2025 OLLI Overnight Camp for Adults at ONSC's Main Campus

🌿 ONSC Adult Field Trip: Learn, Explore & Unwind in Nature! 🏕️✨

Ready for an adventure just for grown-ups? Join us at Ozark Natural Science Center for an immersive, hands-on nature experience that brings out your inner explorer! This program is in conjunction with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute OLLI) but is open to any adult.

What’s in store?

🥾Two guided hikes through the breathtaking Bear Hollow Natural Area (1–1.5 miles each, with moderate elevation--Activity level 2 by OLLI standards)

🔬Two engaging, hands-on classes led by expert naturalists

🔥Evening campfire fun under the stars

🏡 Cozy climate-controlled lodge accommodations

🍽️ Four delicious meals ONSC can accommodate most food allergies and dietary preferences.

This unique adult field trip mirrors the unforgettable ONSC student experience—except this time, it’s all about YOU! Whether you’re here to learn, explore, or simply recharge in nature, you’ll leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and more connected to the world around you. 🌿

Come for the discovery, stay for the rejuvenation! 🥾✨

Ticket Options

• Registration required at OLLI registration site, then choose spring 2025

• Tickets include all classes, hikes, lodging, and meals.

• OLLI Member Pricing: $175

• Non-OLLI Member Pricing: $190

• Some ONSC trails are rocky and steep, and there is a 3-minute walk from the parking lot to the Ewing Event Center. If you need accessible parking or any other accommodations, please let us know.

  
  

  All proceeds go to support research, citizen science, and education at Ozark Natural Science Center.

Tentative Schedule

Friday, May 30th, 2025

• 10:00am - Arrival, orientation, & lodge move-in

• 11:00am - Prep for first Field Investigation (introductions, hike orientation with equipment available–backpacks, magnifiers, field guides, field journals)

• 11:30am - Field Investigation and trail lunch (guided hike on ONSC’s Creekside &/or Bluff Trail)

• 3:00pm - Return from hike, backpack/lunch items cleanup, restrooms

• 3:15pm - Snack and ONSC Store Time, followed by break/down time

• 4:30pm - First Class (TBD, depending on participant interests)

• 5:30-6:30pm - Dinner in Ewing Centre Dining Hall 

• 6:45-7:30pm - Campfire with s’mores

• 7:45-8:45pm - Astronomy viewing or night "hike" (depending on participant preference and weather)

• 9:00pm - Return to Lodges for the night

  
  

Saturday, May 31st, 2025

• 7:30-8:15am - Breakfast in Ewing Dining Hall

• 8:30-9:30am - 2nd Class (TBD)

• 9:30-11:30am - Group Photo followed by Field Investigation (guided hike on ONSC's Boti Trail)

• 11:30am - Return from hike, backpack cleanup, restrooms (then, pack up and check out of lodges)

• 12:00pm - Lunch in Ewing Dining Hall

• 1:00pm - Final Check-out & Departure

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.

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.

Questions? Please email Education and Community Program Manager, Liz Hill at liz.hill@onsc.us.