A half-day camp for young children to learn about the world around them. Camp activities and experiences are planned around seasonal changes and happenings at the Nature Center. Children have time to explore and investigate, play with others in a social setting, and express themselves through arts and crafts. Come prepared to be outdoors, get dirty, and have fun! Children must be potty-trained and able to use an adult sized toilet on their own. 

All fees for camps taking place in June must be paid by May 15. All fees for July camps are due by June 15. Cancellations not received one week prior to camp are non-refundable and collectable, if unpaid. Payment and Form finalize enrollment. 

Explorer Camp activities include hikes, creek exploration, pond investigations, archery, fishing, arts and crafts, and more. Participants will be outside most of each day and will need to bring a lunch, water bottle, and an extra change of clothes (don't forget extra socks!) and closed-toe shoes daily. Specific schedules of activities will be emailed to registered participants prior to camp.

Camp Location: Pioneers Park Nature Center - Education Building

Camp Hours: Camp is staffed 8:00am to 5:30pm.

Required Form: After enrollment, please complete the Nature Center Participant Information & Waiver Form.

Fee Payment Schedule:

Camp Session	Fee Due Date
March	One week prior
June	May 15
July/August	June 15
October	One week prior
December	One week prior

Cancellations not received one week prior to camp are non-refundable and collectable, if unpaid. Enrollment is not finalized until payment and Participant Information & Waiver Form are submitted.

Children learn by doing: hiking, climbing, digging, building and being outdoors regardless of the weather.  Nature Preschool offers children the opportunity to explore nature in a wildlife sanctuary, encountering diverse landscapes and animals during daily hikes and outdoor play.

Preschool Program: Teachers use the Nebraska Early Learning Guidelines to plan experiences and add materials that enhance children's understanding of topics of interest while also incorporating activities through play.

*Ages: 3 to 5 years old

Days and Times:  Tuesday & Thursday mornings 9:00 to 11:30

*This mixed age class provides students an opportunity to learn social skills with peers 2 days per week. Older students act as a guide and role model for our younger students as they play and learn alongside one another, developing social skills as they interact and explore with nature in a hands-on way.

PreK Program: Pre-K provides students an opportunity to build social skills with peers of their same age, as they learn letters, letter sounds, early math skills, and explore nature in a hands-on way. The Pre-K curriculum is offered 3 days per week and is ideal for students the year before entering Kindergarten 

Ages: 4 and 5 years old

Days and Times:  Monday, Wednesday & Friday mornings 9:00 to 11:30 or afternoons 12:45 to 3:15 

For more information, please contact Candace Kastrup, Preschool Director at 402-441-8669.

Contact Pioneers Park Nature Center at (402) 441-7895 or naturecenter@lincoln.ne.gov.

Visit the Nature Center to learn about nature, hiking, and the plants and animals that you might encounter in Nebraska. Your hike leader will help you identify plants, animals and animal signs while exploring the Nature Center.

Hikes can be adapted for specific scout level requirements. Hikes must be arranged at least two weeks in advance.

Call 402-441-7895 for more info or to schedule your hike.