4-H Clubs
Youth select from a broad menu of local 4‑H programs based on their interests and with the guidance of adults. There are hands-on, learn-by-doing, opportunities for everyone.
River Bend Nature Center
Experience the great outdoors within the city limits at River Bend Nature Center. Multiple hiking trails take you through prairie, woodland and wetland habitats. Check out the “floating bridge”, natural amphitheater or explore the Straight River’s picturesque “bend.”
Schools Out Adventure Days
These programs are open to kindergarten through 5th graders. The School’s Out Adventure Day fee is $50 per person per day, [$40/member]. Optional additional before and after care is $10. Scholarships are available, call to inquire. Bring a bag lunch and dress for the weather.
Summer Camp: Science Camp (Ages 6-8)
Our popular Science Camp is back! Kids will have the opportunity to use critical and creative thinking skills as they are guided through our interactive and hands-on science activities and experiments. A few of the scientific areas that will be covered are: earth science, chemistry, physics and animal science.
Summer Camp: Super Hero Camp (Ages 8-12)
Join the Fun Center Camp staff for a special super hero camp event. There will be a variety of challenges, projects and super hero adventures throughout the week-long camp. A morning snack will be provided. Campers should bring a water bottle and dress to play!
Summer Camps: Adventure is Out There! (Youth entering grades 3-5 or 5-7)
Find an adventure without ever having to leave the Nature Center. We’ll spend the week learning new skills such as archery, orienteering, and mountain biking. In this camp we’ll have the chance to explore all that River Bend has to offer. Bring a lunch and wear comfortable clothing with closed toed shoes. Snacks provided.
Summer camps: Goslings (pre-k youth)
Goslings camp allows those that are pre-k to get outside, meet new friends and explore all the wonderful creatures that the outdoors has to offer! Choose between session 1 which focuses on plants and animals or session 2 which focuses on creepy crawlers.
Summer Camps: Pond Skimmers (Youth entering grades 6-8)
Pond Skimmers camp allows youth entering grades 6-8 opportunities to participate in various outdoor activities whether it is ropes courses, fire and shelter-building, animal exploration, extreme hiking and biking, competitive games or water activities!
Summer Camps: Puddle Jumpers (Youth entering grades k-1)
Both Puddle Jumpers sessions offers a twist on discovering the natural world around us! Puddle Jumpers camp focuses on examining and learning about the creatures that we might encounter day-to-day in our backyards!
Summer Camps: Safety Camp (youth entering grades 3 & 4)
Safety Camp teaches participants safety education through demonstrations, influential speakers and hands-on activities in a fun camp setting. Safety topics include water, bike, animal, fishing, electrical, farm, stranger danger and fire safety. Police, firefighters and recreation staff serve as a camp counselors. All campers will receive an informational letter one week prior to the event.