DISCOVER YOUR LOVE OF NATUREOutdoor Exploration Camps teach kids all there is to love about nature! These hands-on camps encourage children to discover the outdoors, explore their environment and gain a new understanding of the world around them. Your child’s weeks are sure to be filled with wonder, discovery and adventure. Register for one of our Outdoor Exploration Camps today!

Outdoor Exploration CampsApple Creek YMCA

For additional information check out our 2018 YMCA Summer Camp Guide or visit ymcafoxcities.org.

FOR AGES 3-5Little Earth Scouts Your little Earth Scout will spend their mornings getting to know the four Earth friends: sun, soil, water and air. Campers will be involved in a variety of activities including puppet shows, crafts, games, experiments, hikes and playtime outdoors daily. Both sessions will cover the same information and activities.

Dirt Made My Lunch Play, create, eat and tend to our YMCA garden together! We will learn about garden nutrition and our connection to the foods we eat, as well as share stories, make crafts and discover what other animals and insects around us enjoy the garden too.

FOR AGES 5-9Incredible Insects Be prepared to get down and dirty in our search for bugs of all kinds. Discover just how incredible insects really are while we explore different types of habitats throughout the preserve.

Watch Me Grow Explore the world of plants, flowers and trees and find out what they need to grow. We’ll also hike the preserve in search of plants and flowers to learn their names and more about what makes each one special.

Animal Babies Animal babies are everywhere at the Apple Creek YMCA in the early summer. We will learn about baby insects, tadpoles, birds and more through daily hikes, exploration, games and crafts.

Pond Explorers Explore the various ponds on the Apple Creek YMCA property. Learn about frogs, toads, tadpoles, aquatic turtles and other creatures that live by the pond, as well as play games and make pond related crafts. Be prepared to get muddy!

Ridiculous Reptiles Explore and learn everything you never knew about snakes, turtles and lizards that live near you. Find out what makes these animals freaky, fun and fascinating!

Creepy Crawly Critters Learn about snakes, toads, insects, spiders, bats and lots of other creepy crawlies that live outside the Apple Creek YMCA, then decide for yourself if they really deserve to be called creepy!

Nature’s Superheroes Have you ever wished you had superpowers? There are many animals that have powers like super strength, speed, vision and camouflage. Learn what makes these animals as amazing as any superhero through games, crafts and activities that any aspiring superhero will enjoy.

Mammals and More Discover answers to all the questions about mammals you’ve ever had while you find out about the fuzzy critters we have on the preserve. Don’t miss your chance to see live mammals up close in the classroom!

Sticks and Stones Play creative games each afternoon using everyday natural objects, like sticks, stones, nuts, flowers and more. You’ll be amazed at how much fun can be had with things waiting to be discovered in nature!

Treerific ForestsLearn about trees, leaves and bark and what trees need to grow and survive. We’ll also explore the forest to see who lives in the trees and find out why the forest is such a cool place to be during the hot summer!

FOR AGES 7-10Let’s Go Camping Learn the basics of a fun and safe camping trip and then camp overnight outside the Apple Creek YMCA. We’ll learn how to pitch tents, safely make a campfire, cook camp food, play camping games and go for hikes all to prepare us for our overnight camping experience!

Wild Experiments Grab your lab coat and test tubes! Conduct wild and wacky experiments to learn all about science and nature around you.

Fishing Fun Join us for an entire camp devoted to fishing. Learn Fish ID, equipment, baits, knots, how to clean and cook a fish and much more. Then put all your knowledge to the test at two different local fishing holes!

Up With the Birds Wake up each morning with a birding hike in the woods and all around the Apple Creek YMCA. Learn how to identify birds by sight and sound and how to use binoculars. How many species will we meet?

Into the Woods Hike deep into the woods of the Purdy Preserve each day to explore what makes our forests unique both for people and the wildlife that live there. We will incorporate compass use and map skills as we hike and learn about the amazing woods!

Lurking in the Night Ever wonder what it would be like if you were nocturnal? Come join us as we explore how Wisconsin’s nocturnal animals survive in the shadows. Then experience the dark forest with your very own night hike.

FOR AGES 10-13Outdoor AdventuresNeed a way to keep your pre-teen busy and teach them new outdoor skills? Join us for four fun-filled days including geocaching, archery competitions, habitat restoration, hiking and exploring at another local park or nature center and much more.

Wilderness SurvivalDo you have what it takes to survive? Learn how to build a shelter, start a fire, find food in the forest and skills such as knot tying, wilderness first aid and much more.