Iowa Wildlife Camps is a conservation education and outdoor recreation day-camp program based at the Macbride Nature Recreation Area between North Liberty and Solon, IA.

Summer Camp Registration opens on
Monday, January 29, 2024 at 6 a.m. 

Winter Break Camp

Registration Open Now! 

Snowy Owl Camp is open to campers in 1st through 6th grades.  

Winter in Iowa provides a wonderful opportunity to explore the wildlife adapted to survive in cold temperatures. From Black-Capped Chickadees and other hearty songbirds and raptors to White-Tailed Deer and other furry mammals, winter wildlife is all around us.  

At Snowy Owl Camp, we will participate in various activities including Rock Climbing at the CRWC climbing wall, Shelter building, fire building/outdoor cooking, songbird banding with professionals permitted by the U.S. Geological Survey's Bird Banding Laboratory, animal tracking, and winter seed sowing.   

Drop-off and Pick-up 

  • Drop-Off - 7:45 am - 8:30 am at the Athletics Hall of Fame 
  • Pick - Up - 3:45 pm - 4:15 pm at the Athletics Hall of Fame 

No late-stay option will be provided for this camp. Pick-up and drop-off will ONLY be at the Athletics Hall of Fame. 

Camp Cost - Tiered Pricing  

Tier 1

$325

Tier 2

$275

Tier 3

$225

 

Spring Break Camp

Vulture Camp – Catch a Warm Breeze 

Open to campers in 1st through 6th grades.  

Turkey Vultures can be seen soaring in “kettles” or groups in spiraling patterns catching thermal vents or warm air rising into the sky. In this Spring Break session, campers will search for Turkey Vultures returning to Iowa as we explore the dormant and hibernating wildlife of the Macbride Nature Recreation Area waking up and returning. 

Campers will explore the wetlands, prairie, and woodlands at the Macbride Nature Recreation Area as these environments transition to a new season. Each day, campers will participate in Game Lab! They will work together to demonstrate a change they are observing in the natural environment through a game they will invent. Game Lab is camper-driven and progresses day-by-day so that campers can continue to build upon their game each day of camp.  

Other activities will include outdoor cooking, shelter building, and songbird banding with professionals permitted by the U.S. Geological Survey's Bird Banding Laboratory. 

Drop-off and Pick-up 

  • Drop-off - 7:45 am - 8:30 am at the Athletics Hall of Fame 
  • Pick-up - 3:45 pm - 4:15 pm at the Athletics Hall of Fame 

No late-stay option will be provided for this camp. Pick-up and drop-off will ONLY be at the Athletics Hall of Fame. 

Camp Cost - Tiered Pricing  

Tier 1

$330

Tier 2

$280

Tier 3

$230

 

2024 Summer Camp Dates

Summer Camp Registration opens on Monday, January 29, 2024 at 6 a.m. 

  • Plan to sign your camper/s up for a camp that is open to the grade they will be entering next school year.
  • Visit Summer Camp Session Descriptions for more details about each camp.

