Eco Camp
Happy Dancing Turtle Eco Camps
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. To fully engage campers & provide age-appropriate activities that are fun for all, camps are separated by age group. Eco Camps are in both our locations: Northern Lakes Region in Pine River, MN and the Driftless Region in Trempealeau, WI.
Driftless Region Eco Camps - Trempealeau, WI
Registration is open for 2026!
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!
2026 Camp Dates
Grades 1 & 2: June 8 - 12 & June 22 - 26*
Grades 3 & 4: July 6 - 10
Grades 5 & 6: July 20 - 24
PreK & Kindergarten: Aug 3 - 7
Based on grade camper will enter in Fall of 2026
*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.
Note: Camps for PreK-K + Grades 3-4 are full and closed for registration. Please email driftless@happydancingturtle.org to be added to the waiting list for Summer 2026.
Grades 1-6: full-day Eco Camp runs Monday to Friday, from 9am to 3pm; campers bring their own snack & lunch. Cost is $180 per camper.
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; campers bring their own snack & lunch. Cost is $140 per camper.
*The price of camp includes supplies, activities, guest speakers, & camp t-shirt. Payment plans & financial assistance are available on the registration form. Email driftless@happdancingturtle.org for more information.
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%.
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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%.
Northern Lakes Eco Camps - Pine River, MN
Pine River Eco Camps
With another amazing summer of Eco Camp in the books, we want to give a huge Thank You to all of the families that participated this year! So much time was spent exploring nature, building new and rekindling old friendships, and making lasting memories!
We can't wait to do it all again next summer! Sign up for our newsletter or follow us on social media to stay updated on dates and registration.
Pine River Eco Camps are nature-based day camps for kids aged 1st-6th grade. All camps will be hosted at the Hunt Utilities Group Resilient Living Campus in Pine River, Minnesota. Campers will have the opportunity to learn and explore in a forest classroom setting, a strawbale building, and a 2-acre demonstration garden. Depending on age, campers may also walk into town for various activities.
WHAT PARENTS HAD TO SAY ABOUT CAMP IN '25
1st Grade Camper
“We have started to grow more food at home and try to produce less waste. We are so pleased with the program and look forward to many more years of Eco Camp with our children! Thanks for all you do!”
3rd Grade Camper
“She came home each day with something (everything) to share. She wanted to tell all the things. On our walk, she named so many plants!”
6th Grade Camper
“We really love and appreciate all the work and energy and care put into the camp. Best week ever!”
