Life in the Solar System - Memorial Day Weekend Day Camp at ONSC Lake Fayetteville

🪐Memorial Weekend Day Camp at ONSC Lake Fayetteville: Life in the Solar System🪐

📅Saturday, May 23 – Monday, May 25, 2026

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

⭐Ages 7-14

Blast off into space during Life in the Solar System Day Camp! Campers will explore how solar systems work and how Earth’s unique position in ours makes life possible. Through hands-on science and exploration, campers will discover the connections between space, Earth, and life as we know it.

Throughout the camp, campers will:

🌍 Learn how Earth fits into our solar system

🌕 Explore lunar cycles and how the Moon affects our planet

🪨 Investigate geology and Earth’s physical features

🔭 Discover the basics of astronomy through interactive activities

🌡️ Learn about the greenhouse effect and how it influences Earth’s climate

🎨 Create space-themed eco-art projects

🎉 Participate in games and hands-on group activities

📝 Record observations through nature journaling

🔬 Engage in science lessons that connect space science to everyday life on Earth

📍 Held at ONSC’s Lake Fayetteville location, this 3-day camp blends indoor science exploration with outdoor learning for a stellar start to summer.

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.