Ozark Natural Science Center offers a unique, immersion-based approach to learning about nature and the natural sciences. Students visit us for authentic science learning experiences that are correlated with national and state science learning standards and provide in-depth education in biology, ecology, geology, and social studies – all while students have fun hiking and experiencing nature. Camp activities include day hikes, night hikes, team-building, games, and small-group activities.
We are located in Madison County, Arkansas, between Huntsville and Eureka Springs. NEW THIS SUMMER- some camps offered at our Lake Fayetteville location.
Thu, Jun 06 | ONSC - Main Campus
2-day, 1-night Fledgling Summer Camp at ONSC
Join us at Ozark Natural Science Center in Northwest Arkansas for a 2-day, 1-night Fledgling Summer Camp, full of nature and science exploration. Ages 6-14. Designed to be an introductory overnight camp experience for children who may not have been away from home before, and/or would prefer a short camp, and are interested in nature and science. Campers will be divided into field groups for hikes and other activities by age level. Activities include day hikes, a campfire and short night hike, games, hands-on classes and small-group activities.
Campers will stay in ONSC's lodges, and will be assigned to rooms by age and gender. Cost: $165.
June 10-13, 4-day, 3 night camp ONSC- Main Campus
ONSC's Jr. Naturalist Summer Camp will help curious campers learn how to be great observers and investigators of nature, provide opportunities to use different tools and methods of field science and research, and be so much fun! Ages 8-14. Campers will be divided into field groups for hikes and some other activities by age level. Camp activities include day hikes, night hikes, hands-on classes, team-building, games, nature art, and small-group activities.
Campers will stay in ONSC's lodges, and will be assigned to rooms by age and gender. Cost: $400
June 17-20, 4-day, 3 night- ONSC - Main Campus
ONSC's Pollinator Camp is designed to celebrate Pollinator Week, and will give campers the opportunity to learn about a variety of different kinds of pollinators (including some unusual ones, such as beetles and reptiles!), their habitat needs (including native host plants, water sources, and pollinator houses), and problems they face. Campers will also get to help with actual research on native bees of Arkansas and our Arkansas State Butterfly, the Diana Fritillary! Ages 8-14. Other camp activities will include day hikes, night hikes, team-building, games, and small-group activities.
Campers will be divided into field groups for hikes and some other activities by age level. Campers will stay in ONSC's lodges, and will be assigned to rooms by age and gender. Cost $400
Jun 24-27, 4-day,3-night- ONSC - Main Campus
ONSC Wilderness Skills Summer Camp is for campers ages 8-14 who want to learn all about what it takes to survive in the wild, from tools and skills to the mindset needed to handle adversities and problem solve in the wilderness. Some of the skills discussed and practiced will include:
Mental preparedness
Environmental assessment and action plans
Comfort management
Sourcing materials from nature
Foraging and eating outdoors
Shelter building
Water accessibility and treatment/purification
Fire building and starting
Orienteering and map reading
Other camp components will include day hikes, night hikes, team-building, games, educational and recreational water activities, and small-group activities.
Campers will be divided into field groups for hikes and some other activities by age level. Campers will stay in ONSC's lodges, and will be assigned to rooms by age and gender. *Weather permitting, campers will get the opportunity to camp outdoors in tents and/or their built shelters on one night. Cost: $400
June 10-13, June 17-20, June 24-27, July 29-Aug 1.- Day Camps- Lake Fayetteville location
Dive into an unforgettable summer of nature, science, and adventure with ONSC! During our Summer Day Camps, campers will:
Embark on field investigations with our Teacher Naturalists during guided hikes.
Let their creativity bloom with eco-art projects
Enjoy exciting games and activities to stay active and engaged throughout the day.
Learn nature journaling to record their experiences and discoveries, nurturing a deeper connection with the world around them.
Experience fascinating science lessons that bring the wonders of the natural world to life.
Located at ONSC’s new Lake Fayetteville location, our day camps combine the benefits of being outdoors with the chance to immerse in our science classrooms for lessons and activities. Ages 6-14. Cost: $275
We strive to make ONSC programs accessible and affordable for all. In addition to ONSC's regular scholarship fund, we have been given a generous grant from the Walton Family Foundation so we can provide more camp scholarships.
