Swaner’s educational summer camp programs will inspire and fascinate your child through exploration and discovery of the natural world. Swaner offers summer camps for rising Kindergarten through 8th grade students. Campers should be enrolled based on what grade they will enter in Fall 2023.
Important Information
- Each camp is designed for the grade level specified. Youth should be enrolled in a camp for the grade they will enter in Fall 2023.
- Children are not allowed to move up or down in grade level as camps are created to be developmentally appropriate for the specified age group.
- Youth may be enrolled in AM and PM sessions for a full day camp experience. If you sign your child up for both the AM and PM sessions during a week of camp, there will be a supervised lunch hour provided. Please send your child with a sack lunch that does not require heating and contains no nuts or nut products. There are no full day options for kindergarten camps.
- Campers cannot be enrolled in the same camp theme more than once per summer. The curriculum is repeated each time a camp is taught.
- To receive Sandhill Society or Family membership early registration access, you must purchase your membership before the deadline. Check back in January 2024 for the deadline announcement.
- At least one week prior the camp, you will receive an email with a guardian letter, detailed agenda for the camp, camper waiver, packing list, and directions to Swaner to help prepare your child and yourself for a successful week! Please provide an email address you check frequently to ensure you receive this orientation packet. It is also important that you check your junk/clutter folder to make sure the orientation information doesn’t land there.
Schedule & Pricing
Please note that this the 2023 summer camp schedule. Check back in January for our 2024 schedule!
AM = 9:00 am to 12:00 pm PM = 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm ALL DAY = 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
| Kindergarten | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Time | Theme | Cost |
| June 26-30 SOLD OUT | AM | EcoExplorers | $175.00 |
| July 5-7 *3 days* SOLD OUT | AM | Nature Sensation | $105.00 |
| July 10-14 SOLD OUT | AM | Nitty Gritty Nature | $175.00 |
| July 17-21 | AM | Nature’s Tales | $175.00 |
| July 25-28 *4 days* SOLD OUT | AM | Nature Sensation | $140.00 |
| July 31-August 4 SOLD OUT | AM | EcoExplorers | $175.00 |
| August 7-11 SOLD OUT | AM | Nature’s Tales | $175.00 |
| August 14-18 SOLD OUT | AM | Nitty Gritty Nature | $175.00 |
| 1st and 2nd | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Time | Theme | Cost |
| June 12-16 SOLD OUT | AM | Outdoor Exploration | $175.00 |
| June 12-16 | PM | Down to a Science | $175.00 |
| June 20-23 *4 days* | AM | Earth's Elements | $140.00 |
| June 20-23 *4 days* | PM | Creature Feature | $140.00 |
| June 26-30 SOLD OUT | AM | Blast from the Past | $175.00 |
| June 26-30 SOLD OUT | PM | Extreme Environments | $175.00 |
| July 10-14 SOLD OUT | AM | Outdoor Exploration | $175.00 |
| July 10-14 SOLD OUT | PM | Down to a Science | $175.00 |
| July 25-28 *4 days* SOLD OUT | AM | Outdoor Exploration | $140.00 |
| July 25-28 *4 days* SOLD OUT | PM | Down to a Science | $140.00 |
| July 31-August 4 SOLD OUT | AM | Earth's Elements | $175.00 |
| July 31-August 4 SOLD OUT | PM | Creature Feature | $175.00 |
| August 14-18 SOLD OUT | AM | Blast from the Past | $175.00 |
| August 14-18 SOLD OUT | PM | Extreme Environments | $175.00 |
| 3rd and 4th | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Time | Theme | Cost |
| June 12-16 SOLD OUT | AM | Wetland Warriors | $175.00 |
| June 12-16 SOLD OUT | PM | Budding Artists | $175.00 |
| June 20-23 *4 days* SOLD OUT | AM | Junior Naturalist | $140.00 |
| June 20-23 *4 days* SOLD OUT | PM | Up in the Air | $140.00 |
| July 5-7 *3 days* SOLD OUT | AM | Swaner Scientists | $105.00 |
| July 5-7 *3 days* | PM | Planet Protectors | $105.00 |
| July 17-21 SOLD OUT | AM | Wetland Warriors | $175.00 |
| July 17-21 SOLD OUT | PM | Budding Artists | $175.00 |
| July 31-August 4 SOLD OUT | AM | Junior Naturalist | $175.00 |
| July 31-August 4 SOLD OUT | PM | Up in the Air | $175.00 |
| August 7-11 SOLD OUT | AM | Swaner Scientists | $175.00 |
| August 7-11 | PM | Planet Protectors | $175.00 |
| 5th and 6th | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Time | Theme | Cost |
| June 26-30 | ALL | Watershed Explorers | $350.00 |
| July 5-7 *3 days* SOLD OUT | ALL | Conservation Crew | $210.00 |
| July 10-14 | ALL | Full STEAM Ahead with Egyptian You Theatre |
$350.00 |
| July 25-28 *4 days* | ALL | Sustainable Adventure with Recycle Utah |
$280.00 |
| 7th and 8th | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Time | Theme | Cost |
| August 7-11 SOLD OUT | ALL | Counselors in Training | $350.00 |
Camp Themes
EcoExplorers
Come ready for exploration! In this camp, we’ll spend time both inside and out exploring the wetlands of the Swaner Preserve. Campers will try their hand at catching frogs and bugs, learn about the many mammals that call the Preserve home, and create some fun crafts to take home!
