2026 Nature Day Camps
Effie Yeaw Nature Center's Under the Oaks Nature Day Camps give children the opportunity to experience, discover, and explore the great outdoors! EYNC day campers enjoy summer sightings along the American River, participate in outdoor activities, create lasting memories, and gain an appreciation for nature. Each day 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!
Day Camp Cancellation & Refund Policy
A 10% cancellation fee will apply to any cancellation made more than 14 days before the start of day camp.
No refunds will be issued for cancellations made 14 days or less before the day camp start date.
A $15 rescheduling fee will apply for each requested day camp change, and at least 24 hours’ notice is required to reschedule.
Spring 2026
Join Effie Yeaw Nature Center for Parkway Plants Spring Day Camps—an exciting, hands-on adventure into the fascinating world of plants along the American River Parkway!
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Designed for curious kids ages 6–11, these engaging day camps travel to different Parkway locations, turning the outdoors into a living classroom. Day campers will explore native plants up close, discover how they support wildlife and the watershed, and learn how plants keep our ecosystem thriving.
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Through games, guided exploration, and outdoor discovery, children will build knowledge, confidence, and a lasting connection to the natural world.
Trees
March 30th | 9am - 12pm
Ages 6 - 11
Spring is here, and the trees are waking from their winter rest! Join us for a hike through one of Sacramento County’s oldest parks as we discover different tree species and compare their leaves, bark, and other unique features along the way. Drop off and pickup at River Bend Park in Rancho Cordova, CA.
Tule, Native Plants, & Restoration
April 2nd | 9am - 12pm
Ages 6 - 11
Habitat restoration helps create healthier ecosystems for plants and wildlife. At Bushy Lake, restoration efforts focus on planting native, fire-resilient and pollinator-friendly species. Join us as we explore the area, identify these plants, and learn how they support the landscape and the creatures that call it home. Drop off and pickup at Bushy Lake in Sacramento, CA.
Food Plants
March 31st | 9am - 12pm
Ages 6 - 11
Ever wanted to grow your own food? Visit Soil Born Farms and get inspired! Join us for a guided farm tour where you’ll discover edible plants and learn the basics of starting and caring for your own garden. Drop off and pickup at Soil Born Farms in Rancho Cordova, CA.
Native vs. Non-Native Plants
April 1st | 9am - 12 pm
Ages 6 - 11
Have you ever wondered why certain plants grow where they do? Along the Parkway, some plants are native, meaning they’ve grown here naturally for generations, while others are non-native, introduced from other places. Join us as we explore the park and discover the plants that call this park home. Drop off and pickup at William B. Pond Park in Carmichael, CA.
Gardening & Games
April 3rd | 9am - 12pm
Ages 6 - 11
Enjoy a day of gardening and outdoor fun at Camp Pollock! Explore the grounds to learn about native plants that support local wildlife, then head to the open field for games and activities. Drop off and pickup at Camp Pollock in Sacramento, CA.
Summer 2026
Many of our summer day camps (excluding the Age 5 camp) may include special activities such as local off-site trips or evening programs designed to enrich day campers’ experiences and deepen their connection with nature.
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While we strive to offer these opportunities whenever possible, special activities are not guaranteed and may vary depending on staff availability and program planning. Your day camp’s Naturalist (day camp leader) will contact families at least one week before day camp begins with details about any planned activities, including the location, schedule, and recommended clothing or gear.
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If you have any questions or concerns about special activities, please contact us: info@sacnaturecenter.net
Nature Olympians
June 15th - 19th | 9am - 12pm
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!
Planet Protectors
June 29th - July 2nd | 9am - 12pm
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!
Birds of a Feather
July 6th - 10th | 9am - 12pm
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!
Wildlife Investigators
June 22nd - 26th | 9am - 12pm
or
July 27th - 31st | 9am - 12pm
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).
Junior Rangers: Mastering the Elements
June 29th - July 2nd | 9am - 12pm
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.
Outdoor Adventures
June 15th - 26th | 9am - 12pm
or
July 20th - 31st | 9am - 12pm
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.
Creature Features
July 6th - 10th | 9am - 12pm
or
July 20th - 24th | 9am - 12pm
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.
Woodland Tales
July 13th - 17th | 9am - 12pm
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).
Nature-ology
July 13th - 17th | 9am - 12pm
or
August 3rd - 7th | 9am - 12pm
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!
Wildlife Caretakers
August 3rd - 7th | 9am - 12pm
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.