Welcome

Facilities Hours
CRWC
5:30 AM - 11:00 PM

CRWC- Climbing Wall
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

CRWC- Leisure Pool
CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE

CRWC- Natatorium
5:45 AM - 8:00 AM (Diving Well Only)
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
4:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Field House
5:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Field House Pool
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Fitness East
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM

HTRC
5:30 AM - 10:30 PM

Outdoor Rental Center
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Recreation Building
CLOSED

Wellness Services
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

View all Facilities Hours
Closures
Leisure Swimming Pool(CRWC)
May 16, 2012 - 5:30 am - 11:00 pm
Maintenance
Indoor & Outdoor Courts(HTRC)
May 17, 2012 - 8:00 am - 3:30 pm
Girls High School Tennis
View all Upcoming Closures
Wildlife

The University of Iowa Wildlife Camps started in the summer of 1985 with the goal of introducing area youth to the beauty and diversity of our natural world through hands-on activities. We emphasize "hands-on" because each of the staff realizes that it was through first-hand experiences that our excitement and care for wildlife and wildlands was kindled.

The mission of the camps has changed little. Our ultimate goal as educators is to guide each camper closer to a sound environmental ethic, an informed and conscientious concern for things wild. No matter where the camper is on that path, we hope to guide them towards that goal.

We accomplish this through uniquely designed lessons and activities that utilize the natural areas available to us at the Macbride Nature Recreation Area and other local areas of ecological significance. We take our mission seriously, and have a lot of fun doing it!

Donate to MNRA

2012 Wildlife Camp Registration Form

Registration for the following camps is now closed:

  • Fox June 25-29, July 9-13, July 16-20 and July 23-27
  • Hawk June 11-15
  • Fledgling June 5-8
  • Barred Owl July 9-13
  • Bobcat July 24-27
  • Osprey July 30-Aug 1
  • Dragonfly June 5 – 8

Barred Owl Camp

Code: REC 284

For 6th graders, Barred Owl Camp is designed to build on the natural history knowledge of campers by encouraging them to conduct their own investigations, create a way to present their observations and then share their results with younger campers. A Thursday overnight will be part of the  ve day experience. The camper does not need any previous wildlife camp experience, but is expected to be responsible and eager to learn more about our natural world. All applications must include a letter by the camper stating why he/she would like to attend Owl Camp and what they hope to study. Barred Owl Camp will be offered June 11-15, June 25 - 29, July 9 - 13, and July 16 - 20.

Timeline: Jun 11, 2012 - | Location: MNRA| Time: -
Member Fee: $205.00 | Non-Member Fee: $205.00 | Days of the Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Deadline: | registration: Mail In Only

Bobcat Camp

Code: REC 1024

For Kindergarten and 1st graders, this new camp will offer four full days of fun and exploration at the MNRA. Students will be observing animal and plant life, participating in group games and hands-on projects in the outdoors. Students will also be swimming indoors Wednesday and Friday afternoons at the CRWC pool. Bobcat camp will be offered July 24 - 27.

Timeline: Jul 24, 2012 - Jul 27, 2012 | Location: MNRA| Time: -
Member Fee: $155.00 | Non-Member Fee: $155.00 | Days of the Week
Deadline: | registration: Mail In Only

Dragonfly Camp

Code: REC 288

Four 2nd - 5th grades, Four–day Dragonfly Camp will highlight the incredible world of insects and their life cycles. Dragon ies, damselflies, diving beetles, and water boatmen! We’ll investigate the surface and depths of wetlands with aquatic nets and seines for macroinvertebrates while exploring wetlands. Additional activities include woodland/prairie insect hikes, outdoor games, swimming and canoeing. Dragonfly Camp will be offered June 5 - 8 and July 2 - 3 and 5 - 6.

Timeline: Jun 05, 2012 - | Location: MNRA| Time: -
Member Fee: $155.00 | Non-Member Fee: $155.00 | Days of the Week Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Deadline: | registration: Mail In Only

Eagle Camp

Code: REC 275

For grades 2nd - 5th, Eagle Camp takes wetlands exploring to new levels. Some activities include aquatic adventure, fossil hunting, spillway investigation, frog & turtle study, bird nest building, earth art and canoeing. Eagle Camp will be offered June 11 - 15, June 18 - 22, June 25 - 29, July 9 - 13, July 16 - 20, and July 23 - 27.

Timeline: Jun 11, 2012 - | Location: MNRA| Time: -
Member Fee: $190.00 | Non-Member Fee: $190.00 | Days of the Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Deadline: | registration: Mail In Only

Falcon Camp

Code: REC 279

For 2nd - 5th grades, Falcon Camp highlights the wonder of plants and how we live with them. Some activities include solar cooking/gardening, prairie art, pop-can fishing, ultimate frisbee, archeology, bird-banding and canoeing. Falcon Camp will be offered June 11 - 15 and June 18 - 22.

