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Summer Nature Camps

Our summer camps encourage kids to explore and learn about the environment through a variety of activities, including nature walks, bird watching, fishing, dip-netting, gardening, geocaching, flower pressing, games, crafts, stories, and more.

Who should attend our Summer Camps?

We welcome students entering grades 1 - 8 who want to learn about their natural surroundings. EIH will provide many opportunities for outdoor exploration, wildlife observation, and fun.

Registration closes on the Monday prior to each camp.
Unpaid camps will be cleared from carts every 24 hours.

2024 Summer Camps

Select a camp to view details. Registration is open for Discover Nature, Budding Naturalist, and Hunger Games Camps.

Discover Nature

Discover Nature Camp

June 3–6, 2024 (Mon–Thu)
8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Rising 1st & 2nd grade
$160 - UHCL Faculty/Staff/Students (log in with UHCL email for discounted price)
$175 - Early Bird Price until April 28, 2024
$185 - Price increases on April 29, 2024

Discover Nature Camp is perfect for rising 1st and 2nd graders with an interest in nature, providing an excellent introduction to the outdoors. Camp activities encompass a wide range, from nature walks and bird watching to fishing, dip-netting, gardening, and a mix of engaging games, crafts, and stories.

Discover Nature Registration

Budding Naturalist

Budding Naturalist Camp

June 10–13, 2024 (Mon–Thu)
8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Rising 3rd – 5th grade
$160 - UHCL Faculty/Staff/Students (log in with UHCL email for discounted price)
$175 - Early Bird Price until April 28, 2024
$185 - Price increases on April 29, 2024

Budding Naturalist Camp is crafted for rising 3rd-5th graders, offering a diverse range of activities such as nature walks, bird watching, fishing, dip-netting, gardening, geocaching, flower pressing, and games, ensuring an enriching and enjoyable experience for every participant!

Budding Naturalist Registration

Hunger Games

Hunger Games Camp

June 24–27, 2024 (Mon–Thu)
8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Rising 6th – 8th grade
$260 - UHCL Faculty/Staff/Students (log in with UHCL email for discounted price)
$275 - Early Bird Price until April 28, 2024
$285 - Price increases on April 29, 2024

Discover new skills while having FUN! Participants will explore the UHCL campus through nature hikes, bird watching, and geocaching, try their hand at archery and fishing, and learn about edible plants and foraging, all within the spirit of friendly competition!

Hunger Games Registration

Girls on the Prairie

Girls on the Prairie

June 10–14, 2024 (Mon–Fri)
8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
High school girls
Cost: FREE - Grant funded
Limited to 12 participants.

Welcome to the prairie! Girls on the Prairie is a week-long program geared toward high school girls interested in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) and STEAM-related careers. Many of our activities are outdoors; be prepared for warm weather.

On select days, our summer camp activities will take place at a different location. All registered campers are required to arrange their own transportation to each designated location. Detailed information regarding locations will be provided in the camp itinerary.

  • 3 Days at Deer Park Prairie
  • 1 Day at location TBD
  • 1 Day at UHCL Environmental Institute of Houston
  • Activities (subject to change):
    • Art in Nature
    • Hiking
    • Nature Journaling
    • Technology
    • Water Quality
    • Soils
    • Career Day
    • Ornithology
    • Entomology
  • What to bring:
    • Brown Bag Lunch
    • Reusable Water Bottle
    • Long Pants
    • Closed-toed Shoes
    • Sun Protection

Registration Opening Soon!

Required Forms

Please bring all forms to the first day of camp.

Location

Discover Nature, Budding Naturalist, and Hunger Games campers will meet in the EIH training room in the North Office Annex (NOA) 1 building each morning of camp. The NOA 1 building is located near entrance 3 off of Middlebrook Dr. on the University of Houston-Clear Lake campus.

Girls on the Prairie campers will meet at various locations including Deet Park Prairie and UHCL EIH. Detailed information regarding locations will be provided in the camp itinerary.

See the UHCL campus map to get directions.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

No refund will be made for cancellations less than 14 days prior to scheduled camp. Refunds, less a 15% fee, will be made if you cancel at least 14 days prior to scheduled camp. Refunds are not made for early dismissal, failure to attend, absences, or sick days.

Accommodations

Any individual requiring an accommodation in order to participate in this event or utilize these services will need to contact the Environmental Institute of Houston at EIH@uhcl.edu at least two weeks in advance to arrange for the accommodation.

Teaching children about the natural world should be treated as one of the most important events in their lives.
—Thomas Berry

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