Ecology Camp: The Wild Wonders of Your Own Backyard

About the Camp

Ecologists-in-training will spend a week traveling to ecologically important locations in Centre County, exploring unique water resources and ecosystems, and learning about the flora and fauna of our region. Daily hands-on “Creature Features” will give campers the opportunity to learn to identify fish, amphibians, and reptiles. Campers will also use kick seines and hand nets in streams and ponds to sample, identify, and access invertebrate life as bioindicators of water quality. During the week, campers will paddle a canoe in our watershed, hike in ecologically significant areas, tour a fish hatchery, identify important trees, learn about acid mine damage to streams, build water filters, and gain awareness, understanding, and appreciation for the wild wonders of Centre County.

Please note: our camp is instructed in local and sometimes remote outdoor environments, including mountain tops, rocky trails, swamps, streams, and lake shore locations. Our activities will include several hikes of 2–3 miles, wading in swamps and streams, and participating in a guided canoe trip.

Details

Ages: 11-14

Dates: July 27-30

Price: $335

Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Please note that on the final day of camp, dismissal typically occurs earlier than 4:00 p.m.
Some camps may also include a closing ceremony or showcase for families on the final day. Specific dismissal times and event details will be shared with families closer to the start of camp.

Location: University Park (Exact locations will be communicated to registrants 2 weeks prior to camp)

Lunch and Snacks: Campers should pack a peanut free lunch each day. Pizza will be provided on the last day of camp. Activity breaks will be taken each day to allow campers to eat their peanut free snacks that they bring from home.

Registration for 2026 camps opens on February 3rd at 12pm. Access the registration page HERE

Questions?

Office of Science Outreach, 201 Ritenour Building, University Park, PA 16802

For more information, please see Information for Parents from the Penn State Office of Ethics and Compliance.