“Equipped with his five senses, man explores the universe around him and calls the adventure Science”—Edwin Powell Hubble
In this sensational session, we’ll take Mr. Hubble’s words to heart and put our senses to the test to discover the natural world! Campers will touch, taste, smell, look, and listen their way to exploring the science of nature!
Nitty Gritty Nature
Prepare to dig into what’s underground! We’ll explore roots, worms, and mud in this hands-on and exciting session! We’ll leave no stone unturned as we examine what happens underneath our feet.
Nature's Tales
Book it to Swaner if you love listening to facts, folklore, and everything in between! With the help of daily storybooks, campers will learn how to nurture nature through hands-on activities and art projects. Your camper is sure to come home with stories of their own!
Outdoor Exploration
You’ve searched high, you’ve searched low, and you’ve finally found it—the best summer camp for aspiring outdoor explorers! Join us for this fun session to explore the Swaner Preserve. Campers will explore the wetlands, take a dip in the stream, and learn all about nature through hands-on experiences.
Down to a Science
It all boils down to this – this camp is for curious scientists who like to experiment! Campers will engage in scientific and engineering processes as they explore natural phenomena around them. Be sure to pack your lab goggles and come prepared to discover the nature of science!
Earth's Elements
Earth, Wind & Fire isn’t just a band your grandparents listen to! Get ready to unearth the elements of our planet through experiments and engineering in this investigative camp. From ferocious fires to wondrous water, campers will discover the interactions of elements in our natural world.
Creature Feature
Are you an aspiring animal expert? Whale, look no further! From snails to snakes, beavers to bugs, and rabbits to raptors, no critter will be left behind. Through hands-on activities and special guest visitors, campers will meet some of our regional residents and learn more about how they make their homes on the Preserve.
Blast from the Past
Jump in the time machine and get ready to take a journey through time! Discover the flora and fauna of Utah’s past, dig up archaeological clues, practice the skills of early humans, and more. At the end of the week, hop back in for some futuristic fun!
Extreme Environments
What does it take to survive our planet's most extreme environments? Join this other-worldly camp to investigate the last unexplored frontiers on Earth and beyond. Campers will create their own space rover, investigate adaptations of deep-sea dwellers, and more as we marvel at the mysteries of Earth.
Wetland Warriors
Prepare to get your feet wet as we explore rivers, ponds, and the wetland habitat found on the Swaner Preserve. Campers will search for frogs, investigate aquatic invertebrates, and more in this outdoor-focused camp. Things are sure to get a little wet and wild!
Budding Artists
Let your creativity blossom in this artistic camp! Campers will use nature as their guide as they explore different mediums and engage in the artistic process. From clay to collages and paintbrushes to pastels, your child is sure to come home with a masterpiece!
Junior Naturalist
Discover what it takes to be a naturalist as we slow down and connect with nature all around us! Using scientific tools and a nature journal to record questions and observations, campers will engage in plant identification, wildlife behavior, and other ecological concepts.
Up in the Air
Get ready for curiosity to take flight as we investigate things that fly, flap, flutter, and sometimes fall! From airplanes to animals, campers will explore the science and forces that power flight. In this camp, the sky’s the limit and we’re ready to soar!
Swaner Scientists
Inspired by the science of Swaner, we will dive into different “-ologies” each day to become experts on geology, ornithology, and more! Campers will engage in hands-on experiments and exploration to gain perspective about these fields of study. No resume required for this camp!
