Explorer Quest Summer Camp


Wilson’s Creek Explorer Quest Summer Camp

June 18-22, 2018
9:30 am-1:30 pm daily

The Foundation’s goal for the Wilson’s Creek Explorer Summer Quest program is to encourage a new generation of caregivers who will be inspired to carry on the important mission of protecting and preserving the battlefield and other national parks around the United States.

This will be our fifth year to hold a free summer camp at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. We can accept up to thirty participants each week, 9 to 12 years old. Our curriculum provides many different fun activities, including watching a film about the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, viewing museum exhibits in the Visitor Center, journal writing, completing the NPS Junior Ranger program, drilling as Civil War infantry soldiers and learning about camp life, role-playing family life in the 1860s Ozarks with period games, nature hikes led by park staff, a presentation about Missouri animals, a hands-on water quality activity, arts and crafts, and presentations about the park service and park ranger jobs. Most activities will be outdoors, although we can move inside if it is rainy. Campers will need to dress for outdoor activities and bring a sack lunch each day.

Schedule of daily activities:
Day One—Orientation, history of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, Visitor Center exhibits
Day Two—Life of a Civil War soldier
Day Three—Family life during the 1860s, the story of the Ray and Edwards families
Day Four—Nature and environmental activities
Day Five—National Park Service and park rangers

At the end of the week, each child will pledge to protect Wilson’s Creek and other national parks. They will receive Civil War style haversacks, a Union or Confederate kepi (cap), water bottles, their journals, Junior Ranger books and badges, and certificates of completion. It is our hope that they will take ownership of Wilson’s Creek NB, learn that this and other national parks belong to them, and understand the importance of becoming stewards who care for and protect this special park and the other exceptional places that make up our National Park System.

For more information or to enroll your child in this free camp,
Please contact the Foundation office, 417-861-9905
Or contact April McDonough, 417-849-4057
amcdonough@wilsonscreek.com