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.

Pine River Eco Camp

Trempealeau Eco Camp

Driftless No School Day Camps

Friday, October 17th & 31st
Registration opens September 17th at noon!

Don't let technology take over on no-school days! Join us at the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge for a one-day camp filled with outdoor exploration.

Who: Children ages 6-10

When: Friday, October 17th (Minnesota No School Day) & Friday, October 31st (Wisconsin 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

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Due to the federal government shutdown, the building & facilities at the Trempealeau Refuge, such as the OWL Center, are closed to the public until further notice. As there is uncertainty when facilities will reopen, the October 31st No School Camp Day is being relocated to Perrot State Park in Trempealeau, WI. Find directions here. The park provides ample outdoor space with a shelter for campers along with access to bathrooms. Trails are located nearby so campers can still explore the wonders of fall! Dates and times are remaining the same. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility. If the government shutdown were to end before October 30th at noon, then camp will relocate back to the Tremp. National Wildlife Refuge as originally planned.

What: Explore the refuge in fall 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 late October, 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

Space is still available - Register now!!!

Driftless Region Eco Camps - Trempealeau, WI

Just like that, summer has flown past us; that's what happens when you are having so much fun! Thank you to all the families who joined us this summer at the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge. It was such a wonderful summer making everlasting memories with new friends!

Stay tuned for 2026 Eco Camp dates & registration! Follow us on social media or subscribe to our monthly newsletter for program & camp updates.

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!

WHAT 2025 PARENTS HAD TO SAY

2nd Grade Camper

One of her favorite weeks of summer! We love the learning + fun. I’m so happy with the communication, organization and important and fun activities and discussions that take place.

5th Grade Camper

She learned so much! Our family recycles already but it was great to have her asking questions about it at home now. We were so impressed with camp and she had an amazing time. She was so excited to go every day. We will definitely be signing her up next year too! Thank you.

3rd Grade Camper

Thank you so much for having this camp. This is so needed in our area. We live in such a beautiful region and it's wonderful that you inspire our youth to explore, appreciate, and understand how to keep it beautiful.

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!”