6/3/26

HAYS, Kan. – The Kansas Wetlands Education Center is offering eight discovery camps, all designed to get kids outside and exploring nature. Dive into the exciting world of the Cheyenne Bottoms marsh and sign up your camper for a summer of adventure. Camps are for participants who have completed 1st-6th grade. Each camp will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the days offered. Campers can sign up for single camps or for all camps.

A camp fee of $10 is required per day to cover materials. Participants can register by calling 877-243-9268.  Campers must provide their own lunch; a morning and afternoon snack will be provided.

Tuesday, July 7 – Wetlands Wrigglers

Always a camp favorite; campers put on waders and explore the biodiversity of Cheyenne Bottoms. They will search for aquatic invertebrates, catch terrestrial invertebrates with nets, construct critter catchers, build a pollinator puddler to assist your backyard bees and butterflies, and use mealworms to create an artistic masterpiece.

Thursday, July 9 – Critter Codes

How do animals talk to each other? Campers will decode some of the mysteries of animal communication. They will use all of their senses to find out the different methods animals can use to communicate, including interpretive dance, a lovely scent, speaking bird squawk, and more. They will also make animal communicators to take home.

Tuesday, July 14 – Herp Haven

Become herpetologists, or people who study reptiles and amphibians. Campers will go herping (safely looking for reptiles and amphibians) and learn about some amazing adaptations herpetofauna have, such as turtle shells, frog slime, snake venom, and so much more. Make and take home a toad abode for the toads in your backyard.

Thursday, July 16 – Mudflat Masters

Do you have what it takes to survive in the wilds of Cheyenne Bottoms? This camp will test your navigation abilities, hone your knot-tying skills, and ensure your campfires start quickly, safely, and efficiently. Campers will learn the importance of boater safety and put this knowledge into practice by canoeing at Vet’s Lake. Wilderness first aid will also be covered.

Tuesday, July 21 – Marsh Makers

Den, Drey, Warren, Gall, Nest – in this engineering-focused camp, campers will explore the unique habitats and shelters that animals construct. Campers will build a bee hotel and a 3D printed critter to take home. A team-building activity and service project enhancing the Cheyenne Bottoms habitat will help round out the day.

Thursday, July 23 - Weather Wonders

Campers will be meteorologists for the day. How do storms form, or how does lightning work? We'll conduct experiments to find out. Campers will also make a weather safety kit list, learn how wildlife survives extreme weather, and make a tornado to take home!

Tuesday, July 28 – Bottoms BioLab

Calling all Mad Scientists. If you love explosions, mysteries, and solving problems, this camp is for you. Campers will dissect owl pellets, use microscopes, and test bird feet adaptations. Grown-ups are invited to a live chemistry show performed by the campers at 2:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 30 – Hoots and Howls

When the sun goes down, a whole world of nocturnal critters comes to life. In this camp, we'll explore the creatures of the night found around Cheyenne Bottoms and beyond. Campers will test hearing and night vision with an echolocation activity, a flashlight game, some glow-in-the-dark art, and an eye shine activity!

Kansas Wetlands Education Center, affiliated with FHSU’s Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics, is located 10 miles northeast of Great Bend at the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area. More information can be found at 877-243-9268 or visit wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu.