Welcome to Jr. Naturalist Camp 2026! We are so excited to provide new opportunities for all age groups this summer to explore the outdoors and engage with the natural world. We are excited to bring new play equipment to our nature playground and the building of a Gaga ball court! I also wanted to spotlight that our camp opportunities would not have been possible without amazing community partners providing unique opportunities throughout the summer. I look forward to meeting all of the campers this summer! We hope you have a great, safe, outdoors-based summer! Please use the information on this page for all the summer camp details.
Angela Rivera
Education Coordinator
The Lussier Family Heritage Center provides outdoor and environmental education experiences for persons of all ages and ability levels. We strive to connect all people with the outdoors as parks and open-spaces are vital to mental and physical well-being.
Experience our native prairie, freshwater marsh, and oak savanna habitats on the rolling hills of glacial drumlins. Visit our Prairie Learning Center surrounding the grounds of our facility featuring two pollinator gardens, a sensory garden, a natural play area, prairie seed beds, a monarch waystation, and a self- guided interpretive trail. The Heritage Center's unique natural setting is only 10 minutes from downtown Madison in William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park and the Capital Springs Recreation Area. It is easily accessed via two major shared-use trails: the Lower Yahara River Trail and the Capital City State Trail.
The Lussier Family Heritage Center is a multi-use, educational & interpretive facility serving a diverse population that provides opportunities for youth & adult learning, volunteerism, and outdoor recreation.
Every family wants their child to have great role models and we’ve found them! They understand the magic of camp and work hard to ensure that your child has an amazing experience. Staff are carefully screened and selected based on experience working with children, maturity, sound judgement and sensitivity. Safety is our top priority. Every member of our team goes through CPR, First AID, and AED certification and 40 hours of training prior to the start of camp.
Lussier Family Heritage Center - Main Office
heritagecenter@danecounty.gov
(608) 224-3604
Angela Rivera
Education Coordinator
rivera.angela@danecounty.gov
(608) 622-8320
“She loves being at Junior Naturalist summer camp because of the community feeling & new friends she makes every year. Her favorite place to be at camp is in the pine woods nature playground, where she can explore and be creative.”
- 2025 Camper Parent
“The junior naturalist summer camp is a new core memory for my son....When I picked my son up after his first day he jumped and squealed, “mom I love camp!”.”
- 2025 Camper Parent
“As parents, we were thrilled with the professionalism of the staff and the structure of the program. All of the staff communicated well and were supportive of parents and children. We really felt like everyone there knew what they were doing and wanted to be there doing a great job, rather than just collecting a paycheck.”
- 2025 Program Parent
“As a parent, it is such a joy watching my daughter come home every day excited about what she learned and did, happy, and eager to go back.”
- 2025 Camper Parent
Before starting your registration, please be prepared to provide all necessary information about your child’s health history, family contact information, and emergency contact information.
Registration opens February 1st at 5:00 p.m. in our online reservation system.
PLEASE NOTE: There are a limited number of spaces per camp. We HIGHLY RECOMMEND you register for all your weeks at once.
Confirmation of your child’s enrollment will be made via email through our online registration platform. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please contact heritagecenter@danecounty.gov. There will be a 10% change fee if you make changes to your registrations.
| Week 1 | 6/15 - 6/18 |
| Week 2 | 6/22 - 6/26 |
| Week 3 | 6/29 - 7/3 |
| Week 4 | 7/6 - 7/10 |
| Week 5 | 7/13 - 7/17 |
| Week 6 | 7/20 - 7/24 |
| Week 7 | 7/27 - 7/31 |
| Week 8 | 8/3 - 8/7 |
| Week 9 | 8/10 - 8/14 |
| Week 10 | 8/17 - 8/21 |
| Week 11 | 8/24 - 8/28 |
Camp balances are due by the following dates:
Please contact us if you have questions regarding the payment schedule.
PLEASE NOTE: If your camp balance is not paid by the weeks above, Lussier Family Heritage Center will charge the card on file plus an additional $10 administrative fee per an unpaid week.
Each day of camp provides a variety of safe and fun adventures!
8:15 - 8:30 a.m. - Arrival & Check-in
8:30 - 8:45 a.m. - Opening Ceremony
Each morning we meet with our counselors, and get excited for the day ahead!
8:45 - 9:00 a.m. - Morning Meeting
Each day we use ice breakers and games to get to know the other campers and make friends.
9:00 - 11:30 a.m. - Camp Activities
Campers begin their adventure with a wide variety of small and large group activities, nature activities, arts & crafts, water fun, games, sports, special themed activities and more while growing as individuals!
11:30 AM - 12:30 a.m.
Lunch, Playground, Sunscreen & Playground Mid-day we’ll kick back and relax by eating lunch and making new friendships during free choice time.
