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.
-
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%.
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
.png)
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!
.png)
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.
Nature Adventures
Who
Elementary-aged children in K-5, 5 years & older
What
Join Nora & Delaney to explore a variety of seasonal nature happenings relevant to our local ecosystems with hands-on activities, games, crafts, stories, & more! Intended for children in alternative school programs. Programs will take place indoors AND outdoors - so dress accordingly & be ready to go outside!
When
Bi-weekly on Wednesdays at 11am.
Upcoming dates:
April 23 - Terrific Turtles (FULL)
May 7 & 21 - Bizarre Backyard Bugs (choose 1 session)
Where
Shirley M. Wright Memorial Library in Trempealeau
11455 Fremont Street, Trempealeau WI, 54661
How
Program is FREE to attend, but space is limited! Register by calling the library at 608-534-6197 or in person at the library.
.png)
Winona Community Education Opportunities for Adult Enrichment
Who
Adults
What
Discover the wonders of spring on a walk with Delaney around Lake Winona on May 1st. Explore the blooming flora and returning fauna of the season.
Curious to learn more about what nature you can find right in your backyard? Join Delaney on May 15th to take a leisurely stroll around the Winona neighborhood and discover the wildlife that is all around us, but we may not notice!
When
Spring Walk: May 1st, 2025 from 4:30-5:30 pm
Neighborhood Walk: May 15th, 2025 from 4:30-5:30 pm
.png)
Where
Both walks will start in the Winona Senior High School parking lot.
How
Registration for the walks is $10 and can be found through the Winona Community Education website here. Or click the buttons below to register directly for that walk!
Earth Day Fair
Who
Everyone, bring the whole family!
What
Join us at the Bluff County Co-op to visit local organizations in celebrating Earth Day. Stop by our table to learn about upcoming programs and make a recycled craft!
When
Saturday, May 3rd from 10 am to 2 pm.
Where
Bluff Country Co-op in Winona. Located at 121 W 2nd St, Winona MN, 55987. Find us in the Community Room!
World Migratory Bird Day
Who
Everyone, bring the whole family!
What
Each year the Refuge celebrates World Migratory Bird Day to encourage support for migratory bird conservation. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Shared Spaces.” Stop by Happy Dancing Turtle's station to discover the importance of macroinvertebrates! With bird-walks, live presentations, and more -- this is an event for the whole family!
When
The event is happening Saturday, May 10th from 7 am to 12:30 pm, our booth will be up from 9-11am!
Where
.png)
Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge located at W28488 Refuge Rd, Trempealeau WI, 54661
*Note: the Refuge is having road work done so the Marshland Access will be where you enter as the Main Entrance is closed. Find more details on the Refuge's website here.
Driftless Region Eco Camps - Trempealeau, WI
Registration CLOSED!
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!
2025 Camp Dates
Grades 1 & 2: June 9 - 13 & June 23 - 27*
Grades 3 & 4: July 7 - 11
Grades 5 & 6: July 21 - 25
PreK & Kindergarten: Aug 4 - 8
Based on grade camper will enter in Fall of 2025
*We are offering two weeks of the 1st &2nd grade age group to accommodate more campers. Please choose one - these weeks are the same program.
All camps are full for Driftless Region Eco Camp! Please email us at driftless@happydancingturtle.org or click the button below to be added to our waitlist!
Grades 1-6: full-day Eco Camp runs Monday to Friday, from 9am to 3pm; $150*/camper; campers bring their own snack & lunch.
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 to 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 on the registration form. Email driftless@happdancingturtle.org for more information.
Fall No School Day Camps
When
Friday, October 17th & 31st
Registration open NOW!
.png)
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! Campers must also bring a packed lunch and a snack.
NOTE: The 10/31 camp has moved to Perrot State Park in Trempealeau, WI.
Take a Walk on the Wild Side
When
Anytime between Friday, October 17th &
Friday, October 31st!
.png)
About
Are you brave enough to find 20 of the world's most dangerous animals hidden on the trails of the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge? Learn about each one as you go! Download/print the free guide to take along & explore at your own pace on your own schedule. Animal pictures will be on the trail through Halloween!
FREE
Where
Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge
Park near the observation deck/visitor center
Driftless Region Family Nature Walk
When
Saturday, October 25
Beginning at 10am, walks are planned for an hour, but may run longer depending on interesting nature finds & group size!
Who
Anyone! Great opportunity to get the whole family outside.
About
FREE
In partnership with the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, Family Nature Walks offer an opportunity for guided nature exploration with Happy Dancing Turtle! Meet other nature-loving families as we take a leisurely walk, observing nature & learning fun facts. Meeting locations may vary based on conditions and phenology.
Pricing & Registration
Free, but registration is required. Click the button below to fill out registration & reserve spots in a 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.
Fall Series with La Crescent Library
Who
Perfect for elementary-aged kids, families welcome.
What
Join Nora and/or Delaney to explore a variety of seasonal nature happenings - discover the mysteries of the deep sea, the importance of trees, & explore the night sky!
FREE
When
Thursday, Sept. 11 at 4pm - Oceans
Thursday, Oct. 9 at 4pm - Trees
Thursday, Nov. 20 at 4pm - Astronomy