Harrier 1 - For campers going into 1st and 2nd grades  

Falcon 1 - For campers going into 3rd-7th grades 

Hawk 1 - For campers going into 3rd-7th grades 

Eagle 1 - For campers going into 3rd-7th grades 

Owl 1- For campers going into 7th and 8th grades 

Merlin Leadership Program - For young leaders going into 9th and 10th grades

Kestrel Corps - For young leaders going into 11th and 12th grades

Harrier 1 - For campers going into 1st and 2nd grades  

Falcon 1 - For campers going into 3rd-7th grades 

Hawk 1 - For campers going into 3rd-7th grades 

Eagle 1 - For campers going into 3rd-7th grades 

Owl 1 - For campers going into 7th and 8th grades 

Merlin Leadership Program - For young leaders going into 9th and 10th grades 

Kestrel Corps - For young leaders going into 11th and 12th grades

Beak Brigade - For campers ages 4 and 5

Harrier 1 - For campers going into 1st and 2nd grades  

Falcon 1 - For campers going into 3rd-7th grades 

Hawk 1 - For campers going into 3rd-7th grades 

Eagle 1 - For campers going into 3rd-7th grades 

Kestrel Corps - For young leaders going into 11th and 12th grades

Harrier 2 - For campers going into 1st and 2nd grades

Falcon 2 - For campers going into 3rd-7th grades

Hawk 2 - For campers going into 3rd-7th grades

Eagle 2 - For campers going into 3rd-7th grades

Owl 2 - For campers going into 7th and 8th grades

Merlin Leadership Program - For young leaders going into 9th and 10th grades

Kestrel Corps - For young leaders going into 11th and 12th grades

Harrier 2 - For campers going into 1st and 2nd grades

Falcon 2 - For campers going into 3rd-7th grades

Hawk 2 - For campers going into 3rd-7th grades

Eagle 2 - For campers going into 3rd-7th grades

Peregrine Trip Program - For campers going into 9th and 10th grades

Kestrel Corps - For young leaders going into 11th and 12th grades

Harrier 2 - For campers going into 1st and 2nd grades

Falcon 2 - For campers going into 3rd-7th grades

Hawk 2 - For campers going into 3rd-7th grades

Eagle 2 - For campers going into 3rd-7th grades

Owl 3 - For campers going into 7th and 8th grades

Peregrine Trip Program - For campers going into 9th and 10th grades

Kestrel Corps - For young leaders going into 11th and 12th grades

Avian Adventurers - For campers going into 1st and 2nd grades 

Raptor Rangers - For campers going into 3rd-7th grades 

Talon Troupe - For campers going into 3rd-7th grades 

Winged Warriors - For campers going into 3rd-7th grades 

Owl 3 - For campers going into 7th and 8th grades

Kestrel Corps - For young leaders going into 11th and 12th grades

Avian Adventurers - For campers going into 1st and 2nd grades

Raptor Rangers - For campers going into 3rd-7th grades

Talon Troupe - For campers going into 3rd-7th grades

Winged Warriors - For campers going into 3rd-7th grades

Kestrel Corps - For young leaders going into 11th and 12th grades

2024 Summer Camps Session Descriptions

Summer Camp Registration opens on
Monday, January 29, 2024 at 6 a.m. 

Pre-K and Kindergarten Session (4 & 5 years old)

Beak Brigade - Burgeoning Explorers! 

This three-day camp experience is an introductory half-day wildlife camp for our preschool naturalists. Families can choose between a morning (9 am-12 pm) and afternoon (1 – 4 pm) session. Campers will explore campus green spaces alongside experienced Iowa Wildlife Camps staff. 

Activities will include nature storytelling and songs, exploring Iowa’s summer songbirds, prairie exploration, nature-based arts and crafts, and outdoor games. 

Pick-up and drop off for Beak Brigade will ONLY be at the Athletics Hall of Fame. 

No late-stay option is offered for Beak Brigade.

Sessions offered:
July 1-3 (Morning) - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
July 1-3 (Afternoon) - 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

1st and 2nd Grade Sessions

Avian Adventurers - Catching their Calls

More than 300 different species of songbirds visit Iowa each year.  

As an Avian Adventurer this week, campers will be on a mission to observe and identify as many unique songbirds as they can!

We will spend time at the Bird Blind surveying the woodlands, search through prairie grasses for signs, and explore along the shoreline of Lake Macbride in search of songbirds. In addition, campers will get to observe songbirds up close this week as they assist professionals permitted by the U.S. Geological Survey's Bird Banding Laboratory in catching and banding songbirds.

Sessions Offered:

  • July 29 – August 2, 2024
  • August 5 – 9, 2024

Harrier 1 – Pollinator Palooza 

Birds, bees, moths & butterflies, beetles, flies, wasps and even bats are all pollinators contributing to the health and growth of fruiting plants and crops that feed us!  

During Harrier Camp Session 1, campers will explore the diversity of pollinators in Iowa. Campers can look forward to bug catching in the prairie, surveying Macbride Nature Recreation Area for butterflies, and investigating the many methods pollen travels from plant to plant to grow.  

Other activities will include a visit to the Iowa Raptor Project and fishing at Lake Macbride.

Sessions offered:

  • June 17 – 21, 2024
  • June 24 – 28, 2024
  • July 1 – 3, 2024

Harrier 2 – Terrific Trees

Where would we be without trees? In this session, we will explore the life-giving properties of trees.  

