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Educational Summer Camps in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex

Summer Nature Camps

Overview

Summer Nature Camps

Do you remember the joy of spending childhood summers outdoors? Register for Heard Summer Nature Camps and share those wonderful moments and memories with your child. The Heard’s mission is to inspire children to discover, enjoy, experience, and restore our priceless environment.

Heard Summer Camps feature opportunities for children from north Texas and beyond to delve into the wonders of nature on our 289-acre sanctuary, encounter animal ambassadors, investigate nature-themed topics, and more. We’ll spend time both indoors and outside. Studies have shown that spending time outdoors is not only fun for our children, but also plays an important role in many facets of child development.

Summer 2024 information coming soon.

 

Would you like updates when information is available? Please sign up here!

Click here to view the message regarding Heard Summer Camps and COVID-19.

Two friends posing for a picture in the woods at camp

Our Camp Programs

Summer Nature Camps

These weeklong Heard Summer Nature Camps will feature opportunities to delve into the wonders of nature on our 289-acre sanctuary, encounter animal ambassadors, investigate nature-themed topics, and more! Spots are limited. 

Camp Wolf Topics

  • Mammals & Us
    What makes a mammal a mammal? What mammals live around here? Who’s the biggest mammal? Who’s the smallest mammal? We’ll explore these and other questions as we discover more about these unique and diverse animals.
  • Flower Power
    We’ll take a close look at the amazing world of flowers and find out why plants make them and learn their different parts. We’ll also look at which animals use flowers and see how many different types of flowers we can find on the sanctuary.
  • Prairie Predators
    Did you know that we live in one of the most endangered ecosystems? What is its name and which plants and animals make it their home? Who hunts other animals and who eats only plants? Find out as we spend time exploring the restored prairie remnants on the sanctuary.
  • Shake, Rattle, & Roll
    What can make the ground shake? What can shoot rocks high into the sky and even change the weather around the world? Discover how events like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions have change the landscape, and how studying them have helped us learn more about the earth.
  • Nature Journaling
    Much of what we know about nature comes from observations made by naturalists in their journals. Following in their footsteps, we’ll make our own nature journals and use them to record things we find and see during camp.

Camp Barn Owl Topics

  • Feathered Friends
    Do all birds lay eggs and make nests? What is migration and what bird makes the longest one? How are feather similar to and different from hair on mammals and scales on reptiles? Find out the answer to these and other questions about our feathered friends and spend some time watching the ones that make our sanctuary their home.
  • Terrific Trees
    Around our area we see trees almost every day. In addition to learning about trees that grow on our sanctuary, we’ll explore the parts of trees and what amazing thing they can do in their leaves. We’ll also count some tree rings and find out what they can tell us about the past.
  • Animal Champions
    Scientists have sorted living things into several different kingdoms. What are they, and what makes an animal an animal? We’ll also explore some of the most amazing animal facts – who runs fastest, jumps highest, moves slowest, lives longest, and carries the heaviest load, etc.
  • Weather Wise
    Be a junior meteorologist and make your own weather observations like air temperature and wind speeds. We’ll also explore a variety of different weather phenomena from clouds to tornados.
  • Nature Journaling
    Much of what we know about nature comes from observations made by naturalists in their journals. Following in their footsteps, we’ll make our own nature journals and use them to record things we find and see during camp.
Kids walking the trail with a camp leader during spring break mini camp

Reservations

Heard Museum* Members-Only Registration

Through 2/15

Registration Now Open to Public

Early Bird Registration

Ends 3/1

Ages

5 – 12 Years (as of June 1, 2024)

Price

Member Rate: $225

Non-Member Rate: $250

Pre-registration is required

Schedule

9:30 A.M. – 2:30 P.M.

Camp Wolf 

June 10-14 – (SOLD OUT)

June 24-28 – (SOLD OUT)

July 8-12 – (SOLD OUT)

Camp Barn Owl

June 17-21 – (SOLD OUT)

July 1-5

July 15-19

Nature Art Camps

Information coming soon!

Would you like to receive an email notification when more information is available? Click here.

Youth artists will follow in the footsteps of great artists such as Audubon, Beatrix Potter and Anna Atkins, with unique opportunities to create their own art inspired by nature and live animals. Each day, a different type of medium will be explored.

Projects

  • botanical blueprints
  • watercolor
  • fabric wall hanging
  • paper mache sculpture

 

Campers will respond to the beauty of the Heard Sanctuary and wildlife through hands on art experiences.

 

Our Nature Art Camps will be led by Lynne Hubner, who serves as the exhibit curator at the Heard. Ms. Hubner earned a BFA in Drawing from Manhattanville College, New York, as well as an MFA in Printmaking from the University of North Texas. Hubner is the co-founder and past president of the North Texas Printmakers Guild. She runs an active printmaking studio in the Historic District of McKinney, Texas where non-toxic processes are stressed. She is an independent artist, lecturer, educator and workshop facilitator.

