This summer, the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary welcomed young explorers back to the vibrant ecosystems of the Platte River Valley. With most of our education staff participating in Safari and SOAR Camps for the first time, we intentionally focused on creating a smaller, more hands-on camp experience. Campers attended half-day sessions, allowing us to test how the new Anne Hubbard Education Classroom would enhance programming. Though camp was scaled down compared to past years, the more focused structure gave us a valuable opportunity to learn and grow.
Over three weeks, twenty-six campers in second through fifth grade joined us to explore wetlands, prairies, and the Platte River itself. Each day featured engaging, sensory-rich experiences designed to foster curiosity and deepen understanding of the natural world.
Day 1: Birds of the Platte River Valley
We began by introducing campers to the region’s feathered residents and the ecosystems they rely on. Campers learned why birds migrate through Nebraska, how to use binoculars, and what characteristics define a bird. The day was filled with interactive activities, including dressing up fellow campers as birds and decorating personal nature journals, which they used daily for observations and reflections.
Day 2: Wetland Wonders
Campers explored the Sanctuary’s new Wetland Exploration Deck and learned about the role wetlands play as critical habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. Dip-netting adventures revealed macroinvertebrates like caddisfly and dragonfly larvae, offering hands-on lessons in biodiversity. One camper’s shoe was lost to the muddy depths, but in return, we gained new knowledge and unforgettable discoveries.
Day 3: Secrets of the Prairie
On prairie day, campers investigated how birds use grasslands, and how to tell grasses from forbs. Scientists are only as good as the tools they use, so campers learned how to utilize various tools to explore the prairie. With jeweler’s loupes, they closely examined prairie plants, while sweep nets helped uncover hidden insects. Campers made wildlife track casts with plaster and created stunning cyanotype prints using native plants — blending science and art through prairie-inspired creativity.
Day 4: River Connections
The final day took us to the Platte River. Campers compared river species to those found in wetlands, using dip nets and seine nets to catch crawdads and small fish. They experimented with building dams to understand how human-made structures affect river flow and habitat. With snorkels and masks, campers observed underwater life, ending the day with joyful river play and newfound appreciation for this vital ecosystem.
More Than a Camp — A Connection to Nature
The mission of Rowe’s Safari Nature Camps is to immerse children in the wonders of the natural world — sparking curiosity, building knowledge, and fostering a lifelong connection to nature. At Rowe Sanctuary, learning comes alive beneath open skies. These summer programs do more than teach. They invite campers to become part of nature’s story, nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards, scientists, and storytellers. We look forward to expanding next year’s camp and building up the camp program.
