Life in the Forest - Summer Day Camp at ONSC Lake Fayetteville

🌳Summer Day Camp at ONSC Lake Fayetteville: Life in the Forest🌳

📅 Monday, June 15 – Thursday, June 18, 2026

📍ONSC at Lake Fayetteville – 599 E Lakeview Dr, Springdale, AR 72764

⭐Ages 7-14⭐

Step into the woods and learn what it takes to explore the forest safely and confidently during Life in the Forest Day Camp. Campers will build outdoor skills while discovering the interconnected plants, animals, and natural features that make up forest ecosystems.

Throughout the week, campers will:

🥾 Practice outdoor skills for hiking and camping

🏕️ Learn campsite setup and outdoor preparedness

🌿 Identify plants, trees, and other forest specimens

💧 Explore water purification and its importance in the outdoors

🌱 Study botany and forest ecology

🎨 Create nature-inspired eco-art

🎉 Play active games and group challenges

📝 Document discoveries through nature journaling

🔬 Engage in hands-on science lessons about forest systems

📍 Hosted at ONSC’s Lake Fayetteville location, this camp combines outdoor adventure with science-based learning to help campers build confidence and connection in nature.

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: Be on the lookout for a packing list and info packet which will be sent out before camp to the email address you provided!

Chaperones:

We have a limited number of free tickets for parent 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.

Daily Schedule (tentative):

• 7:30 - 9am: Drop-off

• Morning Session: Field investigation (guided hike), nature journaling, active games

• 12pm: Lunch (bring your own packed lunch)

• Afternoon Session: Eco-art and activities, games, science lessons (bring your own snack)

• 5 - 6pm:  Pick-up

Event Minimums & Cancellations

Please note: ONSC events require a minimum number of participants to cover overhead costs. If this minimum is not met, we reserve the right to cancel the event. Registered participants will be notified promptly and any fees paid will be fully refunded.

2026 Summer Day Camps

May 23-25: Life in the Solar System - This 3-day camp explores how solar systems work and why Earth is perfectly positioned for life. Campers will discover astronomy, lunar cycles, geology, and the greenhouse effect through hands-on science and fun activities.

June 1-4: Life of the Birds - Campers will explore the world of birds through hands-on science, guided hikes, and bird-watching basics. From feathers and flight to bird calls and habitat protection, this camp introduces young naturalists to the fascinating lives of our local avian neighbors—all while having fun outdoors at ONSC!

June 8-11: Life of the Bugs - Campers will explore the tiny world of insects and spiders through hands-on science, guided hikes, and safe bug-catching techniques. Learn how these small creatures play a big role in Arkansas ecosystems while discovering, observing, and identifying local species!

June 15-18: Life in the Forest - Campers will learn essential outdoor skills while exploring forest ecosystems through hikes, hands-on science, and nature journaling. From plant identification to campsite setup, this camp builds confidence and curiosity in the woods. 

June 22-25: Life of the Reptiles and Amphibians - Campers will explore the world of reptiles and amphibians through guided hikes, frog calls, and hands-on science—including radio tracking turtles like real scientists!

August 3-6: Life in the Water - Campers will explore aquatic ecosystems through water quality testing, wildlife discovery, and hands-on science. Learn how to keep our waterways healthy while diving into life in and around the water!

Guided Hike Topics Include (but are not limited to):

Natural Science Topics – Adaptations and Natural Selection, Food Webs, Geology and the Rock Cycle, Human and Cultural History (Osage Native Americans and Settlers), Phenology and Seasonal Changes, Succession and Natural History, Symbiosis, Water Quality-Biotic and Abiotic Testing, Weather, Weathering and Erosion, Watersheds, and The Four Spheres: Atmosphere, Biosphere, Geosphere, & Hydrosphere

Wilderness Exploration Topics – Mentality for Outdoor Exploration, Physical Preparedness, Wilderness Safety, Monitoring and Adjusting for Environmental Conditions, Emergency Action Plans, Comfort Management, Materials and Tools Found in Nature, Wild Edibles and Foraging, Water Quality and Purification

About the Instructors:

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

About 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  hikes, team-building, games, art, and small-group activities.

Ticket Refund Policy:

• Refunds up to 1 week before the event: Tickets are refundable minus any applicable fees (processing, administrative, etc.) until 7 days before the event.

• Refunds within 1 week of the event: For refund requests made less than 7 days prior to the event, a 50% refund will be given.

• No refunds within 24 hours of the event: Refund requests made within 24 hours of the event are not permitted, except in exceptional circumstances and only with approval from ONSC administration.

*Please note that all refund requests must be submitted in writing to jill.bowman@onsc.us. Refunds will be processed within 7-10 business days.

Questions? Please email Programs and Communications Manager, Jill Bowman at jill.bowman@onsc.us with any questions about ONSC Day Camps.