Winter nature camps are offered during school winter break (Dec/Jan).
Each camp focuses on the incredible natural world and includes lessons and crafts or other activities, and a hike. We encourage kids to dress appropriate for the weather (usually layers and a jacket) and to wear clothes that can get a bit dirty. We will be outside, after all!
Camps are daily and five hours each. Descriptions, dates, times and fees will be listed under each weekly camp title. Please refer to the column to the right for info on how to register.
Post-Camp Care: 3 pm – 4 pm (No post-camp care for Camp 5)
Post-Camp Care Price: $10 per camper/camp
Camps will be listed below by age range: 5, 6-7 and 8-11. We can’t wait to have your child join us!
Cancellation/Refund Policy
A cancellation fee of 10% will apply to all cancellations made more than 14 days before the start of a camp. No refunds will be given if cancellation is 14 days or less before the camp. A rescheduling fee of $10 will apply for each camp change requested. A 24-hour notice to reschedule is required. Please note that the ACTIVE Network processing fee is non-refundable as that is a fee not collected by EYNC.
Price: $75 Non-member | $70 Member
Hours: 10 am – 3 pm (5 hours) EXCEPT Camp 5
Camp 5 Hours: 10 am – 1 pm (3 hours)
Price: $45 Non-Member | $40 Member
NO CAMPS ON MONDAY 12/25 and MONDAY 1/1 DUE TO HOLIDAYS.
CAMP 5: Sleepy Sleepers – Wednesday, December 27
Age 5 Only
10 am – 1 pm
Many animals tuck themselves in and sleep away the cold winter months. Why do they do this? How does this help them stay alive? Learn about our local hibernating critters and why this long period of sleep is important for their survival.
Camp 5: Happy Habitats – Wednesday, January 3
Age 5 Only
10 am – 1 pm
Explore our forests and fields to find the animals that live here. Discover many different animal habitats and learn how each one meets animals’ needs. Join us on a new discovery as we learn about insects, mammals, birds, and much more!
Extraordinary Ectotherms – Tuesday, December 26
Ages 6 – 7
10 am – 3 pm
Slither, hop, and skitter into the world of cold-blooded critters! Explore what makes an animal an ‘ectotherm’ and how they survive during the cold season. Bundle up as we explore both vertebrate (back-bone) and invertebrate (no backbone) animal ambassadors, how their bodies are affected by changing outside temperature, and investigate their adaptations in the winter!
Underground Dwellers – Wednesday, December 27
Ages 6 – 11
10 am – 3 pm
There’s an entire world beneath your feet that is waiting to be explored! How do different animals experience their world in the intricate tunnels they’ve built below us? Search for evidence of some incredible underground dwellers in our Nature Study Area and uncover each critter’s important role in our ecosystem.
Woodland Tales – Thursday, December 28
Ages 6 – 7
10 am – 3 pm
Why does woodpecker sound like it’s laughing? Are rocks really alive? Join us for a day full of discovery and storytelling as we explore the oak woodland, listen to tales of the plants and creatures who call it home, and get creative ourselves!
Camouflage Masters – Friday, December 29
Ages 6 – 7
10 am – 3 pm
Whoooo’s that sitting in the tree over there? Did that bumpy rock just blink?! Keep your eyes peeled for hidden creatures as we hike through our oak woodland. How many different animals can you spot? Learn about how camouflage helps different animals survive and meet a few of these camouflage masters up close!
Slumbering Species – Tuesday, January 2
Ages 6 – 7
10 am – 3 pm
It’s winter time again and many of our animal friends are slumbering through the cold weather. Why and how do they hibernate? When will they wake up? Do all animals do this? Discover the answers to these questions and more as we learn about who these critters are, why they do this, and what they need to do to successfully snooze through the cold months.
Winged Migration – Wednesday, January 3
Ages 6 – 11
10 am – 3 pm
Some birds travel remarkable distances throughout the year in pursuit of food or shelter. Bring binoculars or borrow a pair of ours to get a closer look at the birds that visit the Lower American River during the winter season. We will also meet one of our migratory animal ambassadors and learn about the incredible journey his species makes every year!
Dashing Deer – Thursday, January 4
Ages 6 – 7
10 am – 3 pm
Join us this holiday season as we explore the woods for this iconic hoofed mammal. Not all deer are reindeer, but why are there so many different kinds? And what is the difference between horns and antlers? Find out as we explore the dazzling dashing deer at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center!
Winter Wilderness – Friday, January 5
Ages 6 – 7
10 am – 3 pm
How do non-migratory birds survive in the winter? How do cold-blooded critters keep warm when it’s cold out? Learn about how these amazing animals use their smarts, skills, and senses to endure the chilly months of the winter season.
Colorful Critters – Tuesday, December 26
Ages 8 – 11
10 am – 3 pm
Immerse yourself into the beautiful, strange, and confusing world of color! Learn to identify the different kinds of camouflage and colorations, and why they’re important for survival. During our hike, how many animals hiding in plain sight can you find? Discover why some animals change color depending on the seasons, and meet live masters of mimicry and illusion.
Underground Dwellers – Wednesday, December 27
Ages 6 – 11
10 am – 3 pm
There’s an entire world beneath your feet that is waiting to be explored! How do different animals experience their world in the intricate tunnels they’ve built below us? Search for evidence of some incredible underground dwellers in our Nature Study Area and uncover each critter’s important role in our ecosystem.
Crafty Corner – Thursday, December 28
Ages 8 – 11
10 am – 3 pm
Explore your creative side! This craft workshop will keep your hands busy with clay, wood, and plant materials. Hike to the river and let nature and your imagination inspire you. Fashion a necklace featuring a shell from the sea and try your luck at the walnut dice game. Allergen note: Tree nuts will be used in this program, although not eaten. Facial masks and vinyl gloves are available to wear during sanding of wood and tree nuts.
Citizen Scientists – Friday, December 29
Ages 8 – 11
10 am – 3 pm
Citizen science is an amazing way to get the community involved in scientific research. During this camp, we will be recording data on our hike and at the river while also learning how this data contributes to our local environmental science.
Earth Protectors – Tuesday, January 2
Ages 8 – 11
10 am – 3 pm
Become a hero to nature! Discover the fun and wonders of our local habitats while learning how you can be a protector of all wildlife. Meet animal ambassadors we care for and learn their stories, explore wild plants and animals in the Nature Study Area, and discover how your everyday choices can make you a nature steward!
Winged Migration – Wednesday, January 3
Ages 6 – 11
10 am – 3 pm
Some birds travel remarkable distances throughout the year in pursuit of food or shelter. Bring binoculars or borrow a pair of ours to get a closer look at the birds that visit the Lower American River during the winter season. We will also meet one of our migratory animal ambassadors and learn about the incredible journey his species makes every year!
Right as Rain – Thursday, January 4
Ages 8 – 11
10 am – 3 pm
Nature doesn’t go away when it rains! Explore how the environment changes when nature gets cloudy and wet, and why rain is so important for growth. Rain or shine, you’ll come out of this camp ready to explore the wettest parts of our outdoor world.
Weather Watchers – Friday, January 5
Ages 8 – 11
10 am – 3 pm
Where does lightning come from? Why do we get winter storms? Learn about different weather phenomena through outdoor exploration, hands-on activities, and storytelling. Discover ways to predict weather by observing nature and harness the soothing sound of rain to bring home with you!
