EDventure

/https://siu.edu/search-results.php

Last Updated: Mar 10, 2026, 04:19 PM

About EDventure Camp

From environmental education to sports, games, adventure education, and arts and crafts, every week promises memorable opportunities for growth and fun.
  • Camp Details

    • Our staff to camper ratio is 1:6 (6–8 years), 1:8 (9–14 years).
    • Campers will need to wear clothes for the outdoors, bring a sack lunch (Touch of Nature will provide one snack each day), change of clothes for creek exploration days, sunblock, a re-fillable water bottle, and small backpack to keep their belongings in.

    *Please be sure to read all documents provided in registration. 

    For any questions please call:

    Rockette Jaros
    rockette.jaros@siu.edu

    Outdoor Education and Inclusion Coordinator, or call the Touch of Nature Office at 
    (618) 453-1122

  • Daily Schedule Sample

    EDventure Schedule of Events
    8:45 AM Camper drop off
    9:00 AM All camp meeting
    9:15 AM Fill water bottles and prep for hike
    9:30 AM - 11:45 AM Hike and Creek Exploration
    11:45 AM Wash up & get ready for lunch
    12:00 PM Lunch
    12:45 PM Rest period / Quiet time
    1:00 PM Shelter Building
    2:00 PM Nature craft
    2:30 PM Snack
    2:45 PM Group Huddle / de-brief
    3:00 PM Camper pick up

Summer Camp Information

Nature Detectives

Nature Detectives

June 15-18

Cost: $200

Drop off: 8:45 am

Pick-up: 3:00 pm

Calling all curious minds and outdoor explorers! At EDventure Camp -Nature Detectives Summer Camp, campers will become investigators of the natural world—searching for clues, asking big questions, and uncovering the hidden stories of plants, animals, and ecosystems. Through hands-on activities, hikes, experiments, and games, campers will learn how to track wildlife, identify plants, and solve nature-based mysteries. Each day brings a new case to crack as we sharpen observation skills, build teamwork, and deepen our connection to the outdoors. Get ready to follow the clues—nature has secrets waiting to be discovered!

*Campers will need to pack a sack lunch; Touch of Nature will provide one snack each day.

Survival 101

Survival 101

June 22-266/22/25 – 6/26/25

Cost: $250

Drop off: 8:45 am

Pick-up: 3:00 pm

Ready to put your outdoor skills to the test? At Survival 101 Summer Camp, campers will learn the basics of outdoor survival while building confidence, teamwork, and resilience. Through hands-on activities and challenges, campers will practice shelter building, fire safety, navigation, knot tying, and how to safely interact with the natural environment. Guided by experienced instructors, campers will learn how to problem-solve, adapt, and work together—just like real outdoor adventurers. Whether it’s mastering essential skills or tackling team challenges, Survival 101 is all about learning to thrive outdoors in a safe, supportive, and exciting setting.

*Campers will need to pack a sack lunch; Touch of Nature will provide one snack each day.

Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Week

Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Week

June 22-26

Cost: $100

Drop off: 8:45 am

Pick-up: 3:00 pm

Ready to take the next step from camper to leader? Counselor-in-Training Week is designed for teens who want to build leadership skills, gain hands-on experience, and learn what it takes to be a great camp counselor. CITs will practice communication, teamwork, and responsibility while assisting with camp activities, learning behavior management strategies, and supporting younger campers. Through mentorship, skill-building workshops, and real-world experience, participants will grow in confidence and leadership, preparing them for future roles at camp and beyond.

*CIT’s will need to pack a sack lunch; Touch of Nature will provide one snack each day.

Leave No Trace Leader

Leave No Trace Leader

June 29 - July 2 

Cost: $200

Drop off: 8:45 am

Pick-up: 3:00 pm

Your camper will learn how to explore the outdoors responsibly while developing leadership, communication, and decision-making skills. Through hands-on activities, group challenges, and outdoor adventures, campers will practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace and discover how small actions can make a big impact on the environment. By the end of the week, campers won’t just be skilled outdoor users—they’ll be confident role models ready to lead by example and help protect the places they love.

*Campers will need to pack a sack lunch; Touch of Nature will provide one snack each day.