Summer Camps
Summer camp experiences at the Ozark Natural Science Center are exceptionally unique. Our 89 acre campus in the Bear Hollow Natural Area on nearly 500 acres of Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission land flanked by the Kings River, a Wildlife Management Area and acreage recently acquired by The Nature Conservancy makes this an unprecedented outdoor learning environment. Thanks to special grants and partnerships, many camp prices are significantly lower this year, allowing more children to have the opportunity of a lifetime.
Read about our summer camps below, and note that we have two NEW camps as well as many updates to popular camps offered in the past. Important updates for 2012 summer camps: All camps have a minimum enrollment of ten participants. Additionally, while all ONSC camps include lessons in the natural sciences (biology, geology etc.), our Junior and Senior Naturalist camps are particularly science-focused and may not interest all youth. Please note that these camps (marked with an asterisk *) require a separate application including teacher recommendation.
Click here: All ONSC 2012 Summer Camps At-A-Glance
Click here: All ONSC 2012 Summer Camps with Detailed Descriptions
Click here: All 2012 Summer Camp Registration Forms & Materials
Ozark Field Expedition Camp
Ages 13 – 17 ● June 10 – 15 ● ($625) $475
ONSC’s Ozark Field Expeditions Camp provides a unique experience for older summer campers to completely immerse themselves in the wonder of the Ozarks. Each year this camp takes participants to new places and offers new experiences. We will spend 2 1/2 days backpacking on the Ozark Highlands Trail, and take an overnight canoe trip down the Buffalo National River. Students will develop a deep appreciation for our natural world while experiencing the best the Ozarks has to offer! All safety equipment and most backpacking equipment will be provided. Space is limited and special registration is required.
Fayetteville Natural Heritage Association Founders Scholarship available!
Senior Naturalist Camp 
Ages 12 – 14, limited enrollment ● June 12 – 16 ● ($525) $399
Campers will get more in-depth lessons in biology, ecology, and geology along the trails and streams of Bear Hollow and the McIlroy-Madison County Wildlife Management Area in this 5 day, 4 night camp. Parrticipants will camp 2 nights along the Kings River and explore the beauty and diversity of the stream while swimming and canoeing. Day hikes to nearby Fishtrap Bluff, a collapsed grotto with a hidden waterfall, and the upper Bear Hollow Wilderness Area will provide an experience not soon forgotten. Special application due: May 28.
Fayetteville Natural Heritage Association Founders Scholarship available!
Art & Nature Camp
Ages 9 – 13 ● June 17 – 22 ● ($500) $325
This unique camp explores photography, architecture, paper-making, sculpture, collage, tie-dye, bird nests and animal habitats, Native American structures, journaling, astronomy, found art and more. At the end of the week, campers will exhibit their masterworks. This fantastic week led by artists, architects and naturalists includes swimming and outdoor fun, and all art materials are included.
Ozark River Odyssey Camp 1 
Ages 13 – 17 ● June 18 – 23 ● ($700) $399
This canoeing themed camp sponsored by a waterway preservation grant from Cargill, Inc. includes a week exploring nearby rivers. After a day trip on nearby Kings River, participants will spend 3 days and two nights on the Buffalo National River. Campers will learn about river ecosystems and conservation while paddling down the river and hiking on side-trips to waterfalls and other special destinations. Camp includes lessons on trip planning, safety, and campcraft. Space is very limited and special registration is required.
Fledgling Naturalist Camp
Ages 8 – 9 ● June 24 – 26 ● ($300) $199
Fledgling Naturalist Camp is a great way to introduce young nature enthusiasts to the wonders of the outdoors. Campers will spend 3 days and 2 nights learning about nature on ONSC’s trails, competing in Nature Olympics, and cooling off in the Kings River. Campfires and a moonlit hike highlight this experience.
Fayetteville Natural Heritage Association Founders Scholarship available!
