🔍 EcoExplorers

Come ready for exploration! In this camp, we’ll spend time both inside and out exploring the wetlands of the Swaner Preserve. Campers will try their hand at catching frogs and bugs, learn about the many mammals that call the Preserve home, and create some fun crafts to take home!

🌿 Nature Sensation

“Equipped with his five senses, man explores the universe around him and calls the adventure Science”—Edwin Powell Hubble  

In this sensational session, we’ll take Mr. Hubble’s words to heart and put our senses to the test to discover the natural world! Campers will touch, taste, smell, look, and listen their way to exploring the science of nature!

🪱 Nitty Gritty Nature

Prepare to dig into what’s underground! We’ll explore roots, worms, and mud in this hands-on and exciting session! We’ll leave no stone unturned as we examine what happens underneath our feet.

☀️ Outdoor Exploration

You’ve searched high, you’ve searched low, and you’ve finally found it—the best summer camp for aspiring outdoor explorers! Join us for this fun session to explore the Swaner Preserve. Campers will explore the wetlands, take a dip in the stream, and learn all about nature through hands-on experiences.

🧪 Down to a Science

It all boils down to this – this camp is for curious scientists who like to experiment! Campers will engage in scientific and engineering processes as they explore natural phenomena around them. Be sure to pack your lab goggles and come prepared to discover the nature of science!

🦊 Creature Feature

Are you an aspiring animal expert? Whale, look no further! From snails to snakes, beavers to bugs, and rabbits to raptors, no critter will be left behind. Through hands-on activities and special guest visitors, campers will meet some of our regional residents and learn more about how they make their homes on the Preserve.

🌋 Nature's Fury

When disaster strikes...be prepared! Discover the science behind many of nature’s strongest forces. From earthquakes to floods, avalanches to forest fires, campers will investigate and experiment to learn more about natural disasters and how to best prepare for them. 

🐌 Disgusting Discoveries

Warning: this camp is not for the faint of heart, but it is sure to be oozing with fun! Campers will get down and dirty as we explore the not-so-pretty side of nature. What can inspecting scat on the Preserve tell us? Does making slime serve a purpose to snails? These questions and more will be answered in a fun (and maybe foul) way.

🌳 Nurturing Nature

Calling all tree huggers and earth lovers! Campers will cultivate a deeper connection with the environment as we nurture and preserve the beauty that surrounds us. We will dive into the importance of plants and ecosystems, explore ways to help nature, and make a commitment to a sustainable future!

🐸 Wetland Warriors

Prepare to get your feet wet as we explore rivers, ponds, and the wetland habitat found on the Swaner Preserve. Campers will search for frogs, investigate aquatic invertebrates, and more in this outdoor-focused camp. Things are sure to get a little wet and wild! 

🦉 Nocturnal Nature

Get ready for learning to glow-up as we investigate what nature is up to after hours. Campers will explore the benefits of staying up late, find solutions to light pollution, and more in this night-focused camp. Make sure you don’t hit snooze on registering!

🏕️ Wildly Prepared

This is “knot” your average survival camp! Campers will explore the Preserve to learn and practice skills that are useful to anyone who loves the great outdoors. From foraging to fire building, navigation to knots, and shelters to scat ID, your camper will become the ultimate survival guide in your next adventure.

🦅 Predator Power

In this camp, carnivores are king! Investigate what makes nature’s mighty meat eaters the ultimate predators, discover the importance of carrying capacity, and learn more about relationships between animals in an ecosystem. After a week of learning, campers will be ready to take a bite out of science. 

💎 Ready to Rock

Get ready for a rockin’ good time as we journey into the fascinating world of geology! Join us as we learn about different types of rocks and minerals, travel back in time to the land of dinosaurs, and get down to the bedrock of things. 

🦋 Designed by Nature

Fueled by nature’s genius, scientists and engineers have taken notes from the natural world to design solutions. In this creative session, campers will explore the concept of biomimicry, investigate solutions to environmental issues, and try their hand at the engineering design process. 

🥾 Conservation Crew

Grab your muck boots and work gloves – it's time to join the conservation crew! Discover the process behind conservation projects that protect our environment. Campers will identify local conservation projects, design realistic solutions, explore careers in conservation, and help out with a project on the Preserve that will leave them feeling like they’ve made a positive impact on the environment. 

🦫 Watershed Explorers

Go ahead and dive in—the water’s fine! Prepare for an adventure filled week as we explore our local watershed! Campers will head to the Uinta Mountains, then go with the flow until we make it all the way to the Great Salt Lake. Get ready to test and collect water quality data, visit numerous sites in our watershed, and learn about where our water comes from (and where it goes after we flush).

⛰️ Alpine Adventures

Calling all summits seekers and alpine enthusiasts! Join us to explore the geology, ecology, and history of Utah’s diverse forest and alpine environments. Campers will explore how Utah’s mountains and canyons formed, identify local flora and fauna, and learn about how mountains have shaped our culture. This camp is sure to be a peak experience of the summer! 

🌟 Counselors in Training

This program is designed for 7th and 8th graders who are interested in making the jump from camper to counselor. CITs will learn about the skills necessary to be a leader. You’ll get the opportunity to work with younger campers and show them just how excited you are about camps at Swaner! This camp includes two leadership focused field trips on Wednesday and Friday, as well as group activities each day.