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2026 Nature Camps
Summer Camp Registrations Now Open!

Effie Yeaw Nature Center's Under the Oaks Nature Camps give children the opportunity to experience, discover, and explore the great outdoors! EYNC campers enjoy summer sightings along the American River, participate in outdoor activities, create lasting memories, and gain an appreciation for nature. Each camp is focused on different nature-related themes with hands-on explorations, hikes, games, activities, and stories. Each day is filled with new discoveries and fun!

Go to Spring Camps

Go to Summer Camps

Camp Cancellation/Refund Policy

A cancellation fee of 10% will apply to all cancellations made more than 14 days before the start of a camp. No refunds will be given if cancellation is 14 days or less before the camp. A rescheduling fee of $15 will apply for each camp change requested. A 24-hour notice to reschedule is required.

Spring Camps

2026 Spring Camps Presents:
Parkway Plants-A Seasonal Outdoor Adventure!

Effie Yeaw Nature Center is excited to offer Parkway Plants Spring Camps, a hands-on environmental education experience focused on the incredible plant life of the American River Parkway. These engaging day camps rotate across different Parkway locations, giving children ages 6–11 the chance to explore local plants, understand their role in the watershed, and build a deeper connection to the natural world.

Scroll down to see camp options and click the Book Now button to register.

March 30th 9am-12pm

Parkway Plants - Trees

Ages 6-8 | Ages 9-11

Spring has sprung and the trees are waking up from their winter dormancy! During our hike around one of the oldest Sacramento County parks, we will explore a variety of trees and compare their , leaves, bark, and more.

Drop off and pick up at River Bend Park in Rancho Cordova.

Hands Holding Soil

March 31st 9am-12pm

Parkway Plants - Food Plants

Ages 6-8 | Ages 9-11

Have you ever wanted to learn how to plant your own food? Soil Born Farms has incredible resources for “budding” gardeners! Join us for a tour around the farm to learn about edible plants and how to properly maintain a garden.

Drop off and pick up at Soil Born farms in Rancho Cordova.

Image by Natalia Jones

April 1st 9am-12pm

Parkway Plants - Native vs. Non-native

Ages 6-8 | Ages 9-11

Have you ever wondered how a plant ended up living where it does? Many plants around the parkway are native, meaning they have occurred there naturally for many years. However, there are also non-native plants, meaning they were introduced from a different area. On this day, we will discover what native, and non-native plants call this county park their home.

Drop off and pick up William B. Pond Park in Carmichael.

Image by Ries Bosch

April 2nd 9am-12pm

Parkway Plants - Tule, Native Plants, & Restoration

Ages 6-8 | Ages 9-11

Habitat restoration is a significant way to improve land for the resident flora and fauna. At Bushy Lake, restoration efforts have been implemented by native fire resilient plants and native pollinator-friendly plants. As we explore the area, we will identify plants and discuss their purpose.

Drop off and pick up at Bushy Lake in Sacramento.

Image by Jonathan Kemper

April 3rd 9am-12pm

Parkway Plants - Gardening and Games

Ages 6-8 | Ages 9-11

Get ready for a fun day of gardening and games at Camp Pollock! We will tour the grounds to gain education about native plants that are beneficial to wildlife. Then we will utilize their large field for games!

Drop off and pick up at Camp Pollock in Sacramento.

Summer Camp

2026 Summer Camps Presents: Under the Oaks

Special Summer Camp Activities All summer camps (excluding Age 5) will include at least one local off-site trip and some may include evening programs. Please note that these activities are not guaranteed, but may happen depending on available staff support and planning. The naturalist (camp leader) will contact you at least one week before camp begins to provide more details about any activities in your camp, including location and/or appropriate attire for the activity. If you have any questions or concerns about special activities, please fee free to contact us: (916) 876-4918 or info@sacnaturecenter.net.

Scroll down to see Summer Camp options and click the Book Now button to register.

