Summer 2024 Eco Camp
Eco Camps are nature-based day camps where campers will learn about various environmental topics through activities, games, crafts, stories, outdoor exploration & recreation, play, and a whole lot of fun! Each session has a maximum of 15 campers. In order to fully engage campers & provide age-appropriate activities that are fun for all, camps are separated by age group, based on the grade the camper is entering in the upcoming 2024-2025 school year.
Wild Child Nature Explorers - Bears!
Fall Series with the La Crosse County Libraries
When & Where
October 14th, 4:30-5:30 - West Salem
October 15th, 4:30-5:30 - Bangor
October 16, 6:30-7:30 - Holmen
October 22, 6:30-7:30 - Onalaska
October 24, 6:30-7:30 - Campbell
Who
Perfect for kids ages 6-10
(children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult)
What
We'll be discussing the different types of bears, learning about Fat Bear Week, trying out a "blubber glove," playing "Dress a Bear," and lots more! Free, but registration is required and begins September 16th.
FREE
Registration Required
Butterflies, Bats, & Bears, Oh My!
Who
Perfect for elementary-aged kids, families welcome.
What
Join Nora and/or Delaney to explore a variety of seasonal nature happenings - learn about butterflies & monarch migrations, the benefits of bats, & how the hungry appetite of a bear helps it survive winter!
FREE
When
Thursday, Sept. 12 at 4pm - Butterflies
Thursday, Oct. 10 at 4pm - Bats
Thursday, Nov. 14 at 4pm - Bears
Where
La Crescent Community Building
336 S. 1st Street, La Crescent, MN
Seeking Summer Volunteer
Happy Dancing Turtle - Driftless Region is searching for a volunteer to help with summer programming, specifically four weeks of nature-based day camp! Are you looking for experience working with kids? Do you love nature? Want to spend the summer outside having fun? Join us for an unforgettable experience!
For more information, view the Volunteer Posting here and the full Volunteer Job Description here.
No Available Positions at This Time
Check back in the future for available positions.
WHAT 2023 PARENTS HAD TO SAY
4th Grade Camper
"[My camper] had the best time. Each morning as we were driving to the refuge he would give me a percent excited...and every day increased 10-fold (last day we were up to 1,000,000%). He enjoyed the varied activities, the time outdoors, having guest speakers come in and meeting new kids. Thanks for such an amazing week - it was truly a great value add activity for his summer...he can't wait for next year!"
Anonymous
I was really impressed with how the whole week was run. The communication sent out beforehand was thorough and we felt prepared to send him to camp. I trusted Nora and Delaney completely and we were thankful to have their knowledge to help our camper learn about nature! ... Even though our camper was tuckered out each day, his response was always “I can’t wait until tomorrow!” We will definitely be returning next year! Thank you!
Kindergarten Camper
[My camper] really loved the camp, is noticing things on our walks that he never did before and I honestly think it was just grounding for him in general! I personally enjoyed the communication leading up to camp and the notes each day as well. I Thank you Nora and Delaney. He's already talking about going next year and this comes from a fairly shy kid (at least at first with strangers).
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations made at least 14 days prior to camp start date will receive a full refund, less a 10% processing fee.
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Cancellations made 3-13 days prior to camp start date will receive a refund of 50%.
-
Cancellations made less than 3 days prior to camp start date will receive no refund.
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Should Happy Dancing Turtle cancel camp for any reason, all paid registrations will receive a refund of 100%.
Driftless Region Eco Camps - Trempealeau, WI
Driftless Eco Camps are nature-based day camps for kids aged PreK-6th grade. The Driftless Region boasts unique geography & nature that is exciting to learn about through hands-on exploration! All camps will be hosted at the OWL Center at the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge in Trempealeau, Wisconsin with so much nature to explore right outside the door!
Grades 1-6: full-day Eco Camp runs Monday to Friday, from 9am to 3pm; $150*/camper; campers bring their own snack & lunch.
2024 Camp Dates
Grades 1 & 2: June 10 - 14 || FULL
Grades 3 & 4: June 24 - 28 || Closed for Registration
Grades 5 & 6: July 15 - 19 || FULL
PreK & Kindergarten: July 29 - Aug 2 || FULL
Please email driftless@happydancingturtle.org to be placed on the waitlist!