Timeline: Jun 11, 2012 - | Location: MNRA| Time: -
Member Fee: $190.00 | Non-Member Fee: $190.00 | Days of the Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Deadline: | registration: Mail In Only

Fledgling Camp

Code: REC 272

For 1st graders, Fledgling Camp is designed to give children an understanding of the wildlife that inhabits the local natural areas. Some activities include bird-banding, butterfl y netting, fishing, hiking, nature arts & crafts, plaster of paris tracks and games. Fledgling Camp is offered June 5 - 8, and July 2 - 3 & 5 - 6.

Timeline: Jun 05, 2012 - | Location: MNRA| Time: -
Member Fee: $150.00 | Non-Member Fee: $150.00 | Days of the Week Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Deadline: | registration: Mail In Only

Fox Camp

Code: REC 283

For grades 2nd - 5th, Fox Camp looks at all the amazing ecosystems we have and the creatures that live in them. Some activities include insect investigations, hiking, animal tracking, cooking in the wild, team building games, fossil impressions, art in nature, canoeing and archery. Students will locate “hidden treasures” found in the Macbride area using compasses, GPS units and maps. Fox Camp will be offered June 25 - 29, July 9 - 13, July 16 - 20, and July 23 - 27.

Timeline: Jun 25, 2012 - | Location: MNRA| Time: -
Member Fee: $190.00 | Non-Member Fee: $190.00 | Days of the Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Deadline: | registration: Mail In Only

Great Horned Owl Camp

Code: REC 285

For 7th graders, Great Horned Owl Camp is designed to extend on student’s natural history knowledge and outdoor experiences. Two overnights, canoeing, hiking and fishing adventures will be part of the four day experience. Owl Campers will travel to Backbone State Park and Brush Creek Canyon State Preserve. Basic rock climbing techniques with belay ropes will also be experienced at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center. All applications must include a letter by the camper stating why he/she would like to attend Owl Camp. Great Horned Owl Camp will be offered June 5 - 8, June 19 - 22 and July 2 - 3 & 5 - 6.

Timeline: Jun 05, 2012 - | Location: MNRA| Time: -
Member Fee: $215.00 | Non-Member Fee: $215.00 | Days of the Week Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Deadline: | registration: Mail In Only

Hatchling Camp

Code: REC 270

This Wildlife Camp is offered to Kindergarten graduates interested in learning and playing in the outdoors. Some activities include nature games, recycled arts & crafts, bug catching, birding, berry/leaf/flower pressing, rock & fossil study and mammal tracking. Hatchling Camp is offered June 5 - 8 and July 2 - 3 & 5 - 6.

Timeline: Jun 05, 2012 - | Location: MNRA| Time: -
Member Fee: $100.00 | Non-Member Fee: $100.00 | Days of the Week Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Deadline: | registration: Mail In Only

Hawk Camp

Code: REC 274

For 2nd - 5th grades, Hawk Camp focuses on the beauty found in our forests. Some activities include woodland exploration, wilderness survival, shelter building, canoeing, archery, compass and orienteering challenges and team games. Hawk Camp will be offered June 11 - 15, June 18 - 22, June 25 - 29, July 9 - 13, July 16 - 20, and July 23 - 27.

Timeline: Jun 11, 2012 - | Location: MNRA| Time: -
Member Fee: $190.00 | Non-Member Fee: $190.00 | Days of the Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Deadline: | registration: Mail In Only

Kestrel Corps

Code: REC 289

For 8th - 11th grades, Kestrel Corps is a counselor-in-training /field investigations program with the University of Iowa Wildlife Camps. The Kestrel Corps will assist the Wildlife Camps staff and /or monitor  field investigations and data collection. (i.e. Bird /Animal Observation Blinds, Water Quality Sampling, Orienteering Courses, Computer /Field Lab and Greenhouse/Garden). Please be sure to bring a sack lunch and water bottle. Students will be transported to MNRA on the busses or vans with the camp with which they will be volunteering.

Timeline: Jun 05, 2012 - | Location: MNRA| Time: -
Member Fee: $0.00 | Non-Member Fee: $0.00 | Days of the Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Deadline: | registration: Mail In Only

Osprey Camp

Code: REC 286

For grades 5th - 7th, this three-day camp will focus on a specific theme each day. Raptors, canoeing/kayaking adventures, harvesting and solar cooking fresh gourmet meals. Some field trips will be taken as well as visits from guest speakers. Osprey Camp will be offered July 30 - August 1.

Timeline: Jul 30, 2012 - Aug 01, 2012 | Location: MNRA| Time: -
Member Fee: $115.00 | Non-Member Fee: $115.00 | Days of the Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday
Deadline: | registration: Mail In Only

Otter Camp

Code: REC 277

For 2nd - 5th grades, Otter Camp is full of outdoor recreation fun and learning how we can help protect the environment. Some activities include nature games, natural arts & crafts, canoeing, archery, outdoor cooking, mushroom hunting and identification and disc golf. Otter Camp will be offered June 11 - 15, June 18 - 22, June 25 - 29, July 9 - 13, July 16 - 20 and July 23 - 27.