Planet Protectors
Our changing planet needs you! As aspiring environmental stewards, we will discover ways to turn trash into treasure, design solutions to environmental issues, and learn how simple sustainability can be. Pledge to protect our planet today!
Watershed Explorers
Go ahead and dive in—the water’s fine! Prepare for an adventure filled week as we explore our local watershed! Campers will head to the Uinta Mountains, then go with the flow until we make it all the way to the Great Salt Lake. Get ready to test and collect water quality data, visit numerous sites around Park City, and learn about where our water comes from (and where it goes after we flush).
Conservation Crew
Grab your muck boots and work gloves – it's time to join the conservation crew! Discover the process behind conservation projects that protect our environment. Campers will identify local wildlife issues, design realistic solutions, and help out with a project on the Preserve that will leave them feeling like they’ve made a positive impact on the environment.
Full STEAM Ahead
Partner camp with Egyptian YouTheatre. All the world’s a stage, so why not explore it? STEM learning is more fun when art is in the mix, so join our science and drama specialists for a unique combination of drama, dance, music, and science exploration! This is a partner camp with Egyptian YouTheatre and Swaner. Drop off for this camp will be at Swaner EcoCenter Monday—Friday. Pick up will be at Swaner Monday—Wednesday and at Egyptian YouTheatre Thursday & Friday.
Sustainable Adventure
Partner camp with Recycle Utah. Calling all environmental activists, stewards, and those curious about how we treat our land! Swaner and Recycle Utah have joined forces again to make our planet green and clean! Come explore the land and people of Summit County to learn about land, food, water, air, and energy. From understanding where our trash goes during a landfill tour to exploring a community garden to learn about local foods, your camper will be the change they wish to see in the world!
Counselors in Training
This program is designed for 7th and 8th graders who are interested in making the jump from camper to counselor. CITs will learn about the skills necessary to be a leader. You’ll get the opportunity to work with younger campers and show them just how excited you are about camps at Swaner! This camp includes two leadership focused field trips on Wednesday and Friday, as well as group activities each day.
Early Camp Registration
Sandhill Society and Family-level members of the Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter receive the benefit of early registration for summer camp 2023! Make sure your membership is current through March to qualify for 2023 early summer camp registration. The deadline to renew or join is 5:00 pm on February 28th, 2023. Any member registrations received after this time will not be eligible for early registration access. This allows Swaner staff time to process new memberships and to ensure adequate time to share early registration instructions. Email janna.coulter@usu.edu to check your membership status. Thank you for understanding
Eligible members will receive an email with an early access code about one week prior registration opening via email. If you feel that you mistakenly did not receive the early access code, please contact Katherine Veeder at (435)797-8942 or katherine.veeder@usu.edu. Early access codes are intended only for Sandhill Society and Family-level members.
Please do not share codes with friends or extended family members. Any registrations made using early access code without a current eligible membership will be cancelled without notice, and you will lose your spot. You may not register children who are not your dependents during early registration.
| Sandhill Society members | Friday, March 17 at 9 am |
|---|---|
| Swaner Family-level members | Monday, March 20 at 9 am |
| General public | Wednesday, March 22 at 9 am |
Camp Financial Aid
Tuition waivers are available on a first come, first served basis. To apply for a tuition waiver, please fill out an online application. You will receive an update about your application within 1 week of receipt. If you have any questions, please contact Katherine Veeder at 435-797-8942 or katherine.veeder@usu.edu.
Cancellation & Refunds
If you cancel more than 2 weeks before the first day of camp, you will be refunded, less a $30 administrative fee per camp/camper. If you cancel two weeks or less before the first day of camp, you will receive a refund (minus the $30 fee mentioned above) only if your spot can be filled from the waitlist. If your spot cannot be filled, you will not receive a refund. No refunds are given for days missed during camp
Opportunities for High School Students
In addition to providing camps for K-8th graders, Swaner also provides leadership opportunities for teens entering 9th through 12th grades. Swaner is looking for enthusiastic, motivated, fun teens to help with summer camps. For more information on how to become a camp counselor, visit the camp counselor webpage.
Contact Information
Name: Katherine Veeder
Position: Director of Education
E-mail: katherine.veeder@usu.edu
Phone: 435-797-8942
Location, Hours & Contact
Physical & Mailing Address
1258 Center Drive
Park City, Utah 84098
EcoCenter Hours
Wednesday – Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm
Email
swanerecocenter@usu.edu
Phone
435-649-1767