Reservations

Heard Museum* Members-Only Registration

Through 2/15

 

Early Bird Registration

Ends 3/1

Ages

6 – 12 Years (as of June 1, 2024)

Price

Member Rate: $180

Non-Member Rate: $195

Pre-registration is required.

Schedule

9:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.

 

NEW DATES ADDED: July 15-19

 

June 3-7 (SOLD OUT)

July 22-26 (SOLD OUT)

Additional Information

All art supplies are included.

Keeper Camps

Campers experience a behind-the-scenes, hands-on adventure with our education and exhibit animals. Learn about our different animals and what it takes to properly care for them. Spots are limited. 

Keeper Camp 1:

Campers experience a behind-the-scenes, hands-on adventure with our education and exhibit animals. Learn about our different animals and what it takes to properly care for them. Pre-registration is required.

 

Keeper Camp 2:

Want more? Continue your adventure and discover even more about taking care of animals and enriching the lives of our animal ambassadors. Prerequisite: must have attended Keeper Camp 1. Pre-registration is required.

Reservations

Heard Museum* Members-Only Registration

Through 2/15

Registration Now Open to Public

 

Early Bird Registration

Ends 3/1

Ages

Ages: 10 – 15 (as of June 1, 2024)

Price

Member Rate: $270

Non-Member Rate: $295

 

Pre-registration required.

Schedule

9:30 A.M. – 2:30 P.M.

Keeper Camp 1

June 3-7 – (SOLD OUT)

July 22-26 – (SOLD OUT)

Keeper Camp 2

July 29-August 2  – (SOLD OUT)

Additional Information

Attendees of Keeper Camp 2 must have attended Keeper Camp 1.

GeoGlobe Camp

Information coming soon!

Journey through our Solar System and beyond!  This camp will use the GeoGlobe, a digital interactive globe, to explore the unique characteristics of the planets, their moons, and other objects seen in our night sky.  We’ll also spend time outdoors exploring the fascinating characteristics of the planet we know best – the Earth! Spots are limited. 

Reservations

Heard Museum* Members-Only Registration

Through 2/15

Registration Open to Public

 

Ages

5*-10

*Participants must have completed one year of Kindergarten prior to camp.

Price

Member Rate: $135

Non-Member Rate: $150

Schedule

9:30 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

June 3-7

July 22-26 

Additional Information

Spots are limited.

Snack time not included.

Camp Roly Poly

Information coming soon!

Based on our popular Nature Explorers preschool program, each day we’ll meet one of the Heard’s live animal ambassadors and take a nature hike to explore different habitats from wetlands and forests to prairie and ponds. We’ll also prowl through museum exhibits, participate in hands-on science activities, sing songs, listen to stories, and play nature themed-games! A simple snack (such as animal crackers, goldfish, or pretzels with a glass of water) will be served. Spots are limited. 

Reservations

Heard Museum* Members-Only Registration

Through 2/15

Registration Open to Public

 

Ages

Pre-K campers born between January 2019 and January 2021 (older 3-year-olds through younger 5-year-olds that have not attended Kindergarten)

Price

Member Rate: $135

Non-Member Rate: $150

Schedule

9:30 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

 

NEW DATES ADDED: July 15-19

 

June 3-7 (SOLD OUT)

July 22-26 (SOLD OUT)

Additional Information

Spots are limited.

Summer Mini Camps

Fit a little more fun in nature into your summer! Spots are limited. Register today.

  • Prairie Predators – 7/30
    SOLD OUT

    Did you know that we live in one of the most endangered ecosystems? What is its name and which plants and animals make it their home? Who hunts other animals and who eats only plants? Find out as we spend time exploring the restored prairie remnants on the sanctuary.
  • Mammals & Us  – 7/31
    What makes a mammal a mammal? What mammals live around here? Who’s the biggest mammal? Who’s the smallest mammal? We’ll explore these and other questions as we discover more about these unique and diverse animals.
  • Shake, Rattle, & Roll – 8/1
    SOLD OUT

    What can make the ground shake? What can shoot rocks high into the sky and even change the weather around the world? Discover how events like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions have change the landscape, and how studying them have helped us learn more about the earth.

Reservations

Heard Museum* Members-Only Registration

Through 2/15

Registration Open to Public

 

Ages

6-12 (as of June 1, 2024)

Price (per mini camp)

Member Rate: $21

Non-Member Rate: $24

 

Pre-registration required

Mini Camps are not included in the Early Bird Offer.

Schedule

(9:30 a.m. – noon)

Wednesday, July 5 – Amazing Amphibians
Thursday, July 6 – Fossil Finds
Friday, July 7 – Bird Basics

Frequently Asked Questions

Early Bird Special

Register for Camp Wolf, Camp Barn Owl, or Keeper Camp (full day, weeklong camps) by March 1 and get a $10 Heard Store Gift Certificate. Applications must be complete* to qualify. Limit one per family/household.