During Harrier Camp Session 2, campers will investigate how a single tree can be a place to shelter for woodland animals, an essential food source for other critters, all while filtering the air, conserving water, and preserving soil!  

Other activities will include a visit to the Iowa Raptor Project and fishing at Lake Macbride.

Sessions offered:

  • July 8 – 12, 2024
  • July 15 – 19, 2024
  • July 22 – 26, 2024

3rd-7th Grade Sessions

Eagle 1 – Watershed Engineers 

What happens when the snow melts and where does the water from rainfall end up? Follow the flowing water in Eagle Camp Session 1 as we explore watersheds.  

We will learn from the watershed we live in to discover how land use impacts water quality. Each day campers will visit the fictional town of Eaglesville as they work together to create and build upon an imaginary watershed. They will be the change creators and decision makers in their watershed as they experience how their actions impact the water. 

Other activities this week will include canoeing and paddleboarding on Lake Macbride, creek exploration at Turkey Creek, and canoeing at Spider Pond.   

Sessions offered:

  • June 17 – 21, 2024
  • June 24 – 28, 2024
  • July 1 – 3, 2024 (3-day camp)

Eagle 2 – Diving into the Microscopic World 

Scientists estimate that the number of microbe species in the world could be as many as 1 trillion!  

In Eagle Camp Session 2, campers will explore the miniscule yet expansive world of microorganisms. Throughout the week, campers will collect samples from water, plants, and soil to observe the world of microbes that live at the Macbride Nature Recreation Area under microscopes. They will also visit the fictional underwater city of Nano, a place where microorganisms become visible to our human eyes. In Nano, campers will explore the many connections between microorganisms and the living things we see all around us each day as they take on roles and face challenges in this imaginary world.  

Other activities this week will include paddleboarding and kayaking on Lake Macbride, canoeing on Spider Pond, and exploring Turkey Creek.   

Sessions offered:

  • July 8 – 12, 2024
  • July 15 – 19, 2024
  • July 22 – July 26, 2024

Falcon 1 – Natural Crafters

Calling all Crafters & Creators! Discover the abundant art supplies we can find in the natural world as we spend a week sculpting, painting, and engineering art projects.  

During Falcon Camp Session 1, campers will learn which plants to harvest for that perfect shade of yellow to naturally dye fabrics, and how to use soil to create new colors and textures in their paintings. Each day, campers can return to their projects to continue to build upon their artwork. At the end of the week, campers’ art will be featured for other campers at Wildlife Camps to view.  

Other activities this week will include paddleboarding along the shoreline at Lake Macbride, fishing at Lake Macbride, and archery.

Sessions offered:

  • June 17 – 21, 2024
  • June 24 – 28, 2024
  • July 1 – 3, 2024 (3-day camp)

Falcon 2 – Wild Chefs

Hungry to learn more about the wide world of wild edibles? During Falcon Camp Session 2, campers will learn how to identify and gather wild edibles found at Macbride Nature Recreation Area.  

We will hunt for berries, herbs, mushrooms and more; explore how to honorably harvest; and test recipes and methods of preparing the found food in our outdoor kitchen. At the end of the week, campers will have a recipe book of their favorite wild foods to share at home!  

Other activities this week will include fishing and kayaking on Lake Macbride and archery.   

Sessions offered:

  • July 8 – 12, 2024
  • July 15 – 19, 2024
  • July 22 – 26, 2024

Hawk 1 – Game Lab: Exploring Nature's Connections

Millions of species live on earth and, within all the different organisms, there are unique and exciting relationships happening.  

In Hawk Camp Session 1, we will explore the ins and outs of everyday interactions between the living critters in your own backyard. How does a fly help a mushroom? What can mites do to benefit a beetle? Hawk Camp will have Game Lab every afternoon where campers work together to demonstrate the symbiotic relationships in nature through a game they will invent. Game Lab will allow campers to continue to build upon their game each day of camp.  

Other activities this week will include kayaking and fishing on Lake Macbride, and a visit to the Iowa Raptor Project.   

Sessions offered:

  • June 17 – 21, 2024
  • June 24 – 28, 2024
  • July 1 – 3, 2024 (3-day camp)

Hawk 2 – Telling Wildlife Stories

What stories do the Skunk, Shrew, Fox & Weasel tell?  

