focused week, we’ll look inwards and outwards as we learn the skills necessary to be a successful camp counselor, and challenge ourselves in a variety of exciting outdoor pursuits. We will try out our leadership skills with younger campers and build a lasting legacy with land stewardship. On Thursday we will make our way to Mirror Lake State Park to hike, paddle, and explore one of Wisconsin’s most glacially impacted areas.  We will return from this high adventure trip Friday afternoon. 

Nature Journeys Extended Care

Riveredge is happy to provide before & after camp extended care for our full day campers. Our programs allow campers to spend just a little more time exploring Riveredge with earlier drop off and later pick up. Camp counselors will encourage your camper’s imagination through games and activities and they will have plenty of time for free play in our natural playground. An option will be given during registration to receive more information on extended care options.

Boundary Waters Canoe Trip

Age Group: Completed Grades 7-12

Saturday, July 7 – Friday, July 13   FULL, waitlist available

(We will meet at Riveredge at 7am on Saturday, July 7 and return by 8pm on Friday, July 13)

Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, June 26 @ 6:30pm (for parents and trip participants)

Pre-Trip Packing Party: Friday, July 6 @ 6-7:30pm (for all trip participants, parents welcome)

Fee: $600 per person

Journey to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Minnesota for an experience of a lifetime. Spend a week swimming in the crystal clear lakes, catching delicious fish and exploring majestic forests & tranquil beaches. On this exciting adventure, we will travel by canoe through some of the most pristine land in the country. We’ll camp in backcountry sites in the peaceful wilderness and practice “leave no trace” principles. You provide a sleeping bag, pack, and personal items and we’ll provide the rest. Space is limited on this wilderness canoe camping adventure, so sign up early!

Expeditioners 

Rock Climbing and Paddling at Devil’s Lake State Park

Age Group: Completed Grades 7-12

Monday, July 16 – Friday, July 20

(We will meet at Riveredge at 9am on Monday,  July 16 and return by 4pm on Friday, July 20)

Fees: $550

Pre-Trip meeting: Monday, July 2 @ 6:30pm (for all parents and trip participants)

Are you ready to take on a new challenge?!  Join our rock climbing expedition to one of the best climbing locations in the midwest.  We will  hike the bluffs, paddle the lake, learn Leave No Trace camping skills, practice outdoor cooking techniques, and of course learn how to climb and belay!  Using inclusive decision making, instructors will help campers set goals and discover their true abilities and potential while gaining a sense of accomplishment.  You provide a sleeping bag, pack, and personal items and we’ll provide the rest.

Family Adventures:

Family Overnight at Riveredge

All Ages

Session 1: Exploring the Night Sky Saturday, July 28, 5pm – Sunday, July 29, 9am

Session 2: Creatures of the Night  Friday, August 10, 5pm – Saturday, August 11, 9am

Fee (per family): Member $55   Non-member $75

Join a Riveredge Naturalist for a unique opportunity to experience Riveredge after hours. Spend the evening exploring the trails, looking for night creatures, catching fireflies or relaxing at the campfire. Pitch your tent on the Riveredge lawn and slumber to the sound of the night choir. We will provide dinner, and in the morning you’ll enjoy pancakes with Riveredge maple syrup. Space is limited so register early. Each family is limited to one tent. Please note: At Creatures of the Night we’ll camp at The Farm;Exploring the Night Sky we’ll camp near the main building. * Please notify us of any allergies or special diets at the time of the reservation. 


Family Adventures:

Family Overnight at Kohler-Andre State Park

All Ages

Friday  June 15th, 6pm – Sunday, June 17th, 9am

Fee (per family): Member $125 Non-member $175

Join a Riveredge Naturalist for a unique opportunity to experience what our wonderful state parks have to offer!  This year we will venture to Kohler-Andre State Park and spend the weekend exploring trails, learning the area’s geology and history, and relaxing at the campfire. Pitch your tent in the group camp sites and slumber to the sound of the night choir. We’ll cook all of Saturday’s meals on the campfire, and on Sunday morning we’ll enjoy pancakes with Riveredge maple syrup.

*Transportation and vehicle state park sticker/day passes not included in fee

Parent or Grand Parent/Child Treks

Day time adventures for the whole family (Children must be accompanied by an adult)

Ages vary by program

 

Tree Climbing

Ages 7 and up

Session 1:  Friday, June 15, 1:00-3:00pm

Session 2: Wednesday, July 11, 10am-12pm

Fee (per person): Member $20 Non-member $35

Explore Riveredge at a new elevation!  Our Tree Climbing programs are meant for youth ages 7 and above and adults with little to no tree climbing skills. Ascend ropes and explore the world way above your feet. We make it safe and easy! All equipment is supplied; all you need is loose clothing (T-shirt and long pants recommended), closed toe shoes (hard soles recommended), and an adventurous spirit.  All climbers must be accompanied by an adult.  

 
Canoeing Sheboygan Marsh

Ages 8 and up with an adult

Friday, August 17, 9:00am-3:00pm

Fee (per person): Member $20 Non-member $30

Experience canoeing through Sheboygan Marsh,  located just 45 minutes from Riveredge. The slow moving waters of the marsh offer relaxing family paddling. The flora and fauna are unmatched, and more than 350 species of birds have been sighted over the years. Join a Riveredge naturalist for an exciting day paddling and discovery. Riveredge will provide the canoes, paddles and lifejackets; you provide a hat, sunscreen, water, lunch and enthusiasm.

Kayak Sheboygan Marsh

Ages 10 and up with an adult

Monday, July 30, 9:00am-3:00pm

Fee (per person): Member $35 Non-member $45

Experience kayaking through Sheboygan Marsh, located just 45 minutes from Riveredge. The slow moving waters of the marsh offer relaxing family paddling. The flora and fauna are unmatched, and more than 350 species of birds have been sighted over the years. Join a Riveredge naturalist for an exciting day paddling and discovery. Riveredge will provide the kayak, paddles and lifejackets; you provide a hat, sunscreen, water, lunch and enthusiasm.  Program limited to 12 participants.

River Rambling

Ages 5 and up with an adult

Session 1: Monday, July 9, 10 am-12 pm

Session 2: Monday, August 6, 1-3 pm

Fee (per person): Member $5 Non-member $7

Join a naturalist and step into the Milwaukee River! We’ll explore this wonderful, watery, world and seek out the creatures that call the river home. Bring your favorite wading shoes (old sneakers work best), a towel and a change of clothes. Expect to get wet! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Feel free to pack a lunch and stay for a picnic after the program

Tubing the Milwaukee River

Ages 7 and up with an adult

Session 1: Friday, June 22, 1-3:30pm

Session 2: Monday, July 2, 1-3:30pm

Fee (per person): Member $10 Non-member $15

After a quick tour of the Sturgeon Streamside Rearing Facility, we’ll hop on inner tubes and float down the Milwaukee River. Along the way, we’ll discover the diversity of living things that make their home in the river. Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that can get wet.  Bring a lifejacket and inner tube if you have them. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Participants should be able to hike approximately 1 mile.

 


*Times, dates, and prices of any activity posted to our calendars are subject to change. Please be sure to click through directly to the organization’s website to verify.

Location:

4458 County Hwy Y (Hawthorne Drive)
Saukville, WI, 53080
United States

Phone:

(262) 375-2715
Contact name: 
Riveredge Nature Center
Email address: 
The event has already taken place on this date: 
08/17/2018
Time: 
see website for details
Price: 
Varies

Ages

2-3 years 4-5 years 6-8 years 9-12 years Teenagers Adults & kids together