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Maple Syrup Festival

 Welcome to Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center! 

We had an amazing fall packed full of more fun than we could have hoped for. From the inagural Little Grassy Get Down to Haunted Hollow, we thank everyone who turned out to make these events possible. 

We have some great community programs coming up this spring- don't miss out, please click the links to the right for more information. Or, register for our summer EDventure Camps or Camp Little Giant.

Applications are open now for summer employment as camp counselors for both Camp Little Giant and our EDventure Camps. The applications and position descriptions can be found here.

 

One lingering camper thought -"Met strangers, left with friends!" -author unknown

 

Touch of Nature is committed to offering our participants a safe, fun, and enjoyable experience.  To view SIUC’s Coronavirius policy, please visit www.siu.edu/coronavirus.

Upcoming Events 

EDventure Camps

Beginning June 12, 2023

Camp Little Giant

Beginning June 18, 2023

Camp BETA

September 23-24, 2023

Little Grassy Get Down

October 6-8, 2023

2024 Solar Eclipse Weekend

April 6-9, 2024

Programs

Programs

Touch of Nature hosts experiential education programs, ranging from outdoor education and youth focused workshops to veteran adventures. These programs utilize the many natural resources located here in beautiful Southern Illinois.

Camps - Camp Little Giant

Camps and Retreats

Touch of Nature offers a variety of exciting, educational, and adventurous summer camps, including outdoor adventure camps and Camp Little Giant, offering a great way to mix education, fun and an appreciation of nature.

TON Trails

Veteran Adventures

TON Trails includes 10 miles of multi-use trails for bikers, hikers, and runners. Click here for trail information or check our Facebook page for trail open/close status and updates.

Base Camp

Basecamp

Base Camp offers a variety of equipment available to rent for your next outdoor adventure, regardless of whether it's for a day or several weeks.

Rentals open to SIU students, faculty, staff, and the community. 

Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace

Touch of Nature offers Leave No Trace trainings, including Master Educator courses, Trainer courses, and awareness workshops, teaching ethical outdoor conservation. 

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Become a "Friends of Touch of Nature" member!

Enjoy exclusive discounts and members-only events at Touch of Nature by becoming a member of Friends of Touch of Nature.  Already a member? Consider making a donation to a specific program or volunteering at our next event!

Let us host your next event!

We offer several hospitality services, including outdoor spaces, indoor facilities, lodging, dining, and custom activities for your next event, meeting, and conference. Please no weddings.

Fill out our program inquiry form