Summer is on its way and so is Nature Camp! Come to the beautiful grounds of Touch of Nature Environmental Center and join trained naturalists to learn about nature in Southern Illinois. Each day's activities are centered around a specific theme. Through experiential activities and crafts, learn about plants, animals, water and what weaves them into the systems we see in our own backyards.

Eco U is an experiential nature camp for youth entering grades 1-6. Touch of Nature Environmental Center's 3,100 beautiful acres on serene Little Grassy Lake set the stage for this camp. With nature as our playground, Eco U's professional staff will provide innovative, inspiring, and safe environmental activities to enhance each camper's ecological awareness and understanding.

• Week I, June 8-12: Animal Adventures In every nook and cranny, animals are amazing!
• Week II, June 15-19: Survival 101 Explore the way Native Americans used the land to meet their basic needs.
• Week III, June 22-26: Eco You! Your planet: How to protect and enhance its health.
• Week IV, June 29- July 2: Wonderful Water Below the surface, it’s a whole new world...

The Basics

For weeks I through III the cost per week per camper is $175. Week IV costs $140 because it runs for four days. If a camper attends all four weeks, $40 will be deducted from the total registration fee.
Each camper must bring a sack lunch each day. Water and snacks will be provided. Eco U t-shirts are available for only $10! See registration form.

Schedule

Each day will be filled with hands-on activities for the campers. The schedule may vary but generally will follow the pattern outlined below:

Morning Session

• 8:30 - Arrive at Touch of Nature
• 8:30 - 10:00 Session 1 - “Simply Sense-ational”
• 10:00 - 10:15 Break
• 10:15 - 11:45 Session 2 - Love to Learn
• 11:45 - 12:30 Lunch (Camper must bring a sack lunch)

Afternoon Session

• 12:30 - 2:00 Session 3 - Artistic Expression
• 2:00 - 2:15 Break
• 2:15 - 3:45 Session 4 - Rousing Recreation
• 3:45 - 4:00 Clean up and prepare to leave
• 4:00 - Depart Touch of Nature

Transportation

To save time and gas, supervised bus service is provided from the SIU Arena parking lot to Touch of Nature at no additional cost. The bus will leave SIU at 8:00 a.m. and return at 4:30 p.m. each day. There is supervision between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. only. Please be prompt! If you would like to use our bus services, please check the appropriate spot on the registration form. Parents who choose
to transport their campers to TON may drop them off at 8:30 a.m. and pick them up at 4:00 p.m. each day.

Program Brochure

Download the Eco-U Brochure

Registration

Space is limited! Enroll NOW by phone or mail to reserve your place. We will be taking registration until May 22 or until full.

Contact Kate Hellgren at Touch of Nature for more information and registration options.