Timeline: Jun 11, 2012 - | Location: MNRA| Time: -
Member Fee: $190.00 | Non-Member Fee: $190.00 | Days of the Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Deadline: | registration: Mail In Only

Peregrinatio Per Iowam Camp

Code: REC 287

For 8th and 9th graders, Peregrinatio per Iowam is Latin for “To Journey Through Iowa”. This traveling (4 day) Wildlife Camp will be offered twice this Summer 2012. The camp will focus on the unique ecosystems of Central and Northeast Iowa. We will canoe on the Upper Iowa River, explore Backbone State Park, Brush Creek Canyon, Fontana Park and possibly visit Effigy Mounds. The first day will be spent rock climbing at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center and team building near the Hawkeye Recreation Fields.

Timeline: Jun 12, 2012 - | Location: MNRA| Time: -
Member Fee: $225.00 | Non-Member Fee: $225.00 | Days of the Week Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Deadline: | registration: Mail In Only

(For those completing 8th - 11th grade in the Spring of 2010)
Kestrel Corps is a counselor-in-training program with the University of Iowa Wildlife Camps. This program is designed for high school students who are entering their Freshman - Senior years. The Kestrel Corps will assist the staffs of the Hawk, Eagle, Falcon, Fox, Otter, Fledgling and Hatchling Camps. Kestrel Corps will need to bring a sack lunch and water bottle. See the camp descriptions for information about camp activities. The Kestrel Corps will be transported to MNRA on the busses or vans with the camp with which they will be volunteering.

Chickadee Camp provides students with a unique opportunity to study and observe the wildlife of the prairies, wetlands, and woodlands of Macbride in a late winter setting. Small groups of campers will participate in uniquely designed educational and recreational activities led by our professional staff. Activities may include prairie and pond study, maple syruping, bird-banding, eagle watching, geology, wilderness survival techniques, and more.

The 2012 Camp Dates are March 12 – 16.

Registration

Chickadee Camp 2012

General Information

The University of Iowa Recreational Services will offer Coyote Camp for 1st - 6th graders on December 21, 22, 23, and 28, 29, 30. Campers will check in and out at the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex. There will be supervision starting at 7:45 am and pick-up will begin at 4:00 pm. Supervision will be provided until 4:15 pm. The Late Stay Program will not be provided for this camp. Campers will need to bring a sack lunch and water bottle. Students will also receive a “Coyote Camp” sweatshirt. For additional brochures visit www.recserv.uiowa.edu or call 319.335.9294.

Camp Schedule

  • Wednesday we will be out at MNRA studying winter birds, doing winter recreational activities like sledding as well as fire building and tracking.
  • The first Wednesday will be Owls and pudgy pie creations.
  • The second Wednesday will be Eagles and stew. The Raptor Center sta_ will be leading our birds of prey lessons.
  • Thursday we will be climbing at the CRWC climbing gym. Also, we will be doing wild animal tracking hikes along the water(first week) and in the woodlands (second week) as well as ice study. Native American stories will be told and we’ll be serving hot cocoa.
  • Friday we will be swimming at the CRWC leisure pool.
  • The first Friday will be creating animal blinds and playing team games in the snow.
  • The second Friday will be building Quinzee-style shelters and doing a scavenger hunt. We will also be talking about winter survival for animals and humans.

Registration

Coyote Camp 2011

Registration Deadline is December 16. Registration will begin on Monday, November 14, 2011, by U.S. mail only. Registration must be postmarked and mailed on November 14th or after. Each session will be limited to 30 participants. Campers can register for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 days. A non-refundable deposit of $10.00 a day is due for each participant. When the sessions are filled a waiting list will be established. A health form and climbing waiver will be emailed to each camper after they are registered. Both must be completed and included with the final payment.

  • Please make the deposit and final checks payable to: “The University of Iowa”
  • Applications will be processed on a first-come basis.

Mail registration to:

The University of Iowa Wildlife Camps
Recreational Services
Attn: Jeanette Luke
E230 CRWC
Iowa City, Iowa 52242

For more information please call the University of Iowa Division of Recreational Services at 335-9293.

Child Care Tax Credit

Camp registration fees MAY qualify for child care credit for tax purposes. For those who need the Federal Identification Number, it is 42-600-4813.

Thomas Rocklin - VP of Student Services
Thomas-rocklin@uiowa.edu - (319) 335-3557

Meredith Caskey - Program Coordinator Wildlife and School of the Wild
meredith-caskey@uiowa.edu - (319) 384-4720

Rob DuBay - Associate Director - Macbride Nature Recreation Area, Lifetime Leisure Skills, Challenge Course
robert-dubay@uiowa.edu - (319) 353-5565

Jason Jensen - Program Assistant Wildlife and School of the Wild
jason-biwer@uiowa.edu - (319) 384-4719

Jeanette Luke - Clerk III
jeanette-luke@uiowa.edu - (319) 335-9294

Ed Saehler - Environmental Education Coordinator
edward-saehler@uiowa.edu - (319) 335-9289

Back to top
© 2012-2013 The University of Iowa. All Rights Reserved.Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa sponsored events.
If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation in order to participate in these programs, please contact The University of Iowa
Recreational Services in advance at 319-335-9293.
.