Youth Day Camps

Our day camps typically feature environmental-themed learning activities, games, swimming, and crafts in small, age-appropriate groups.

DETAILS

Dates: Monday–Thursday of the following weeks: June 23rd, July 7th, July 14th, July 21st, August 4th

Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, drop-off starting at 8:30 am

Ages: Youth day camps are open to 7-12 year olds, with 30 camper spots available each day of camp.

Program Fee: $48/camper/day. (The actual cost for Hunt Hill is $70/camper/day; donations are appreciated!)

Register Here Registration will open on March 3rd, 2025 at noon with early access to Hunt Hill members. Registration is required.

Day Camp Policy Handbook: Click HERE to view the 2025 Day Camp Policy Handbook.

DAY CAMP THEMES

  • Monday, June 23 – Investigation Nation: Calling all investigators! Through interactive activities, campers will investigate plant life, animal tracks, and other natural mysteries.
  • Tuesday, June 24 – Outdoor Art Odyssey: Take creativity outdoors in this nature-inspired art camp. Blend the beauty of nature with creative expression as we go on a hands-on journey to create unique artworks outside.
  • Wednesday, June 25 – Eco Adventure: This adventure and challenge-driven day is fueled by sustainability and creativity. We will learn how to be sustainable and how we can help protect the planet!
  • Thursday, June 26 – Mammal Mayhem: Get ready for a wild journey into the world of mammals! We will learn about fun mammal facts and explore different mammal traits and abilities. 
  • Monday, July 7Digging Dinosaurs: Aspiring paleontologists will dig into the secrets of the prehistoric era with hands-on activities and interactive games. Campers will go back in time through an array of educational and fun-filled experiences that bring the distanct past to life!
  • Tuesday, July 8 – Going Fishing: Cast off into a world of fishing adventure! Young anglers will learn essential skills like casting, knot tying, and fishing techniques through hands-on activities.
  • Wednesday, July 9 – Awesome Amphibians: Explore the captivating world of frogs, toads, and salamanders as campers uncover the diverse habitats, life cycles, and importance of amphibians in our ecosystems. And yes, we will be going out to see these critters up close!
  • Thursday, July 10 – Camp Firestarter: Welcome to Camp Firestarter! Investigate the techniques of starting and tending a campfire while crafting a delicious treat. Learn the essentials of fire safety through hands-on experiences and discover the joy of creating your own special snack over the crackling flames. .
  • Monday, July 14 – Shelter Builders: Do you have what it takes? Campers will learn the fundamentals of building shelters using natural materials, growing essential skills for outdoor learning. Through teamwork, creativity, and practical guidance, we will foster a deeper connection with nature.
  • Tuesday, July 15 – Junior Birders: At Junior Birders, campers will discover the incredible diversity of birds in our local environment. Through guided hikes, birdwatching activities, and hands-on projects, we will learn to identify some birds and understand bird behavior.
  • Wednesday, July 16 – Wildlife Rescue Rangers: Wildlife conservation and rescue efforts. Campers will learn about endangered species, wildlife rehabilitation, and how they can help protect animals in their local area. Create animal rescue kits, build “wildlife hospitals” out of natural materials, and games/activities about conservation.
  • Thursday, July 17 – Under the Waves: Investigate the ecology of the lake and the soggy bog which is home to many plants and animals. Experiment with peat and water and look for the unique flora and fauna who depend on the water for habitat.
  • Monday, July 21 – Splash Camp: Splish, splash! This water fun day offers a fun escape from the summer heat with water games and creative water-based crafts.
  • Tuesday, July 22 – Canoe Voyagers: Spend the day on the waters at Hunt Hill Nature Center! Campers will learn how to paddle and steer a canoe as they spend the day exploring the lakes at Hunt Hill.
  • Wednesday, July 23 – Nature’s Canvas: This camp blends the wonders of nature with artistic expression, offering a hands-on day creating art amidst the beauty of the outdoors. Through various mediums and techniques, campers will explore the natural world and foster creativity.
  • Thursday, July 24 – Reptile Realm: From meeting turtles to discovering the secrets of snakes and lizards, campers will engage in hands-on learning, interactive activities, and reptile-themed games that bring appreciation for these cold-blooded critters. 
  • Monday, August 4 – Tinkerers: Welcome to a world of discovery and innovation! Our STEM-focused camp sparks creativity through hands-on challenges and inspire an inventiveness to problem-solving. Campers will collaborate and foster critical thinking skills throughout the creative process.
  • Tuesday, August 5 – Forest Quest: Campers will venture into the forest to explore the wonders of trees and ecosystems. Through activities like tree ID, animal tracking, and forest’s layers, we will learn about the important role forests play in our environment. 
  • Wednesday, August 6 – Nature Tunes: Tune in to the sounds of the natural world at Nature Tunes camp! We will explore how nature creates music, from bird songs to rustling leaves and babbling streams. We will learn how to listen to–and make– nature-inspired music.
  • Thursday, August 7 – Carnivore Camp: ROAR! Gather at Carnivore Camp and learn about the top predators and food webs. Discover how these fierce creatures rule and balance the food chain. Come hungry for knowledge and adventure!

WHAT TO EXPECT

Each camper must have a Youth Medical & Release Form completed by their first day in order to attend camp. (PDF accessible below)

Below is the typical schedule Hunt Hill’s Youth Day Camp follows. Groups will be divided based on age in order to best serve the camper for their abilities.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Day Camp registration will open on Monday, March 4th with early access to Hunt Hill Family and Student Members.
Day Camp registration will open on Monday, March 11th to non-members.