During Hawk Camp Session 2, we will investigate the stories that lie inside the woodlands. Using keen observations and wild imaginations, campers will create characters and plots that shine light on the creatures living at Macbride Nature Recreation Area. Campers will choose to use field journals to write stories, voice recorders to create mini podcasts, or act in their own dramatic performances to share tales of woodland creatures.  

Other activities this week will include paddleboarding at Lake Macbride, animal tracking, and a visit to the Iowa Raptor Project.

Sessions offered:

  • July 8 – 12, 2024
  • July 15 – 19, 2024
  • July 22 – 26, 2024

Raptor Rangers – Seize the Summer!

Imagine what you might be able to see if you could soar over the Macbride Nature Recreation Area like a Red-Tailed Hawk, Bald Eagle, or a Peregrine Falcon!  

Raptor Rangers will explore the wetlands, woodlands, and prairies that are essential to the health and survival of Iowa’s raptor populations. Campers will learn how to navigate natural environments using a map and compass as well as GPS devices. Each day, campers will work toward creating their own new geocache location with a focus on providing hints, descriptions, and handmade prizes to park visitors that help them learn about Iowa’s raptors and the raptors at the Iowa Raptor Project.  

Other activities this week will include fishing and paddleboarding at Lake Macbride. 

Sessions Offered:

  • July 29 – August 2, 2024
  • August 5 – 9, 2024

Talon Troupe – Put on a Show!

Actors, singers, writers, magicians, dancers, artists and performers of all kinds are welcomed!  

Talon Troupe is a nature-based theatre camp that blends outdoor exploration and performance arts into daily activities, allowing their time in nature to inspire their creative performances! Campers will work together as script writers, set designers, show directors, and performers to plan the “Talon Show.”   

Other activities this week will include canoeing in Spider Pond and creek exploration at Turkey Creek.   

Sessions Offered:

  • July 29 – August 2, 2024
  •  August 5 – 9, 2024

Winged Warriors – Roughin' it in Iowa

Learn how to live without our usual comforts and conveniences.  

Throughout this week, campers will spend time fine-tuning their navigation skills, testing unique shelter designs, studying which plants are safe for medical and nutritional purposes, and grasping the foundations of fire building. After days of practice, campers will get the opportunity to test their skills in MISSION Wild on Friday. In small teams, campers will work together to complete camper-created missions – truly putting their outdoor skills to the test!  

Other activities this week will include fishing and kayaking at Lake Macbride.

Sessions Offered:

  • July 29 – August 2, 2024
  • August 5 – 9, 2024

7th-8th Grade Sessions

Owl Camp – Local Conservation 

Level up your knowledge of local conservation efforts in Iowa at Owl Camp! Owl Camp emphasizes education-based activities which explore current conservation topics close to home. Campers will learn from local experts, engage with on-going conservation projects, and work with other campers to create their own outreach projects. On Tuesday and Wednesday campers will explore beyond Macbride Nature Recreation Area as they venture out on field trips to nearby labs, parks, and other wildlife areas that relate to the weeks’ conservation topic. Thursday will include an overnight campout at Macbride Nature Recreation Area. For more information about Owl Camp, click here.

Conservation Topics and Sessions Offered:

Owl 1 – Water Quality in Iowa 
June 17 – 21, 2024 
June 24 – 28, 2024 

Owl 2 – Prairie Restoration 
July 8 – 12, 2024 
July 15 – 19, 2024 

Owl 3 – Wildlife Management 
July 22 – 26, 2024 
July 29 – August 2, 2024 

9th-12th Grade Sessions

Merlin Leadership Program

This camp is focused on developing our next generation of conservation-minded community members. During their week with the Merlin Leadership Program, campers will have the opportunity to develop leadership skills and deepen their conservation ethic.   

Campers will participate in team building activities including visiting the University of Iowa’s Challenge Course and planning a canoe day trip on Lake Macbride. They will also spend the week designing and executing a project with the goal of supporting the continued, sustainable use of the Macbride Nature Recreation Area.   

Projects may include assisting with building an outdoor classroom space for students at Iowa Wildlife Camps, School of the Wild and other programs, improving trail systems with signage and/or trail work, building and placing Kestrel nesting boxes to name a few!   