12:30 - 3:30 p.m. - Camp Activities
3:30 - 4:00 p.m. - Check Out & Departure
Each afternoon we say goodbye to our counselors and friends as we get picked up to head home and share our exciting camp day!
Extended care is offered weekly for families who need extra time for pick up and drop off. There is an additional $30 per week to enroll in extended care. Extended care will run from 7:30 - 8:15 a.m. and 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. in the lower level of the Heritage Center. If you are not signed up for extended care and do not arrive by 4:00 p.m., you will be charged $5 for every 5 minutes you are late.
3101 Lake Farm Rd. Madison, WI 53711
Monday - Friday 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Our camp encourages children and teens to learn and play in nature, and we strongly believe in the importance of less distractions during our camp program. The items below are not to be brought to camp unless needed for an ADA Modification - if brought to camp, these items will be taken away and kept in the office until a parent or guardian comes to pick them up.
The items above are not to be brought to camp - if brought to camp, these items will be taken away and kept in the office until a parent or guardian comes to pick them up.
Please put your child’s name on everything they bring to camp. If additional supplies are needed, we will inform you. Lussier Family Heritage Center is not responsible for any misplaced, stolen or lost items at camp. All lost & found items at camp are held for two weeks, and will be discarded soon after. Please email heritagecenter@danecounty.gov if your camper loses an item.
Campers must bring a bag lunch with them to camp Monday - Friday unless otherwise specified. Each day, campers are provided with a nutritious snack.
A camp t-shirt is included in the registration fee. Campers receive their t-shirt at the beginning of their first camp week. They receive only one t-shirt, regardless of how many weeks of camp they attend.
Cell phones and other electronic devices are NOT permitted for youth programming at Lussier Family Heritage Center. Our programs promote the opportunity for participants to learn and play in nature and we strongly believe in the importance of disconnecting during the camp experience. Devices should be left at home or stored in a camper’s backpack during camp hours.
Camp fees vary based on unique camp trips, activities, special guests, and transportation.
WEEK 1: JUNE 15 - 18, 2026 (No Camp June 19th)
| Camp | Age | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Explorer | 6 - 12 | $240 |
| 4C's | 10 - 11 | $310 |
| L.I.T. | 13 - 16 | $255 |
WEEK 2: JUNE 22 - 26, 2026
| Camp | Age | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Explorer | 6 - 12 | $300 |
| Little Farmer | 6 - 7 | $365 |
| Up, Up, & Away | 8 - 9 | $360 |
| Hook, Line & Sinker | 10 - 11 | $375 |
| Trailblazing Bikes | 12-14 | $390 |
WEEK 3: JUNE 29 - JULY 3, 2026
| Camp | Age | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Explorer | 6 - 12 | $300 |
WEEK 4: JULY 6 - 10, 2026
| Camp | Age | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Explorer | 6 - 12 | $300 |
| Water Exploration | 6 - 7 | $370 |
| Amazing Animals | 8 - 9 | $360 |
| Artistry Adventures | 10 - 11 | $390 |
| Little Naturalist | 5 | $100 |
WEEK 5: JULY 13 - 17, 2026
| Camp | Age | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Explorer | 6 - 12 | $300 |
| Mini Spectacular Senses | 6 - 7 | $365 |
| On the Farm | 8 - 9 | $370 |
| Precious Plants | 10 - 11 | $360 |
WEEK 6: JULY 20 - 24, 2026
| Camp | Age | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Explorer | 6 - 12 | $300 |
| Nature Stories | 6 - 7 | $350 |
| Dig In | 8 - 9 | $380 |
| Exploration Excursion | 10 - 11 | $375 |
| Hook, Line, & Sinker | 12-14 | $375 |
WEEK 7: JULY 27 - July 31, 2026
| Camp | Age | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Explorer | 6 - 12 | $300 |
| Nature Art | 6 - 7 | $365 |
| Junior Ranger | 8 - 9 | $365 |
| Wildlife Wonders | 10 - 11 | $365 |
| Little Naturalist | 5 | $100 |
WEEK 8: AUGUST 3 - 7, 2026
| Camp | Age | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Explorer | 6 - 12 | $300 |
| Mini Adventurers | 6 - 7 | $375 |
| Creature Creations | 8 - 9 | $380 |
| Path Finders | 10 - 11 | $365 |
| Wonderous Waters | 12 - 14 | $400 |
WEEK 9: AUGUST 10 - 14, 2026
| Camp | Age | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Explorer | 6 - 12 | $300 |
| Nature Heros | 6 - 7 | $350 |
| Mini Wonderous Waters | 8 - 9 | $365 |
| Over & Under | 10 - 11 | $375 |
| Climate Champions | 12 - 14 | $375 |
WEEK 10: AUGUST 16 - 21, 2025
| Camp | Age | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Explorer | 6 - 12 | $300 |
| Insect Investigators | 6 - 7 | $365 |
| All Things Camp | 8 - 9 | $360 |
| Survival Challenge | 10 - 11 | $380 |
| Little Naturalist | 5 | $100 |
WEEK 11: AUGUST 24 - 28, 2025
| Camp | Age | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Explorer | 6 - 12 | $300 |
CAMP TRIPS
All camp trips will be conducted via a third-party bussing company or a Dane County vehicle. Prices for all field trips are included in the cost of camp. For all off-site trips, there will be additional staff provided for adequate supervision of campers.
