Eco Camp
Happy Dancing Turtle Eco Camps
Eco Camps are nature-based day camps where campers will learn about various environmental topics through activities, games, crafts, stories, outdoor exploration & recreation, play, and a whole lot of fun! Each session has a maximum of 15 campers. To fully engage campers & provide age-appropriate activities that are fun for all, camps are separated by age group. Eco Camps are in both our locations: Northern Lakes Region in Pine River, MN and the Driftless Region in Trempealeau, WI.
Driftless No School Day Camps
Spring No School Day Camps
Friday, March 14th & 21st
Registration opens on February 18th at noon!
You asked and we listened! Many parents have shared that they wished Eco Camp was offered more than once a year. We can't wait to share the magic of the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge with your children during the rest of the year during our one-day camps!
Who: Children ages 6-10
When: Friday, March 14th (Winona No School Day) & Friday, March 21st (Galesville, Ettrick, Trempealeau No School Day). Drop-off from 8:30-9, pick-up from 3-3:30.
Where: The OWL Center at the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge
What: Explore the refuge in winter/spring with Nora and Delaney! Learn about the local plants & animals through fun activities, games, crafts, stories, & outdoor exploration! We will spend considerable time outdoors, so children MUST dress for the weather! In March, that could be full snow gear, full rain gear, or shorts & a sun hat - who knows! We'll send out a packing list as it gets closer. Campers must also bring a packed lunch and a snack.
Price: $50/camper
Northern Lakes Eco Camps - Pine River, MN
Pine River Eco Camps
Pine River Eco Camps are nature-based day camps for kids aged 1st-6th grade. All camps will be hosted at the Hunt Utilities Group Resilient Living Campus in Pine River, Minnesota. Campers will have the opportunity to learn and explore in a forest classroom setting, a strawbale building, and a 2-acre demonstration garden. Depending on age, campers may also walk into town for various activities.
Eco Camp runs Monday to Friday, from 9am to 3pm; $150*/camper; campers bring their own snack, lunch, and water bottle. One day of camp will be spent at the lake where we will swim, kayak, and participate in water-related games and activities.
2025 Camp Dates
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Grades 1 & 2: June 9-13
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Grades 3 & 4: June 23-27
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Grades 5 & 6: July 7-11 & July 21-25
*We are offering two weeks of the 5th & 6th grade age group to accommodate more campers. Please choose one - these weeks are the same program.
*The price of camp includes supplies, activities, guest speakers, & camp t-shirt. Payment plans are available, upon request. Email info@happdancingturtle.org for more information.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations made at least 14 days prior to camp start date will receive a full refund, less a 10% processing fee.
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Cancellations made 3-13 days prior to camp start date will receive a refund of 50%.
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Cancellations made less than 3 days prior to camp start date will receive no refund.
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Should Happy Dancing Turtle cancel camp for any reason, all paid registrations will receive a refund of 100%.
WHAT 2024 PARENTS HAD TO SAY
2nd Grade Camper
We <3 Eco Camp! Than you for continuing this camp - something the kids really look forward to every year!<3 :)
3rd Grade Camper
Thank you for providing a wholesome and educational camp for our daughter. She always enjoys it, and we are so thankful she is in such caring and capable hands each day she is at camp.
5th & 6th Grade Campers
Camp exceeded all expecations. I was concerned it would be too "woodsy" for our city kids. Just the opposite. They came home excited, tired & brimming with stories. Kudos to your staff. We especially appreciated the daily communication & tips for encouraging ongoing discussions. They both hope to attend next year - Thank you!!
Driftless Region Eco Camps - Trempealeau, WI
Registration CLOSED!
Driftless Eco Camps are nature-based day camps for kids aged PreK-6th grade. The Driftless Region boasts unique geography & nature that is exciting to learn about through hands-on exploration! All camps will be hosted at the OWL Center at the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge in Trempealeau, Wisconsin with so much nature to explore right outside the door!
2025 Camp Dates
Grades 1 & 2: June 9 - 13 & June 23 - 27*
Grades 3 & 4: July 7 - 11
Grades 5 & 6: July 21 - 25
PreK & Kindergarten: Aug 4 - 8
Based on grade camper will enter in Fall of 2025
*We are offering two weeks of the 1st &2nd grade age group to accommodate more campers. Please choose one - these weeks are the same program.
All camps are full for Driftless Region Eco Camp! Please email us at driftless@happydancingturtle.org or click the button below to be added to our waitlist!
Grades 1-6: full-day Eco Camp runs Monday to Friday, from 9am to 3pm; $150*/camper; campers bring their own snack & lunch.
PreK-Kindergarten: we welcome the youngest campers to join us for a half-day camp! Campers must be at least 4 years of age by the time camp begins & be able to independently use the bathroom. Camp runs Monday to Friday, from 9am to 12pm; $125*/camper; campers bring their own snack & lunch.
*The price of camp includes supplies, activities, guest speakers, camp t-shirt, & HDT keepsake. Payment plans & financial assistance are available on the registration form. Email driftless@happdancingturtle.org for more information.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations made at least 14 days prior to camp start date will receive a full refund, less a 10% processing fee.
-
Cancellations made 3-13 days prior to camp start date will receive a refund of 50%.
-
Cancellations made less than 3 days prior to camp start date will receive no refund.
-
Should Happy Dancing Turtle cancel camp for any reason, all paid registrations will receive a refund of 100%.
WHAT 2024 PARENTS HAD TO SAY
1st Grade Camper
Another awesome year for our camper! I love dropping him off knowing he is in great hands with Nora and Delaney and that he will have a full day of being active with something he loves doing! I am so impressed by the knowledge that he brings home from camp and he has taught me a lot too! We look forward to many more years of camp!
5th Grade Camper
As always, this was the highlight of my son’s summer. Activities, location, communication, cost, etc were all great. My son has a great appreciation for the refuge from attending camp and says he is so happy to have this resource so close to home.
3rd Grade Camper
You all do such an amazing job. Your communication is above and beyond anything we’ve ever experienced. The care and passion that you have for our planet is the real treasure of this camp, because ultimately you teach who you are and I’m so grateful that kiddos get to witness that. Thank you!