Located within a 100-acre nature study area, the camps encourage children to experience the outdoors through hikes, games, storytelling, hands-on activities and nature discovery. Photo courtesy of Effie Yeaw Nature Center

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Children can explore the outdoors, build robots, create video games and discover the wonders of nature this summer at Effie Yeaw Nature Center’s 2026 Under the Oaks Nature Day Camps.

This year’s lineup includes expanded morning nature camps and afternoon STEM camps, along with new opportunities for families to combine both experiences into a full day of summer learning and adventure along the American River Parkway in Carmichael.

Designed for children ages 5 to 14, the camps blend hands-on outdoor exploration with science, creativity and active play in one of the Sacramento region’s most unique natural settings.

“Summer camp at Effie Yeaw gives children the chance to unplug, explore, and build a meaningful connection with nature,” said Rachael Cowan, interim executive director of the Effie Yeaw Nature Center. “Whether they are tracking wildlife on the trails, learning about animals, creating art, or designing games and robotics projects, campers are building confidence, curiosity, friendships and lifelong memories.”

Located within a 100-acre nature study area, the camps encourage children to experience the outdoors through hikes, games, storytelling, hands-on activities and nature discovery.

Morning nature camps feature themes such as wildlife tracking, birding, outdoor adventures, ecology and animal survival skills. Afternoon STEM camps expand the experience with coding, robotics, engineering, art, stop-motion filmmaking and Minecraft-themed learning activities.

Popular camps include: Outdoor Adventures, a two-week camp where campers build confidence and teamwork skills while hiking, rafting, fishing, and exploring habitats of the Nature Study Area and beyond; Wildlife Investigators, which turns campers into nature detectives searching for clues in the wild; Birds of a Feather, focused on the remarkable behaviors of birds; Space Odyssey Robotics Camp, where young explorers tackle engineering challenges inspired by space travel; and Minecraft Coding and Modding Camps, combining creativity with technology and problem-solving.

Campers enrolled in both morning and afternoon sessions may stay for a supervised lunch period at no additional charge before transitioning to the afternoon STEM camp.

Camps are open to both members and nonmembers. Pricing is: $235 per one-week camp (members), $285 per one-week camp (nonmembers), $565 per two-week camp (members) and $615 per two-week camp (nonmembers).

More information and registration is available at https://www.effieyeawnature.org/camps.