Junior Naturalist Camp is one of the best ways to experience the fun of Dane County Parks! Campers are placed into groups with similarly aged children. Each age group has a specialty theme associated with it. These are described in more detail below. Camp fees vary based on unique camp trips, activities, special guests, and transportation.
Little Naturalist Camp is intended to support our 5 year old campers in transitioning to full time camp in the future. This is a great way for your camper to get to know our facility and summer camp!
Each morning campers will meet at Lussier Family Heritage Center at 9 am. A snack will be provided each morning, please list any dietary restriction on their camp registration forms. Pick up will be at Lussier Family Heritage Center at 11 a.m.
Be prepared for your camper to be outside a full morning. Please apply bug spray and sunscreen prior to arrival.
Activities for Little Naturalists will be similar each week of camp. They may include:
Daily Schedule
9:00 - 9:15 a.m. - Check In
9:15 - 9:30 a.m. - Morning Meeting
9:30 - 10:00 a.m. - Activity
10:00 - 10:15 a.m. - Snack/Playground
10:15 - 10:45 a.m. - Activity
10:45 - 11:00 a.m. - Clean Up & Closer
Explorer camp is a mixed age group experience that is a “sampler” of activities that can be done throughout Dane County Parks, from fort building, nature exploration to canoeing. Camps will be similar from week to week and the camp is offered each week of summer. Camps will include little to no field trips.
Week 2: Little Farmer
Cock-a-doodle-do! It is time to learn about how to take care of our gardens and domesticated animals. Campers will also complete farm related games, cooking, crafts, and more! Campers will take a field trip to Troy’s Garden.
Week 4: Water Exploration
Splish-Splash! From fishing to water games, no camper will get out of this week without a love for water! Campers will get an opportunity to explore our water recreation and also what’s living in our waterways. There will be a field trip to a local swimming pool this week.
Week 5: Mini Spectacular Senses
We will be using our five senses to explore all things outdoors, finding the slippery, slimy, rough, and soft throughout our journeys. Through different habitats, we will let our senses take us on new adventures! This camp includes a senses program at the Madison School Farm and a campfire lunch cookout.
NEW! Week 6: Nature Stories
Once upon a time…. there were campers who loved to read and explore their environment. This week we will do just that. After exploring a nature children's book, campers will get opportunities to act, create, and explore the themes of the book each day. We will also visit a local library for a special story time.
NEW Week 7: Nature Art
Mud, sticks, stones…. What could we create! This week we will explore using nature to inspire our creations. Field trip to Olbrich Botanical Gardens for a special art program.
Week 8: Mini Adventurers
We are getting our campers outdoors to learn about all the recreation opportunities available at your parks. Campers will practice biking, fishing, disc golf, and more. There will be an outdoor adventure field trip.
Week 9: Nature Heroes
Calling all nature heros! It is time to unite together and make a positive impact on our natural world. This week will be filled with short service projects, recycled art project, seed collecting, and a trip to the Dane County Landfill to learn more about how we impact the earth.
Week 10: Insect Investigators
The prairie is in full bloom and it’s time to go on an insect investigation. Learning the basic biology of insects, this camp will also explore insect scavenger hunts, crafts, and so much more. The week will include a field trip to the Henry Vilas Zoo.
Week 2: Up, Up & Away
What's that in the sky? For those of us that are fascinated by what's above us, this camp will explore our local birds, weather, and more. This camp will include a special birding field trip to another Dane County Park property.
Week 4: Amazing Animals
Birds, insects, bears oh my! For all of our animal lovers out there, this is the camp for you! We will explore the animals in our parks and waterways as well as at the Henry Vilas Zoo. This camp will include an experience at the zoo and with the Dane County Wildlife Center.
Week 5: On the Farm
Chickens, gardening, and more. Campers will play games, meet animals, garden, and craft to learn about how a farm operates. This camp will include a field to Sassy Cow Creamery.
NEW Week 6: Dig In
Let's explore the world beneath our feet! From local geology to exploring soil health and types, we will sure be looking at the world below our feet this week. Camp will include a field trip to Cave of the Mounds.
Week 7: Junior Ranger
Time to earn our Junior Ranger Badge! This week our group will be learning about the job of a park ranger, from working in a campground to improving our trails. They will also learn more about being stewards of our environment. On Friday we will celebrate their badge earning with a campfire cookout, lunch will be provided on this day.
