Partner Camps and Events

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Last Updated: Dec 02, 2025, 10:05 AM

picture of kids wearing life jackets at partner camp
Touch of Nature is proud to partner with outstanding organizations in the community to provide partner camps and events. Partnering with these organizations allows us to offer a wider variety of camps and events to reach more individuals. Read more about our partner camps and events below.

Available Partner Camps and Events

  • Camp BETA

    Camp BETA is a FREE overnight camp for your youth ages 10-16 with Type 1 diabetes. Camp BETA is a collaboration between Southern Illinois Healthcare, the Diabetes Today Resource Team, the SIU Human Nutrition and Dietetics Program, and Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center. Camp BETA 2026 dates coming soon!

     Registration closed!

  • SIU Polar Plunge

    Join Touch of Nature in supporting the Special Olympics across the state of Illinois by making the plunge at Campus Lake. Funds go on to support year-round training and competition as well as leadership, personal development and health education opportunities within the Special Olympics.

  • Becoming an Outdoors Woman

    Becoming An Outdoors-Woman (BOW) is a program designed to give women introductory experiences and instruction in various outdoor activities. Three-day weekend workshops include classes ranging from outdoor recreational activities to shooting sports to outdoor crafts and hobbies.

  • Team Illinois Youth Police Camp

    The Team Illinois Youth Police Camp at Touch of Nature is a week-long residency camp structured to promote educational and learning opportunities for youth ages 13-17 from diverse communities and backgrounds. Areas of focus include law enforcement, military, leadership, cultural diversity, personal development, physical fitness, and social and interpersonal skills.

  • The Inclusive Hunt

    Touch of Nature’s Inclusive Hunt, held with the assistance of the NWTF, is an event designed exclusively for individuals with disabilities who have a passion for archery, deer hunting, and the outdoors. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or new to the sport, you can apply to join independently or with a helper by your side. For those in need of a helper, worry not – dedicated volunteer helpers will be readily available. Our mission is to ensure that everyone can participate and create lasting memories.

  • Little Grassy Winter Songwriter Retreat

    Presented by Poss Music Works

    Join us Friday, February 27 through Sunday,March 1, 2026 for The Little Grassy Winter Songwriter Retreat at Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center! This weekend long retreat brought to you by Poss Music Works will feature musical workshops, networking opportunities, concerts, and the opportunity to create and record content in a recording studio.

    Weekend passes as well as listener day passes will be available. More details are coming soon. Join the Little Grassy Winter Songwriter Retreat group on Facebook to stay up to date with the latest information.

This event is brought to you in part by our Trailblazer, Little Giant Champion and Edventure Ambassador partners.

We would like to extend a very special thank you to our Trailblazers River Radio, E.T. Simonds Construction Co., SIU Credit Union, Illinois Laborers' & Contractors Joint Apprenticeship Program and Egyptian Electric.

For a full listing of our partners, please visit our sponsors page.