EDventure
2026 EDventure Camp Day Camp Sessions
From environmental education to sports, games, adventure education, and arts and crafts, every week promises memorable opportunities for growth and fun.
Nature Detectives
Nature Detectives
June 15-18
Age: 5-12
Cost: $156
Drop off: 8:45 am
Pick-up: 3:00 pm
Calling all curious minds and outdoor explorers! At EDventure Camp - Nature Detectives Day 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, nature exploration, and games, campers will have opportunities to observe wildlife and plants, and work to understand 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 a morning and afternoon snack each day.
*Please note this is a 4-day camp (Monday-Thursday); in observation of Juneteenth.
Outdoor Adventures Week
Outdoor Adventures Week
June 22 - 26
Ages: 5-12
Cost: $195
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 a morning and afternoon snack each day.
Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Week
Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Week
June 22-26
Ages: 13-17
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. CITs must be between the ages of 13-17 years and have completed 7th grade and able to uphold the CIT contract.
*CITs will need to pack a sack lunch; Touch of Nature will provide a morning and afternoon snack each day.
Forest Explorers Week
Forest Explorers
June 29 - July 2
Cost: $156
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 a morning and afternoon snack each day.
*Please note this is a 4-day camp (Monday-Thursday); in observation of Fourth of July.
2027 Spring Break Camp
Please Note: Touch of Nature uses Active.com for online registration. Optional offers like Active Advantage or Active Refund may appear—these are not managed by us. Please read carefully to avoid accidental enrollment.
About EDventure Camp
Essential Eligibility Criteria and Inclusion Statement
Inclusion Statement: We strive to create summer camp programs that are enjoyable for as many children as possible. In everything we do, health and safety are our top priorities. As such, we must recognize the limitations of our facilities, our programs, and our staff. Below is a list of requirements deemed necessary for participation.
All campers must be able to do the following at a developmentally appropriate level for their age:
- Campers can communicate needs and concerns verbally with others at a conversational level of English.
- Campers can understand and comply with directions given by staff.
- Campers can refrain from unsafe and/or harmful behaviors toward self and others.
- Campers can feel comfortable living in a rustic, outdoor environment (e.g. no air conditioning, varying weather conditions, insects/animals, grass/dirt/mud).
- Campers can independently navigate hills, uneven trails, and rough terrain.
- Campers can manage their basic personal hygiene independently, which includes toileting, hand washing, and changing in and out of a bathing suit.
- Campers can use established coping mechanisms following an event that causes frustration, sadness, anger, or other difficult emotions.
- Campers can engage in behaviors that contribute to the positive community and spirit of EDventure Camp.
- Campers can stay away from technology and electronic devices for the full duration of the camp day.
- Campers can stay with their group throughout the camp day.
We cannot provide attendants (one-on-one staff members) to support individual children. In addition, we cannot accommodate medical issues requiring treatment beyond the scope of our health center and nurses. If you have questions about the scope of our health center, please contact us.
If you are unsure about whether your child meets the Essential Eligibility Criteria, then please contact our camp director to discuss their needs/interests and possible accommodations to support them. If EDventure Camp ends up not being a good fit for your child, then we are happy to connect you with another camp better suited to their needs and interests!
Questions?
Rockette Jaros
Outdoor Education and Inclusion Coordinator, or call the Touch of Nature Office
- Phone:
- (618) 453-1122
- Email:
- rockette.jaros@siu.edu