PreK-Kindergarten: we welcome the youngest campers to join us for a half-day camp! Campers must be at least 4 years of age by the time camp begins & be able to independently use the bathroom. This camp has a max of 13 campers. Camp runs Monday - Friday, from 9am to 12pm; $125*/camper; campers bring their own snack & lunch.
*The price of camp includes supplies, activities, guest speakers, camp t-shirt, & HDT keepsake. Payment plans & financial assistance are available, upon request. Email driftless@happdancingturtle.org for more information.
Driftless Region Family Nature Walks
When
Saturday, July 29
Saturday, October 21
All walks begin at 10am
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About
In partnership with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Family Nature Walks offer an opportunity for guided nature exploration with Happy Dancing Turtle's Nature Nora in the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge! Meet other nature-loving families as we take a leisurely walk, observing nature & learning fun facts. Plus, get activities to take home & resource recommendations to continue learning as a family! Meeting locations may vary based on conditions and phenology.
Pricing & Registration
Free, registration required. Please email driftless@happydancingturtle.org or call 218-587-2303 to reserve spots in a walk. Let us know the number in your group.
Weather & Cancellations
These walks are rain, shine, or snow events - please come prepared! In the event of severe weather, we will contact you to inform you of a cancellation.
Fall Wild Child Nature Explorers
When
Saturday, September 9 from 3-4:30pm
Where
Veterans Memorial Campground, Shelter #4
Who
Geared towards families with elementary-aged children, but all ages are welcome.
Pricing
FREE - No registration required.
About
Want to discover more about the birds of the Driftless Region and their adaptations? Join us at Veterans Memorial Campground for a bird-themed Wild Child Nature Explorers program in partnership with the La Crosse County Library! In these family-friendly activities, you'll learn about bird adaptations through the Bird Olympics, try your hand at a migration game, discover why the Driftless Region is so important for birds, and see what feathered friends you can find on the trails! No registration required - learn more here.
Fall Wild Child Nature Explorers
When
Saturday, September 9 from 3-4:30pm
Where
Veterans Memorial Campground, Shelter #4
Who
Geared towards families with elementary-aged children, but all ages are welcome.
Pricing
FREE - No registration required.
About
Want to discover more about the birds of the Driftless Region and their adaptations? Join us at Veterans Memorial Campground for a bird-themed Wild Child Nature Explorers program in partnership with the La Crosse County Library! In these family-friendly activities, you'll learn about bird adaptations through the Bird Olympics, try your hand at a migration game, discover why the Driftless Region is so important for birds, and see what feathered friends you can find on the trails! No registration required - learn more here.
Driftless Region Eco Camps - Trempealeau, WI
Driftless Eco Camps are nature-based day camps for kids aged PreK-6th grade. The Driftless Region boasts a unique geography & nature that is exciting to learn about through hands-on exploration! All camps will be hosted at the OWL Center at the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge in Trempealeau, Wisconsin.
Grades 1 & 2: June 12 - 16
Grades 3 & 4: July 10 - 14
Driftless Region Eco Camps - Trempealeau, WI
Driftless Eco Camps are nature-based day camps for kids aged PreK-6th grade. The Driftless Region boasts a unique geography & nature that is exciting to learn about through hands-on exploration! All camps will be hosted at the OWL Center at the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge in Trempealeau, Wisconsin.
Grades 1-6: full-day Eco Camp runs Monday to Friday, from 9am to 3pm; $150*/camper; snack provided, campers bring their own lunch
Grades 1 & 2: June 12 - 16
Grades 3 & 4: July 10 - 14
Grades 5 & 6: June 26 - 30
PreK-Kindergarten: we welcome the youngest campers to join us for a half-day camp! Campers must be at least 4 years of age by the time camp begins & be able to independently use the bathroom. Camp runs Monday - Friday, from 9am to 12pm; $125*/camper; snack provided, no lunch
PreK & Kindergarten: July 24-28 - FULL, email us to join the waitlist.
*The price of camp includes supplies, activities, t-shirt, and daily snack. Payment plans & financial assistance are available, upon request.
Register Today to Reserve Your Spot at Eco Camp!
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations made at least 14 days prior to camp start date will receive a full refund, less a 10% processing fee.
-
Cancellations made 3-13 days prior to camp start date will receive a refund of 50%.
-
Cancellations made less than 3 days prior to camp start date will receive no refund.
-
Should Happy Dancing Turtle cancel camp for any reason, all paid registrations will receive a refund of 100%.