Sessions Offered: 

June 17 – 21, 2024 
June 24 – 28, 2024
July 8 – 12, 2024 

Peregrine Camp - An Iowa Journey   

Discover the outdoor recreation possibilities in Iowa at the Peregrine Camp. This program offers an overnight trip program that emphasizes developing skills for various outdoor recreation activities. Campers will embark on a 5-day camping trip where they will spend each day with experienced professionals learning new skills.   

Trip 1 - July 15-19, 2024 – Yellow River State Forest, Trout Fishing   

Trip 2 - July 22-26, 2024 – Preparation Canyon State Park, Backpacking   

For more information about the schedule, gear provided by Iowa Wildlife Camps, activity level and more, click here

Kestrel Corps – Leadership in the Wild

Sessions Offered – Students going into 11th and 12th grades can choose up to 4 weeks to join us: 

Orientation – Thursday, June 13, 2024 – 8:30 am – 4:00 pm  

Camp pick-up and drop-off times and locations apply  

If you would like your youth to participate but they are unable to attend this orientation, please contact Ellen Carman at coe-IWC@uiowa.edu

Cost: $150 (one-time fee) 

The Kestrel Corps is a leadership development program that provides opportunities for high school students to develop their leadership skills. We are grateful to have young people so dedicated to our mission of raising awareness and appreciation for the natural world in our campers. We believe that this effort must continue for generations to come. In this spirit, our goal for the Kestrel Corps program is to provide diverse opportunities for each student to form meaningful connections with others and the natural world. Kestrels will work under the mentorship of the Kestrel Corps Coordinator and professional educators to develop their skills leading young people and sharing their passion for conservation. All Kestrels Corps members are required to attend an orientation.   

Camp Pricing

Tiered pricing allows families to select a fee, from provided options, that most aligns with their families’ budget. We ask that families use the honor system and choose the tier that they are able to afford. 

Session Name

Tier 1

Tier 2

Tier 3

Harrier, Hawk, Eagle, Falcon, Winged Warriors,
Talon Troupe, Avian Adventurers, Raptor Rangers, Vulture, Merlin Leadership

$330

$280

$230

Owl Camp

$380

$330

$280

Peregrine Trip Program at Yellow River State Forest***

$275

$250

$225

Peregrine Trip Program at Preparation Canyon State Park 

$550 $500 $450

Beak Brigade 

$180

$130

$80

***The cost of the Peregrine Trip Program at Yellow River State Forest has been reduced thanks to the generous support from Friends of Yellow River State Forest.


3-day camps will be pro-rated.

Kestrel Corps is a one-time fee of $150.

Learn more about Tiered Pricing below.

Tiered pricing allows families to select a fee, from provided options, that most aligns with their families’ budget. We ask that families use the honor system and choose the tier that they are able to afford. 

All campers will receive the same high quality camp experience regardless of which tier is chosen. Each family’s cost for camp remains confidential.

Tier 1 - This price covers the direct cost of our program for your camper. It also contributes to costs that enhance your camper’s experience such as maintaining the spaces they will visit, providing funds needed to maintain and grow our program, and making camp more accessible to all families. 

Tier 2 - This price most accurately reflects the direct cost of our program for your camper.

Tier 3 - This is our subsidized rate for families that find the full cost a bit out of their budget.

At registration, families have the option of paying camp registration fees in full or selecting a payment plan. 

If the payment plan is chosen, the camp registration fees will be split evenly across two installments. 50% will be due at time of registration. The remaining 50% will be due by April 15, 2024. You may make additional payments at any time before April 15 by returning to your registration account and selecting "Make a Payment". The April 15 payment will be automatically deducted using the payment method used at registration.

The last day to register using a payment plan is March 31, 2024. 

To apply for financial assistance, please fill out this application. In order to fill out the form, please log-in to or create a new registration account. Families are eligible to apply for financial assistance for one session per child. 

Other opportunities for financial assistance include:

The following policy outlines refund amounts based on when a camp session is cancelled.

  • If you cancel your camp session within 48 hours of registering a 100% refund will be provided. 
  • If you cancel your camp session 8 weeks or more in advance of the first day of the camp session a 75% refund of camp fees will be provided.
  • If you cancel your camp session 4 weeks or more prior to the camp session's start date a 50% refund of camp fees will be provided.
  • If you cancel your camp session within 4 weeks of the camp session's start date, no refund will be provided.