Week 8: Creature Creations
No camper will keep their hands clean this week as we use paint, dye, mud, and more to create art. Campers will spend the mornings creating art and get a special trip to Wheelhouse Studios to make a special animal art piece!
Week 9: Mini Wonderous Waters
Campers will get to make a splash this week by swimming and playing lots of water games. Campers will also get to investigate what lives in the water by using nets and by fishing. This camp will include a trip to a local swimming pool.
Week 10: All Things Camp!
Learn all the basics of camping this week by meeting with a Dane County Parks’ ranger, building a campsite, and participating in our favorite camping activities. This will include hiking, fishing, fort building, and more.
NEW! Week 1: 4 C’s
Canoe, cycle, cook, and climb - each day of camp campers will engage in one of the 4 C’s! Campers will work together as a team to overcome challenges and have fun! The camp also includes a trip to a local climbing facility and a campfire lunch cookout.
Week 2: Hook, Line & Sinker
Do you love to fish? This camp is for you! We will spend our days learning to cast, tying knots, creating lures and more each morning. Campers will get to visit multiple Dane County Parks properties to fish and engage with special guest speakers. This camp will include giving each camper a basic fishing rod and tackle.
Week 4: Artistry Adventures
This week campers will experience our natural world through the lens of art. Campers will be developing curiousity, imagination and observation of the animals and plants throughout the week. This camp includes a field trip to the Madison Children's Musuem.
Week 5: Precious Plants
Plants hold our world together. Campers will learn how to identify trees and prairie plants through hikes in our parks. They will also conduct a small plant restoration project at a Dane County Park. This camp includes a field trip at the Madison School Farm.
Week 6: Exploration Excursion
As we adventure off the beaten path, we will learn to explore and work as a team. We will hop on our bikes and canoes to explore the parks. This week will be full of exciting excursions including climbing at a local ropes course.
NEW! Week 7: Wildlife Wonders
Turtles, toads, snakes and more… this week will discover the wonders of the animal kingdom. Each day the group will focus on a new part of the animal kingdom! We will also get to attend a field trip at the Dane County Humane Society.
Week 8: Path Finders
Follow the map to find the treasure! Using orienteering and geocaching, campers will explore maps, navigate to hidden treasure, and make their own maps. This camp will have a special learning experience with our partners at “On the Map.”
Week 9: Over and Under
From up in the clouds to roots underground, we will learn about the things that live over and under in our parks. Come along as we investigate what lives in these spaces and how they differ from one another. This camp will include a visit to the International Crane Foundation.
Week 10: Survival Challenge
All week long we will follow a special storyline to survive the wilderness! Campers will have to make decisions as a team to lead their group to success. Should we paddle across the lake or keep walking? Should we build a shelter or see what's on the other side of the hill? Each choice will correspond with challenges that will lead the group to success or disaster. A trip to a local climbing gym and a campfire cookout will be included during this week of camp. Who will be the first team out?
Our teen camps are staggered to better support enrollment at other Nature Net organizations. Check out Nature Net to learn about more teen nature-based programming.
Week 1: Leaders in Training (LIT)
Come build your ability to communicate, serve your community and problem solve. This leadership camp is to prepare our youth for volunteering at Junior Naturalist Summer Camp or throughout the community. Group will visit a local ropes course for a teambuilding experience as well as engage in the parks as a teen volunteer. Ages 13 - 16.
NEW! Week 2: Trailblazers
Ready to go from the road to the trail? This beginner-friendly camp introduces the basics of mountain biking—how to shift, brake, and balance on trails with confidence. Riders will learn essential bike-handling skills, explore scenic routes, and build trail etiquette while having tons of outdoor fun. Specilaized instruction will be provided by CORP Trails. Ages 12 – 14.
NEW Week 6: Hook, Line & Sinker
Do you love to fish? This camp is for you! We will spend our days learning to cast, tying knots, creating lures and more each morning. Campers will get to visit multiple Dane County Parks properities to fish and engage with special guest speakers. As part of the cost of this camp is a basic fishing rod and tackle. Ages 12 - 14.
NEW! Week 8: Wonderous Waters
From fishing to canoeing down the river, campers have an opportunitiy to explore many water activities in the Madison area. Campers will go on a trip to a local waterpark and get an additional boating experience at local lake. Ages 12 - 14.
NEW! Week 9: Climate Champions
Learn all about our planet and how youth can be seeds of change. All week long we will engage with different elements of our local and global ecosystems, including learning about keeping our drinking water clean, our waste minimal, and our energy renewable. Campers will also meet with local experts and explore renewable energy infrastructure. Campers will take a biking trip to the Dane County Farmer's Market on Wednesday. Ages 12 - 14.
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