Backpacking Expedition Camp 
Ages 13 – 17 ● June 24 – 30 ● New camp! $450
*New for Summer 2012!* ONSC’s Backpacking Expedition Camp includes a 5 day, 4 night backpacking trip along the Ozark Highlands Trail. Campers will learn about trip planning, hiking safety and campcraft all while enjoying the scenic splendor of the Ozarks. All safety equipment and most backpacking equipment will be provided.
Junior Naturalist Camp 
Ages 10 – 11, limited enrollment ● June 27 – 30 ● ($425) $299
Campers will spend 4 days and 3 nights exploring ONSC’s trails, creating nature art and learning about biology, geology, and astronomy in addition to helping with a field research project. Campers will learn the basics of field observations and practice their skills while keeping their own nature journals and plant presses. Participants will take a day trip to the nearby Kings River to learn about river ecology and stream organisms and to escape the heat. Special application due: June 12.
Fayetteville Natural Heritage Association Founders Scholarship available!
Junior Naturalist Camp 2
Ages 10 – 12, limited enrollment ● July 8 – 12 ● ($500) $349
This 5-day, 4-night camp includes a two-night camp-out in ONSC’s Tent Village and includes exploration of the history and ecology of Bear Hollow and the McIlroy-Madison County Wildlife Management Area. Campers will learn terrestrial ecology and geology. Participants will become wildlife biologists for a day by learning about animal tracking techniques and then tracking transmitter-equipped turtles in ONSC’s box turtle research program. Participants will cool off in the Kings River and enjoy campfires and reflections at the end of each day. Special application due: June 22.
Fayetteville Natural Heritage Association Founders Scholarship available!
Eco-Restoration Camp
Ages 13 – 17 ● July 10 – 14 ● New camp! $325
*New for Summer 2012!* Campers will learn about land management practices that can positively impact the environment and return it to health while exploring the Bear Hollow Natural Area, McIlroy-Madison County Wildlife Management Area, the Kings River Preserve, and the Baker Prairie Natural Area. Topics include erosion control, fire management, non-native plant removal and reforestation. Campers will get their hands dirty putting their knowledge intoto practice with restoration ecology work of their own!
Fayetteville Natural Heritage Association Founders Scholarship available!
Ozark River Odyssey Camp 2
Ages 13 – 17 ● July 15 – 20 ●($700) $399
The Odyssey continues into Missouri! Thanks to a waterway preservation grant from Cargill, Inc., this camp begins with paddling refreshers and lessons on canoe trip planning, river safety, and navigation, then we’ll head to the rivers of the Missouri Ozarks. Campers will explore the Eleven Point River with ONSC’s experienced team of Teacher Naturalists as guides. Space is very limited and special registration is required.
Summer Camp at ONSC (in brief)
The Ozark Natural Science Center in the heart of the Ozarks is a pristine outdoor classroom that catapults visitors into the best of the natural world. Those who set foot on our campus find the experience changes their life perspective.
Campers enjoy the rug
ged natural beauty of the Ozark mountains led by our experienced team of Teacher Naturalists and summer interns. Our staff undergo full background checks and as a minimum are trained in CPR, emergency procedures and Basic Wilderness First Aid. Senior staff have certifications in Advanced Wilderness First Aid, Swiftwater Rescue and Wilderness First Responder and a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Our basic but comfortable lodges are separated by gender, supervised by Lodge Counselors, climate controlled and have bunk beds and bathrooms with showers. Meals are prepared in a professional kitchen.
ONSC camps provide youth the opportunity to explore field science with an emphasis on ecology, local flora and fauna, astronomy and more. Campers develop an understanding of and appreciation for nature through diverse activities that may include music, writing, visual arts and the work of naturalists and scientists. Campers also have fun hiking, swimming, canoeing, and forming strong bonds of friendship as they develop a sense of responsibility for their actions and an appreciation of the natural world.
ONSC also offers courses through our newly-launched Outdoor Skills Institute as well as adult and family programs, weekend retreats, corporate team-building and private group facility rentals.
Click here: All ONSC 2012 Summer Camps At-A-Glance
Click here: All 2012 Summer Camp Registration Forms & Materials