If Iowa Wildlife Camps cancels a camp session, you will be given the option for a full refund or, when available, to transfer your registration to another available session.

Call our UI WILD office at 319-467-3287 or email coe-IWC@uiowa.edu with any questions.

Camp Information and Policies

When you register for camp, you will be asked which drop-off and pick-up location you will utilize for each session. Please use the same location for drop-off and pick-up each day. If a change must be made contact us at 319-467-3287 or email coe-IWC@uiowa.edu.

Macbride Nature Recreation Area Map

Location Times
Macbride Nature Recreation Area
Falcon Shelter
2095 Mehaffey Bridge Rd. NE Solon, IA
Drop-off – 8:00 – 8:50 am
Pick-Up – 3:30 – 4:15 pm
Iowa City Location
Athletic Hall of Fame
2425 Prairie Meadow Dr, Iowa City, IA
Drop-off – 7:45 – 8:25 am
Pick-Up – 4:00 – 4:15 pm
Late-stay – 4:15 – 5:15 pm
*Available for $45 per session

*The Athletics Hall of Fame is the ONLY drop-off and pick-up location for Beak Brigade, Snowy Owl Camp, and Vulture Camp.  

Camper Expectations
Campers are expected to be respectful to themselves, others, and nature. If a camper does not follow these guidelines, staff will communicate it to families. Staff will also notify families if a camper becomes ill or injured at camp. The Director reserves the right to dismiss any camper whose choices or conduct becomes detrimental to the program, others, or themselves. No refunds will be made for dismissed campers.

Attendance
In case of emergency or to notify us of an absence, please call our UI WILD office at 319-467-3287. Refunds will not be issued for missed days of camp.

Camp Activities
All camp activities are subject to change in the event weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances prevent safe participation in planned activities. Alternative activities will be prepared for these circumstances.

Registration will open on Monday, January 23, 2023 at 6 a.m.

Create an account to register for Iowa Wildlife Camps:

  1. Go to our Registration Site.
  2. Select New User or Log–In to your existing account.
  3. If you are creating a new account, fill out all the required fields to create your account.
  4. Once you are in your account you can take the following steps:
    • Select Add Person - this is where you should add the campers you will be registering this summer. You can add multiple people (campers) here.
    • Select Alternate Contacts - this is where you should add the contact information for additional emergency contacts.
    • Select Pick-Up Authorizations - this is where you should add the contact information for trusted adults that are approved to drop-off and pick-up your camper.
  5. Explore session by selecting Reservations, then select Explore Sessions.
  6. Sessions can be filtered by Session Name, Grade, and Dates. Select Filters to filter sessions.

Because we spend most, if not all, of our time in the outdoors you should come prepared for sun, rain and everything nature may bring. We recommend either wearing or bringing:

  • Sunscreen
  • T-shirts verses tank tops to prevent sunburned shoulders
  • Raincoat or poncho
  • Proper shoes are important. This could be a pair of tennis shoes, hiking boots or sandals that stay on feet snugly and are designed for hiking and exploring outside

Please label all items!

  • Campers should bring their own snack, lunch, and water bottle. Additional water will be provided. We’ve seen a reduction of non-recyclable waste generated at lunchtime. We would love to see this continue. If possible, avoid over-packaged products and bring reusable containers.
  • We will follow a carry-in/carry-out policy.

Please label all items!

You may print or digitally save a copy of your dependent care receipt by following these steps:

  • Login to your account.
  • Select the menu bar in the upper left side of your screen.
  • Select My Account.
  • Select Finances.
  • Select Print a Statement.
  • Select the year and print or save the document.

Our Federal Identification Number is 42-600-4813

Thursday Overnight Information:   
Thursday morning drop off will be the same location & time as the rest of week. There will be NO pickup Thursday afternoon. Campers & instructors will camp overnight in tents at Macbride Nature Recreation Area.  

Three meals will be provided: Thursday dinner, Friday breakfast, & Friday lunch. Campers & instructors will cook each meal with camping stoves or over the fire outdoors. 

