2024 Summer Camps

Registration open!

Outdoor, nature-based summer camps in Madison.

  • Fairy Camp, Ages 5-7

    This camp is all about fairies. We will be outdoors in nature spots at Hoyt Park. We will do fairy nature art, play fairy games, build fairy homes, tell fairy stories, and hike to explore new fairy spaces.

    June 10-14, 9am-2pm

    FULL: Please email to be on the waitlist.

    Sign Up for Fairy Camp

  • Screech OWL Camp, Ages 4-6

    For the young campers, this OWL camp is for you. We will play games, find adventures, have imaginative play, and notice little things. Young Screech OWLs, see you there!

    June 24- 28, 9am-1pm at Hoyt Park

    FULL: Please email to be the waitlist.

    Sign Up for Screech OWL Camp

  • Fishing Club with Dave, Ages 6-11

    Learn to fish, or get some good fishing time in with Dave! This club meets once a week on Friday mornings. Fishing poles provided.

    Fridays in July (5th, 12th, 19th, 26th) 9am-Noon

    Location TBD

    FULL: Please email to be on the waitlist.

    Sign up for Fishing Club

  • *Drop in* Fishing Club with Dave, Ages 6-11

    This is the same as the fishing club, but for folks who can only come 1, 2, or 3 of the times. Drop in in to fishing club!

    FULL: Please email to be on the waitlist.

    Sign Up to Drop in to Fishing Club

  • Barred OWL Camp, Ages 8-12

    Later elementary and middle schoolers- this camp is for you! We will play lots of games, explore, do some art, and learn and practice nature skills.

    July 29-Aug.2, 9am-3pm at Hoyt Park

    FULL: Please email to be on the waitlist.

    Sign Up for Barred OWL Camp

  • Awareness Camp, Ages 7-13

    This camp is specifically designed for the child who wants to move at a slower, more intentional pace. In this camp, we will sharpen our awareness skills through games and practice. Come ready to sneak, hide, notice, and deeply immerse in nature!

    July 8-12, 9am-3pm

    2 spots left

    Sign Up for Awareness Camp

  • OWL Scholarship Fund

    Nature is for everyone, not just those who can afford it. Donate to the OWL Scholarship Fund by adding this to your cart for check out. By contributing, you are helping to improve OWL programs. Just like in nature, our diversity makes us stronger! Every contribution will be MATCHED by OWL. Thank you!

    Contribute to the OWL Scholarship Fund

If you or your OWL student identifies as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color, feel free to use the discount code, BIPOC (all caps) at check out for 10% off your total order. Financial need isn’t necessary to make use of this code. Full scholarships also available. Please reach out if the cost is a barrier for your family. OWL can help to make sure that your child has access because nature is for everyone!

OWL Programs

We meet at different natural spaces on Madison’s near West side including the Glen, the UW Arboretum, and Wingra Park. Sometimes we venture to Picnic Point, Olin Woods, and more. How do we spend our time together?

We come together.

  • Gratitude, land acknowledgment, and a game

We play fun games.

  • Active games, awareness games, nature-based games

We learn about the natural world.

  • Educational nature lessons, local experts, sit spots, observations and wonder

We learn about ourselves and each other.

  • Improv games, self-reflection, walk and talks

Sometimes we go on adventures.

  • Camping, bikerides, edible hikes, canoe trips

We read books, tell stories, and do nature art!

 
 
Cancellation policy: Folks who need to drop a program ahead of time for any reason can receive a full credit to OWL for future programs. Otherwise, refunds: 75% if more than 2 weeks of start date, and 50% if within 2 weeks of start date. If the program has already begun, a prorated OWL credit will be given. If you'd like to give a program a try before committing, that's allowed! Just email weslie@outdoorswelearnmadison.com to find out more. If OWL ever needs to cancel an entire program a full refund will be given, with the option of donating your program cost to the scholarship fund. If OWL ever needs to cancel one day of a multi-day program due to weather or illness, nothing needs to be done. If OWL needs to cancel more than 1 day of a multi-day program, those who are enrolled will receive either: an OWL credit or a make-up date.