June 15th - June 19th | 9am-12pm

Nature Olympians

Ages 6-7

Can you jump as far as a frog? Can you run faster than a coyote? Find out this week
at camp as we go head-to-head against some of the wildest animal athletes out
there. Discover what amazing adaptations animals (and ourselves) have!

Session 1: June 22nd - June 26th | 9am-12pm

Session 2: July 27th - July 31st | 9am-12pm

Wildlife Investigators

Ages 6-7

Channel your inner detective as we explore the Nature Study Area in search of all
the different animals that live here. Learn beginning tracking and observation
skills as you look for animal tracks, scat, and other clues! Record your findings in
your own scientific field journal (journals provided).

Campers Rafting.JPG

Session 1: June 15th - June 19th & June 22nd - June 26th | 9:00am - 12:00pm

Session 2: July 20th - July 24th & July 27th - July 31st | 9:00am - 12:00pm

Outdoor Adventures

Ages 8-11

Our most popular camp fills quickly! Ready for an adventure? Then prepare to be outdoors and let the fun begin! You will spend two weeks enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, crafts, games, a night hike, and river rafting! Don’t miss out on the adventures you can have on the American River this summer

June 29th - July 2nd | 9am - 12pm

*No Camp July 3rd

Planet Protectors

Age 5

Get creative this week at camp as we join forces and work together while discovering what we can do to be Superheroes for Planet Earth. Be prepared to become a superhero yourself - Up, Up and Away!

cropped in a cave.jpg

June 29 - July 2 | 9am - 12pm

*No camp on July 3

Junior rangers: Mastering the Elements

Ages 12-14

Water, earth, fire, and air: together, these elements create our natural world. Spend time understanding each and observing how they work together in nature to gain the power to thrive within the world we call home. From surviving in ancient times to future sustainability practices, working with earth’s elements creates a deeper understanding of balance. Train with us as we learn to harness the elements through environmental wisdom and survival skills.

Session 1: July 6th - July 10th | 9am - 12pm

Session 2: July 20th - July 24th | 9am - 12pm

Creature Features

Ages 6-7

How do different animals survive in the wild? Some fly; some leap; some have excellent eyesight or a great sense of smell. Others live in total darkness as they move through tunnels underground! We’ll explore amazing animal features each day as we learn about the various critters that call our Nature Study Area home.

July 6th - July 10th | 9am-12pm

Birds of a Feather

Ages 8-11

Birds are capable of extraordinary feats – some can hover, dive at incredible speeds, or migrate thousands of miles! Throughout the week we’ll examine the science of flight, observe bird behavior in the wild, and engage in fun challenges to better understand these feathered creatures. Bring binoculars or borrow a pair of ours!

July 13th - July 17th | 9am-12pm

Woodland Tales

Ages 6-7

Lizards and birds and deer, oh my! Discover the wondrous world of our furry, scaly, and feathered friends through creative storytelling, art, and scientific exploration. Use your senses to explore the hidden ecosystems all around us and keep track of your discoveries in a nature journal (journals provided).

Session 1: July 13th - July 17th | 9am-12pm

Session 2: August 3rd - August 7th | 9am-12pm

Nature-ology

Ages 8-11

Dive into nature this week with a different topic each day, from rocks to trees to animals. Daily walks and activities will activate our inner scientist, while games and art throughout the week will add an element of fun. We are all naturalists this week!

August 3rd - August 7th | 9am-12pm

Wildlife Caretakers

Ages 6-7

Do you love the outdoors and have a passion for wildlife? Would you know what to do if you found an injured animal? Step into the shoes of a wildlife rescuer and see what it takes to care for an animal in need! Get hands-on experience with how we care for our animals and discover what to do (or what not to do) if you find an injured or sick animal in the wild. Explore the natural habitats of local species, learn safe and respectful ways to find and observe wildlife, and meet the animal ambassadors we care for and hear their stories.

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