Students Embrace Winter Camp Experience in Iowa Despite Cold

Nearly 40 students attended the Winter Overnight Camp at the Hurstville Interpretive Center in Maquoketa, Iowa, on March 4, 2024. This event, now in its 20th year, is a collaborative effort between Jackson County Conservation and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. The camp is designed to engage fourth to sixth graders with educational activities centered on conservation and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

Amber Matthiesen, the Jackson County director for ISU Extension, explained the camp’s origins: “We started it because the center was new, and we were trying to think of ways to bring people in and see the building.” The camp continues to evolve while maintaining its focus on interactive learning and fun.

As the camp commenced at 14:00, the students participated in a range of activities. Camp counselors established guidelines for safety, seeking input from the campers. Responses varied, with one student suggesting, “Don’t go in employee-only areas,” while another humorously added, “Don’t fall asleep,” eliciting laughter from the group.

Activities Encourage Learning and Teamwork

The campers split into two groups for the day. One group remained indoors, engaging in creative storytelling and hands-on activities. They crafted winter-themed narratives, showcasing their imaginations with tales ranging from a house collapsing into a pool of chicken nuggets to a horror story about braces.

Participants also learned to create faux snow using a mix of shaving cream and baking soda. Matthiesen emphasized the importance of interactive activities, stating, “(Jackson County Extension) focuses on the STEM activities, typically with a winter theme, and then (Jackson County Conservation) usually does more nature-focused activities.” Future activities will include simulating glacier movements with marshmallows.

Meanwhile, the outdoor group embarked on a scavenger hunt, navigating the chilly winds that reached speeds of up to 25 mph. Despite the cold, the campers were determined to find all the hidden items. One sixth-grader, Mia Shear, voiced the sentiment of many, asking, “Do we really have to wait for everyone? Why can’t we just go inside?”

Despite the harsh weather conditions, Matthiesen noted that the camp often has a waitlist due to its popularity. “We usually have a waitlist,” she said, highlighting the excitement and return rate of campers each year. “I think that’s the most exciting part, that the kids come back year to year and they bring their friends.”

Friendship and Outdoor Adventures

While the educational components are vital, Matthiesen pointed out that the social aspect is equally significant. “I think they do enjoy going outside, because there’s so much available, like snowshoes and ice fishing,” she said. “But they just love to be with each other.”

The camp not only provides an opportunity for learning but also fosters friendships and teamwork among the students. As the evening unfolded, campers would settle in for an overnight stay, creating memories that would last long after the snow had melted.

The Winter Overnight Camp at Hurstville Interpretive Center is a testament to community collaboration and the joy of learning in a fun and engaging environment, showcasing how educational initiatives can successfully combine enjoyment with valuable lessons in conservation and teamwork.