“Who wants a tasty sword?” Naturalist Mick Garrett calls out to his campers. It’s the last day of Guardians of Dodge summer camp, and “tasty swords”, aka freeze pops, are the perfect parting treat on a hot July day.
Pool noodle and duct tape swords crafted by summer campers laying on a picnic table between battles.
Colorful foam swords and shields lay scattered on the ground as campers break for their treat. These third through fifth graders have been playing hard for four days.
As guardians of Dodge, campers “forged” their own foam weapons with pool noodles and duct tape and fought epic (but friendly) battles. They’ve also identified wild edible plants, built shelters, experimented with the flow of water, and sparked fires.
Campers chasing each other in a swordplay game.
Dodge camps are less structured around school curriculum than field trips at the nature center. But learning is always happening.
“Environmental education is such a broad term,” Mick explains. “Elements like play, crafting, and fantasy all facilitate immersion and learning in the natural world.”
Dodge Nature Center has been offering camps for more than 30 years. Nearly 900 kids attend camp every year. Naturalists have honed what works best for camp—like simple activities that can be adapted to the needs of all campers—and how to weave in their own interests, so camp feels alive with curiosity and excitement.
“The beautiful thing about teaching at Dodge is the creative freedom we have as staff. We get to build camps around our favorite stories and topics,” shares Naturalist Mary Dybvig.
Naturalist Michael Harrison making a surprise visit as the Mad Hatter at an Alice in Wonderland themed summer camp.
Mary has developed wildly imaginative and whimsical camps, from themes of Alice in Wonderland to throwing a birthday party for Dodge’s beloved bullsnake, Bowtie.
“Campers are way more excited and engaged when we’re excited and engaged, too,” Mary continues. “That’s when learning happens. I see their imaginations bloom and their love for nature take root in their own unique ways.”
Camp parent and Preschool Teacher Melissa Tobias knows well the magic of Dodge camp. Her daughter Eleanor attended Mick’s Guardians of Dodge camp this year.
Campers Amrita (left) and Eleanor (right) enjoying freeze pops after a full day of play.
“Eleanor has absolutely loved her experience,” says Melissa. “Each day she excitedly shared stories and new facts that lasted the whole car ride home.”
“She got dirty and soaked, came home with a beloved foam sword, and left with her imagination and love of the outdoors fully sparked.”
Melissa’s only complaint? “We wish camp lasted longer than a week!”
This article was originally published in the Nourish Your Need for Nature Newsletter, Fall/Winter 2025.