We have a plan to reduce the chances of communicable disease spreading at camp. You can read the plan here:
Communicable Disease Plan

While every day is a little different at camp, we typically do all of the following activities. Here’s an example schedule:

  • Arrival & Check-in 
  • Welcome Circle
  • Environmental Educational Activities & Snack Time
  • Craft Time
  • Lunch
  • Choice Time
  • Afternoon Games/Practice Parent Presentations
  • Swim Time
  • Pack Up/Clean Up, Closing Circle
  • Parent Presentations & Check-out 

We will send you a comprehensive packing list in advance of camp.

Packing List:

  • Layers for changing weather (sweatshirt, sweatpants, raincoat, etc)
  • Shoes for running/hiking (sneakers or hiking boots work well)
  • Shoes for the waterfront (sandals or aquasocks work well)
  • Sunscreen that the camper can apply independently
  • Bagged lunch & snack (please place these in separate containers)
  • Swimsuit
  • Towel
  • Backpack to carry it all in
  • Optional: Hat or sunglasses
  • Optional: Bug spray

Here are the items that campers are not allowed at Day Camp:

  • Electronics (cell phones, video games, tablets, etc.)
  • Toys from home
  • Money
  • Gum

Day Camps are overseen by our Program Coordinator and a certified Emergency Medical First Responder (EMR). Both staff members work with the Summer Staff to identify and reduce risks in their activity plans. 

All Day Camp Staff are trained in First Aid, CPR/AED, Epi-Pen Administration, and Bloodborne Pathogens. All lifeguards are certified through the American Red Cross Lifeguard course. Lifeguards are on duty any time youth are swimming or in watercraft. All participants are required to wear lifejackets when in watercraft. 

Hunt Hill thoroughly trains our staff in Emergency Action Plans including Fire, Weather, Intruder, Lost Camper, Lost Swimmer, and other related emergencies. All staff members carry a walkie-talkie and first aid kit in order to respond to emergencies quickly. A stock Epi-Pen and AED are onsite in case of emergencies.

The camper to staff ratio never exceeds 15:1, which allows our staff to keep close watch over campers. Often we have a staff member and a group assistant/junior counselor with each group. All Day Camp staff are trained to prevent and identify abuse. We follow a three person rule, which states that whenever a camper is in a private space such as a room or building that is not publicly visible there will always be three people.

Your camper will never be required to swim, but they will be required to go to the waterfront each day with their cohort (except when the weather conditions are unsafe for swimming). Swim time is an important part of the Day Camp schedule. Most campers love swim time and look forward to it everyday.

Our summer staff members are certified lifeguards and there are always a minimum of two lifeguards on duty anytime there are youth in the water. 

If your camper does not know how to swim or is a weak swimmer, we recommend sending them with a lifejacket to help them feel comfortable in the water.  They will be restricted to the shallow end of the waterfront and actively supervised by the shallow end lifeguard. 

If your camper dislikes swimming, we still recommend sending them with a swimsuit and towel. That way they can still choose to get in the water in case they get hot and would like to sit in the water to cool down. They are welcome to bring something with them to the waterfront to entertain themselves such as a book, coloring sheets, etc. They are also welcome to just wade in the water to search for fish and tadpoles.

If your camper is a strong swimmer, they will have the option to complete the deep end test in order to swim in the deeper section of the swim area and jump off the raft. The deep end test includes swimming three lengths of the dock (approximately 25 meters total) followed by treading water for 60 seconds. Their test will be supervised by a lifeguard. If they pass the test, they will be able to swim in the deep end under the supervision of the deep end lifeguard.

WAYS TO REGISTER

Online

Register online by clicking the button.

Visit this page for a quick tutorial on how to register.

Phone

Call the office between 9 am & 4 pm on weekdays to register over the phone. We can take credit card payment over the phone. 

715-635-6543

In-Person

Stop by the office between 9 am & 4 pm on weekdays to register in person or mail a check.

CANCELLATION POLICY

  • Participants who cancel online or notify Hunt Hill by email or phone at least 48 hours before the program or event will receive a refund minus a 10% processing fee.* 
  • Participants can choose to receive their refund via their payment method or keep it as a credit** for a future program. 
  • Participants who cancel less than 48 hours before the program will not receive a refund or credit.
  • Participants who cancel online or notify Hunt Hill by email or phone, at least 15 days before the day of the program or event will receive a full refund minus a 10% processing fee.*
  • Participants who cancel less than 15 days will not receive a refund or credit, unless their spot can be filled by another participant. If filled, a refund will be issued minus a 10% processing fee.*
  • Participants who cancel 48 hours or less before the program will not receive a refund or credit.

Refunds will follow the same procedures as the ‘Programs Over $25/person’, except that:

  • If a participant cancels less than 15 days before the first day of Spanish Camp and the spot cannot be filled, the participant will receive a ½ refund (no additional 10% processing fee assessed).
  • If a participant has to leave during the week of camp, a refund of $50/night will be refunded.

If Hunt Hill has to cancel a program or event, all paid registrants will receive a full refund or credit.

 *There is no processing fee assessed on refunds kept as credit or when the participant paid with cash or check.

**Credits can be held until December 31 of the year the cancellation was made. After that, credit is forfeited. Hunt Hill is unable to offer refunds for credits requested and not used.