Spring Break Overnight Camp at Ozark Natural Science Center

ONSC 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, social studies, and nature art – all while students have fun hiking and experiencing nature. Camp activities include day hikes, night hikes, team-building, games, and small-group activities.

Students will stay in ONSC's lodges, and will be assigned to rooms by age and gender. 

We also have a limited number of free tickets for parent chaperones. We will need at least one male and one female chaperone for each age group with a maximum of 6 total chaperones. We strive to assign chaperones to field groups that don't include their own child(ren), to allow all students an authentic feeling of "camp independence." However, exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis. An interview and background check are required to become a chaperone. 

Scholarships:

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. Apply here for a scholarship.

Registration:

Step 1: Purchase tickets below

Step 2: Complete the Camper Registration Form​ for each camper

Step 3: Read the Parent/Guardian Packet and Packing List

Tentative camp schedule and details:

Monday, March 18

7:30am - Arrival

8am - Staff-Parent-Camper Meeting

9am - Camper meeting & orientation

10am - Name games / ice-breakers 

12pm - Lunch 

1pm - Nature Journal construction & Naturalist notes

2pm - Field Investigation (guided hike)

5:30pm - Dinner   

6:30pm - Herpetology/Frogwatch 

7:30pm - Campfire

8:30pm - Mini night hike

Overnight in ONSC lodges with chaperones

Tuesday, March 19

8am - Breakfast

9am - Field investigation (guided hike) 

12pm - Lunch

1pm - Eco-art and activities

2pm -  Field investigation (guided hike)

5:30pm - Dinner

7pm - Active recreation time

8:15pm - Astronomy in field

Overnight in ONSC lodges with chaperones   

Wednesday, March 20

8am - Breakfast

9am - Class/Activites 

10am - Field investigation (guided hike)

12pm - Lunch

1pm - Class/Activites

2pm - Active and/or quiet rec time

3pm - Class/Activites/Short hike

5:30pm - Dinner   

7pm - Campfire w/Lorax play

8:15 - Astronomy and/or night hike

Overnight in ONSC lodges with chaperones   

Thursday, March 21

8am - Breakfast

9am - Ornithology class & how to use binoculars 

10am - Field investigation (guided hike)

12pm - Lunch

1pm - Lodges - packing

2pm - Active and/or quiet rec time

3pm - Class/Activites/Short hike

5pm - Dinner

5-6pm - Parents arrive, store time, departure

About the Instructors:

Visit www.onsc.us/staff to learn more about our Teacher Naturalists and other staff.