*A completed application must include:

  • A completed registration form
  • payment in full
  • immunization forms
  • A completed registration form
  • payment in full
  • immunization forms

The Heard offers Heard Summer Camp t-shirts (available only when ordered by May 1).

  • Deadline for 100% refund less a $20 admin fee – May 1
  • Deadline for 50% refund less the $20 admin fee – May 22 (no refunds available after this date).
  • Before May 22, if space is available, rescheduling from one camp week to another may be offered without an admin fee.
  • Rescheduling of camp weeks may be possible after May 22 only as available
    • Please note that a $20 admin fee will apply for any modifications to registration after May 22.
    • Participants will also be responsible for any applicable additional fees that may be required for different camp type selection. No refund will be available for camps of a lesser price.

Medication Policy

 

Our Medication Policy is for the protection and safety of your child while he/she participates in Museum Programs. Your cooperation with this policy is necessary for the safety of all participants. We appreciate your consideration.

  • Only those prescriptions indicated by a physician as necessary for a child’s medical care and that cannot be administered outside of class time will be given.
  • Medication (except for epi-pens and rescue inhalers) will be kept in the First Aid station and administered by the Camp Health Care Officer.
  • Prescription medications, including inhalers and epi-pens, must be in the original container, with the pharmacy label, and placed in a clear baggie with a note that includes the child’s name, parent(s)’ name(s), physician’s name, and date attending summer camp. If the pharmacy label is not available, a signed note from the doctor’s office stating the name of the medication, dosage and usage will be accepted. Medication will be administered only as stated on the label directions. If the medicine has an expired expiration date, the medication will not be administered.
  • Asthma Inhalers and Epi-pens will be permitted in the classroom and may be carried outside by camp staff. Written medical authorization from a physician and parent/guardian must be on file in the Education Office. If your child is used to using their inhaler on their own, please let them know that they MUST notify their summer camp teacher prior to each use.
  • Injectable medications, such as insulin, will only be administered with medical authorization from a physician and parent/guardian on file in the Education Office.
  • As with other medication, it will be kept in the First Aid Station and dispensed by the Camp Health Care Officer.
  • Non-prescription medication will only be administered with written instructions, authorization and signature of both a physician and a parent/guardian. Medication must be in the original container, and placed in a clear baggie with the physician’s authorization, dosage, and parental authorization as well as the child’s name, printed parent(s)’ name(s) and physician’s name, and date attending summer camp. Medication will be administered only as stated in the physician’s written instructions. If the medicine has an expired expiration date, the medication will not be administered. The medication will be kept in the First Aid Station and dispensed by the Camp Health Care Officer.
  • Food Allergy Information: Please be aware that summer camp participants eat lunch together. Children with peanut butter or other food allergies cannot be separated from other classmates.

 

*Please note that the reciprocal admission agreement that the Heard has with the Perot Museum, Fort Worth Museum of Nature & Science and ASTC Passport Program participants does not apply to education programs or special events.

Heard Member discounts are applicable only to persons covered under a Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary membership. Learn more here.

A Message About Covid-19 & Heard Summer Camps

We do not know what the coronavirus situation will be when camp actually occurs. But assuming conditions are the same as they are now, the following procedures, based on CDC guidelines, will be implemented to help reduce potential exposure for campers and staff. If community conditions improve or worsen, we will adjust our policies accordingly.

 

What About Face Masks?

  • Currently, face masks will only be required to be worn only when live animal ambassadors are visiting class (about 10-15 minutes) or when visiting the mammals on the animal trail.
  • They are welcome to be worn at any time if desired.

What Else Are We Doing?

  • Daily health screening for all camp staff and campers. (See below)
  • Social distancing practices will be maintained during camp as much as possible.
  • Soap and/or hand sanitizer will be available at all times in all camp classrooms and restrooms.
  • Ongoing sanitizing/cleaning in classrooms and public areas.
  • All live animal visitors and some specimens will be “look only.” Masks must be worn by everyone in the room when animal visitors are outside their carriers.

Health Screening

  • Pre-arrival Health screening by family – please keep your camper at home if:
    • They have any COVID-19 symptoms such as cough, fever, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, sore throat, chills, aches, new loss or change of smell or taste, etc.
    • They have recently had close contact with anyone who has tested positive for or has symptoms of COVID-19.
    • If the answer is yes to either question or they have tested positive, campers will not be allowed to be at camp for at least 5 days from onset of symptoms or exposure and/or have had a negative covid test.
    • A health screening may occur at check-in for all campers and staff which could include a temperature check. Anyone with a temperature of 100 oF or higher will not be allowed to attend camp, and may not return until fever has been normal for at least 24 hours if there are no other COVID-19 symptoms.

(Policy current as of 1.24.23)