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Browse and/or share our 2026 NDC Summer Science Camp Brochure

Ages: 5 to 10 years old

Days & Times:  Monday – Friday from 9am – 3pm

Camp Cost: Wildlife Family Level and above Member Discount $350/week or Nonmembers $400/week

Campers will receive an NDC t-shirt the first week they attend camp.

Advanced registration is required.

REGISTER  HERE when registration opens January 15 for Members or January 30 for Nonmembers.

Please read our FAQ for Camp Registrations here before you register (includes cancellation and refund policies).

2026 Dates & Topics:

Week 1: June 1 – 5 & Week 7 Jul 20 – 24  |  Who’s Hungry?

Get ready to dig into the wild world of animal diets in this camp about the who, what, when, where, and why of what animals eat. You’ll investigate animal teeth and animal senses, build food chains and food webs, and discover how digestion really works. Your explorations of animal diets will get hands-on with owl pellet dissections, opportunities to feed our Ambassador Animals, and an activity making “edible poop” as you learn how nutrients move through our digestive system. This camp will cater to your curiosity, providing a little bit of “eww,” and a whole lot of fun!

Week 2: June 8 – 12 & Week 8 Jul 27 – 31  |  Animal Homes & Habitats

Pack your curiosity and head into the park with us to explore the amazing places animals live and the clever ways they build their homes. Through hands-on field investigations, creative art projects, and live animal care, you will discover the marvels of animal engineering. Plan to get muddy building nests, dams, and other animal-inspired structures using sticks, leaves, and natural materials, help us maintain our ambassador animal enclosures, and search the park for hidden homes and habitats. From cozy burrows to messy squirrel nests, this camp is all about exploring, creating, and caring for the incredible spaces animals call home.

Week 3: June 15 – 19 & Week 9: Aug 3 – 7  |  Tree-mendous Forest Fun

Step into a world of wonder beneath the trees, campers, and explore forests from around the globe—from Texas’ Piney Woods to lush tropical rainforests. Through live animal encounters and adventures in our nature park, you will meet the amazing creatures that depend on trees for their homes. Learn how to identify and care for native Texas trees, help grow our very own deciduous woodland by planting a native tree in the park, and create bird feeders to support our forest friends. To better understand forests you’ll zoom in to discover what makes a tree a tree, playing “tree factory” to learn how trees work, and counting growth rings while decorating a real tree cookie. Get ready for hands-on fun, nature discovery, and tree-mendous memories!

Week 4: June 22 – 26 & Week 10: Aug 10 – 14  |  Ridiculously Cool Reptiles

Slither, crawl, and snap into a week of scaly fun! Discover what makes reptiles truly amazing as we explore the biology, behavior, and unique adaptations of snakes, lizards, turtles, alligators, and more. This hands-on camp features up-close encounters with live reptiles while you learn how to safely care for and handle our resident reptiles! Head outdoors with us to search for wild lizards, turtles, and snakes, get creative with reptile-inspired crafts like making a wearable turtle shell, and get ready to play some action-packed reptile games. Find out if you’re up to the challenge of eating like a snake—no hands allowed. We’re planning some unforgettable animal encounters and seriously cool reptile adventures just for you.

Week 5: Jun 29 – Jul 3 & Week 11: Aug 17 – 21  |  Wet & Wild

Are you ready to make a splash? Wet and Wild is perfect for campers who don’t mind getting a little soaked while exploring the world of water. In this camp you’ll dive into a hands-on pond study at Cypress Pond to discover aquatic animals in the wild and learn how to care for our captive aquatic animal ambassadors inside the Center. You’ll enjoy plenty of wet and wild playtime, too, from friendly games of sponge tag and water relays in the park, to free time spent splishing and splashing on the front lawn during Sprinkler Day! Bring your curiosity, your sense of adventure, and clothes that can get wet—it’s going to be a splash-tastic time!

Week 6: Jul 13 – Jul 17  |  Artfully Messy

Creativity can be delightfully messy! Campers, you will engage in hands-on, outdoor art experiences that celebrate imagination, nature, and a little bit of chaos. Using a variety of messy materials, you’ll create art in the park, paint with nature, and experiment with textures, colors, and natural tools. Inspired by artist Andy Goldsworthy, you’ll design your own land art, transforming sticks, leaves, stones, and more into temporary masterpieces. Along the way, you’ll interact with our animal ambassadors to create animal-inspired art, blending creativity with up-close wildlife encounters. This camp is perfect for young artists who aren’t afraid to get messy while making something naturally beautiful!

More Camp Details

Camp Structure: Campers will be divided in two groups of 10-15 campers that will have separate camp spaces at the Center. Each group will have the same camp instructor and teen counselor for the entire week. Note: At the time of registration, you must list the first and last names of any friends that your child would like in their camp group. We can not guarantee that any two kids will be placed in the same group without this information up front.

What to Bring: lunches and water bottles.

Please notify the Center via phone call (713.667.6550) and detailed email (alagrone@naturediscoverycenter.org) of any change in your plans or need to withdraw from camp for any reason.