Pick up on Friday afternoon will be at the same location & time as the rest of the week. Campers will need to arrive Thursday morning with lunch & snack for Thursday, clothes & toiletries for Friday, and a sleeping bag & pillow. A full packing list will be provided for campers and families after registration.   

Overnight Packing List  

  • Raincoat/poncho 
  • Sunscreen 
  • Water bottle 
  • Clothes for stand-up paddle boarding 
  • Towel 
  • Change of clothes for Thursday  
  • Change of clothes for Friday  
  • Sleeping bag or blanket 
  • Pillow Sleeping pad (optional) 
  • PJs or sleeping clothes 
  • Flashlight or headlamp 
  • Book (optional) 
  • Medications (as needed) * Please let us know if your camper has any evening medications not listed on their medical information 
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste 
  • Other desired toiletries 

Pre-Trip Meeting  
Campers and families are invited to a pre-trip meeting. At the pre-trip meeting we will discuss details about the trip itinerary, packing, meals, and get the chance to meet the instructors going on the trip. If campers are borrowing gear from Iowa Wildlife Camps, all gear will be available to try on and reserve at the pre-trip meeting. Campers will receive reserved gear at the beginning of their trip. See the gear list below to know what items are available for borrowing and what will be provided.  A packing list will be shared at time of registration.  

Pre-Trip Meeting Dates 
Yellow River State Forest Trip – Wednesday, July 10, 2024 – 5:00 – 6:00 pm at the Athletics Hall of Fame (2425 Prairie Meadow Dr, Iowa City, IA ) 

Preparation Canyon State Park Trip – Thursday, July 11, 2024 – 5:00 – 6:00 pm at the Athletics Hall of Fame (2425 Prairie Meadow Dr, Iowa City, IA ) 

 Drop off & Pick Up Time & Location Options   

  1. Athletics Hall of Fame - 2425 Prairie Meadow Dr., Iowa City, IA  
    Drop-off:  7:45 am - 8:25 am (Monday) 
    Pick-up:  4:00 pm - 4:15 pm (Friday)  

  2. Macbride Nature Recreation Area - Falcon Shelter 2095 Mehaffey Bridge Rd. NE Solon, IA  
    Drop-off:  8:00 am - 8:50 am (Monday)  
    Pick-up:  3:30 pm - 4:15 pm (Friday)  

Trip Description  
Days will include hiking 5-7 miles per day. We will be primarily in a “backcountry” setting, away from toilets and running water. Campers are expected to carry all necessary items into a hike-in campsite. This includes all personal belongings as well as portions of group items to be divided up upon arrival at camp (tent parts, food, etc.). Campers will assist in setting up camp, cooking, and other tasks as part of this program.  

Campers will engage in different outdoor recreation activities based on which trip they attend:   

  • At Yellow River State Forest (July 15-19), campers will hike 2 miles into a campsite where they will set up camp for the week. Campers will spend their days trout fishing, studying stream ecology, and exploring miles of trails at YRSF and at Effigy Mounds National Monument.   

  • At Preparation Canyon (July 22-26), campers will spend the week hiking and learning about the unique features and ecology of the Loess Hills. Campers will be camping at various hike-in only sites throughout the park, completing a roughly 10-mile loop by week’s end. Campers will learn basic backpacking skills

Gear 
Gear & supplies provided by Iowa Wildlife Camps:  

  • Internal Frame Backpack (40-60l) with pack cover  
  • Tent with rain fly  
  • Camp stoves & cooking supplies  
  • Food for all meals during the trip
  • Fishing pole (provided for Yellow River State Forest trip)  

Gear & supplies NOT provided by Iowa Wildlife Camps:  

  • Hiking Boots 
  • Sleeping Bag 
  • Sleep Pad 

News

Phoebe Yetley assists students into a canoe in Spider Pond at Macbride Nature Recreation Area.

Education through adventure

UI WILD provides children with accessible opportunities to create meaningful connections with nature and College of Education students with unique outdoor education experiences. 

Macbride Nature Recreation Area (MNRA)

A Lesson from the Macbride Nature Recreation Area

Through the pandemic and extreme weather events, the Macbride Nature Recreation Area continues to teach us new lessons about the circle of life. 

Contact Us

Ellen Carman
Director, Iowa Wildlife Camps
319-467-3287
ellen-carman@uiowa.edu

 

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