Save the Date - Eco Camp 2023!
1st & 2nd grade: June 26 - 30
3rd & 4th grade: July 17 - 21
5th & 6th grade: July 31 - August 4
Camps are based on the grade the child is entering in the Fall of '23.
Registration opens mid-March
Monarchs and Milkweed
When
Oct. 3, 2022 @ 5 pm
Where
Winona Public Library - 151 W 5th St, Winona, MN 55987
About
Monarch migration in the Coulee Region typically peaks in September. Join Nora from Happy Dancing Turtle to learn about monarchs, multiple types of Minnesota milkweeds, and what you can do to help! We'll learn about several organizations working to conserve monarch populations. You'll make your own milkweed soil bombs to bring home and throw into the wild!
Driftless Region Family Nature Walks
When
Two walks per month are offered. Please only sign-up for ONE walk per month, as they will cover the same material. Space in walks is limited, so numerous walks are offered to ensure more availability.
Wed, Sept 14 at 4pm & Sat, Sept 17 at 10:30am
Wed, Oct 5 at 4pm & Sat, Oct 8 at 10:30am
Wed, Nov 9 at 4pm & Sat, Nov 12 at 10:30am
Wed, Dec 7 at 4pm & Sat, Dec 10 at 10:30am
Where
Walks take place in the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, though meeting locations will vary based on conditions and phenology. You will be emailed a meeting location and parking instructions the week of the walk.
Pricing
$5 per family per walk
Weather & Cancellations:
These walks are rain, shine, or snow events - please come prepared! In the event of severe weather, we will contact you to inform you of a cancellation. You may choose a refund or to participate in a walk on another date.
About
Join Nature Nora out on the trails for an hour of family fun! Meet other nature-loving families as we take a leisurely walk, observing nature & learning fun facts. Plus, get activities to take home & resource recommendations to continue learning as a family!
Trempealeau Library
The Driftless Region’s Nature Club meets on select Thursdays throughout the school year at the Trempealeau Public Library. Snack will be provided. Participants need to be dressed for the weather, as part of nature club will be outside (in all weather conditions)!
Select Thursdays, 3PM - 4:30PM
Fall Series: Dates TBD
Spring Series: Dates TBD
Pricing
Free!
Details
1st-5th Grade
Driftless No School Day Camps
Spring No School Day Camps
Friday, March 14th & 21st
Registration opens on February 18th at noon!
You asked and we listened! Many parents have shared that they wished Eco Camp was offered more than once a year. We can't wait to share the magic of the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge with your children during the rest of the year during our one-day camps!
Who: Children ages 6-10
When: Friday, March 14th (Winona No School Day) & Friday, March 21st (Galesville, Ettrick, Trempealeau No School Day). Drop-off from 8:30-9, pick-up from 3-3:30.
Where: The OWL Center at the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge
What: Explore the refuge in winter/spring with Nora and Delaney! Learn about the local plants & animals through fun activities, games, crafts, stories, & outdoor exploration! We will spend considerable time outdoors, so children MUST dress for the weather! In March, that could be full snow gear, full rain gear, or shorts & a sun hat - who knows! We'll send out a packing list as it gets closer. Campers must also bring a packed lunch and a snack.
Price: $50/camper
Wild Child Nature Explorers
When & Where
March 3rd, 6:30-7:30pm - Onalaska Library
March 4th, 4:30-5:30pm - Bangor Library
March 6th, 6:30-7:30pm - Campbell Library
March 10th, 4:30-5:30pm - West Salem Library
March 12th, 6:30-7:30pm - Holmen Library
Who
Elementary-aged children ages 6-10.
What
Join us to discover the amazing world of renewable energy. We'll take a deep dive into solar power through hands-on activities and learn how solar panels can transform sunlight into the electricity needed at your local library (like the newly solar-powered Bangor location) and beyond.
Pricing & Registration
FREE, registration required. Register online through the La Crosse County Library page.
Spring No School Day Camps
When
Friday, March 14th & 21st
Registration opens February 18th at noon!
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About
Explore the refuge with Nora and Delaney! Learn about local plants & animals through fun activities, games, crafts, stories, & outdoor exploration! We will spend considerable time outdoors, so children MUST dress for the weather! Snow pants, boots, a warm jacket, a hat, & waterproof gloves or mittens may be necessary! Campers must also bring a packed lunch and a snack.