A nature lover lives within all of us.
ANNOUNCEMENT: Our friends at Team Building Blocks are taking over managemant of Adventure Day Camp! For more information and to register, visit https://teambuildingblocks.com/adventure-day-camp/
No Need for Screen Time in the Great Outdoors!
Fun-filled activities include the Four Mounds Challenge Ropes Course, canoeing on Catfish Creek at Mines of Spain, ecosystem adventures at Swiss Valley Nature Center, and the EB Lyons Interpretive Center. Campers enjoy creek-stomping, water games, hiking, team-building exercises, arts and crafts, and games.



Other topics covered at camp.
- Personal Growth
- Environmental Awareness
- Garden Education
- Social Skills
- Building Physical and Mental Endurance
- Friendship Skills
Each day holds a new adventure.
Midwest Ecosystems
Campers spend the day at Swiss Valley Nature Center. While there, they hike the trails and participate in station activities to learn about macro-invertebrates (crawdads) water ecosystems, explore nature through their five senses, and the art of cairn for communication (rock stacking). Campers end the day by participating in an activity or craft.
Mines of Spain
Campers participate in station activities to learn about animals in the creek, canoe safety & paddling strategy, and Mines of Spain history. After the lesson, students spend the day canoeing on Catfish Creek. Campers end the day by participating in a “Counselor’s Choice” activity or craft.
Pioneer Days and Pioneer Ways
Campers spend the day at the Mines of Spain hiking and exploring treasures of old along the trail including the root cellar, the wine cellar, lead mines, and the Pine Chapel. They participate in station activities to learn about plants and animals of the area, how to navigate using a compass at the life-size compass marker at the John and Alice Butler trailhead.
Pushing Boundaries
Campers take part in team building activities on the high ropes course. For many this means overcoming personal limitations and fear of heights, and extreme trust building. Campers participate in parachute games and activities and make a camp memento to take home with them. At the end of the day students take some time to reflect on the week, their learning, and their favorite experiences.
Adventure Day Camp Details
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A True “Day Camp”
Camp runs Monday through Friday. Children are required to bring a sack lunch and a water bottle. All other supplies and safety equipment are provided including life vests.
Drop-off, pick-up, and supervision.
Transportation is provided by Dubuque's RTA service. You are responsible for transporting your child to and from our pick-up location. This pick-up location will be announced later in the spring. For all activities, we provide at least one highly-trained staffer for every 5-6 campers. Campers need no special skills and participate at their comfort level.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the camp cost?
$300 per camper each week. Children may register for one week only. For any questions or to turn in this registration and payment, please contact info@teambuildingblocks.com
Do I qualify for the $150 Family Scholarship Program?
The Leisure Services Department provides up to 300 qualifying low-income families with $150 in scholarship credits which can be used for program registration, pavilion rentals, and other services provided through the department. Applicants may use their credits upon completion of the application process. Scholarship funds will expire on June 30, 2024. To learn more and apply for the Family Scholarship Program, go to the Recreation Division page on the City of Dubuque’s website.
What ages can attend?
Children ages 7 through 15 can attend.
How many weeks can I sign my child up for?
Each child may only register for 1 week.
How many campers will be attending each week?
The camp is limited to 25 campers each week.
What if there is a rain date? Will it be made up?
Unfortunately, due to limited staff and time, we are unable to schedule make up days. But we make lots of changes during the camp day and the schedule to prevent cancellations.
When and how can I sign my camper up?
Visit Team Building Blocks to register online.
Who should I contact if I have additional questions about Adventure Day Camp?
Please email info@teambuildingblocks.com
Want to join the Adventure Day camp team?
Get in Touch
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