We are right in the heat of summer, and things are getting wild at our annual Cross Timbers Summer Nature Camp.

Summer camps are an industry staple in Parks and Recreation. Here in Southlake, we are fortunate to offer our young residents various fun and entertaining summer camp options each year. Something that makes our community unique is our proximity to the Cross Timbers and Prairies ecosystem.

Our Cross Timbers Summer Nature Camp is a community favorite and a vital part of Our Park and Recreation Story. This summer, campers get to explore their wild side with fun activities to practice outdoor skills, hike, create arts and crafts, and learn about our local ecosystem.

Here are a few highlights of what Nature Camp has been up to this summer:

• Campers do a 2-mile hike to Lake Grapevine every week. At the lake, they get to play on the swing and near the water before hiking back. On average, each camper hikes around eight miles per week!
• Guest presenters are a special treat for Nature Camp. This summer, the kids have learned from the Tarrant Regional Water District, The Blackland Prairie Raptor Center, Creature Teacher, archery, and Mad Science!
• Each week presents a different theme. Last week, the campers learned about sustainability and made some awesome recycled robots.
• Campers always make great use of the Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve! Each week, kids spend hours searching for grasshoppers and other critters. They always talk about the history of the land—which includes the Jones Family and the Tucker Family.
• Every Friday, there is a Field Day Party!

With so many out-of-this-world activities, it’s no wonder Nature Camp is such a crowd favorite! But the summer is not over yet.

Here’s a sneak-peak into what campers can look forward to in the weeks to come:

• This week, campers are learning about flowers and will be planting around the Nature Center. They will also dye and plant seeds that they can take home.
• There will be more animal presentations coming! In addition, the Southlake DPS will present a Wilderness First Aid class to campers!
• The final week will be the “Animal Olympics.” Campers will learn about the extraordinary feats animals can achieve—including the critters found right here in Southlake.

It wouldn’t be a Southlake summer without our summer camps and the incredible staff that make them happen. Part of our Park and Recreation Story is working hard to create life-long memories for our kiddos, and Cross Timbers Nature Camp is the perfect place to get wild!