Search for salamanders, set up insect traps, and “fish” for microplankton on biology expeditions. Soar to new heights as you study seed dispersal. Find animals in different ecosystems on hikes through nearby Schenley Park. Investigate woodlands and streams farther afield on an extended day field trip to Powdermill Nature Reserve, the museum’s environmental research center.
Learn more about Eco Adventure.
Experience what it’s like to be a museum scientist out in the field and in the lab. Practice using navigation tech and outdoor gear. Learn from real scientists who travel around the world for their work. Go outside throughout the week to advance your skills in tracking animals and surveying their habitats for health and pollution indicators. Collect and analyze your own observations during a mini field study at Powdermill Nature Reserve.
Learn more about Field Science.
Campers, let’s get crafty! With the great outdoors as your inspiration, explore concepts of art intersecting with nature in a series of fun projects that celebrate sustainability. Search for natural pigments in nature and use sustainable harvesting practices to collect materials from the forest. Create sculptures with seeds from native wildflowers, make bird feeder crafts, and find out how to make art that makes an impact.
Learn more about Art in Nature.
Plunge into experiments about the physics and chemistry of water as you develop your own mega-bubble solution. Test solutions for acids and bases, and get cracking with ice. Challenge yourself with boat building, buoyancy tests, and water balloon drops. Hike through Schenley Park to investigate aquatic habitats in the Panther Hollow Watershed and take a dip in nearby Schenley Swimming Pool.
Learn more about Aquatic Adventures.
Discover an enchanted world inside the museum and make connections to some of your favorite stories. Let it all go as you experiment with ice, and go under the sea to learn about the differences between fresh and salt water. Experience no worries as you learn how animals survive in their ecosystems, plus explore ways you can help make the world a better place.
Learn more about Enchanted Explorations.
Do you have a passion for helping the planet? Take action and get real experience solving an environmental issue! Throughout the week you’ll research, design, and carry out an action plan to solve an environmental problem at Powdermill. Explore, hike the trails, and play games to learn about Powdermill’s strengths and challenges, then work together to come up with a solution and present it to leaders at the nature center. By the end of the week you’ll put the plan into action and make a real difference!
Learn more about Environmental Action Camp.
Get out in nature and learn how to protect it as you become an environmental champion. Learn about land stewardship, why it’s important, and ways you can practice it. Trek through the forest to identify and safely remove invasive species. Explore the benefits of native plants and gain hands-on experience maintaining Powdermill’s native gardens. Discover ways to preserve natural areas while keeping them accessible for exploration.
Learn more about Living with the Land.
From the streams of Schenley Park to the Allegheny River, experience the diverse life of Pittsburgh’s waterways. Learn the tools of freshwater field work as you collect macro- and microorganisms. Investigate wetland plants and wildlife. Hop aboard the Gateway Clipper Fleet on a sightseeing adventure to explore our Three Rivers up-close. Lace up your sneakers—this is an active camp with regular hiking excursions!
Learn more about Urban Waterways.
Dive into conservation science and learn how to manage, conserve, and restore local habitats. Explore how land use, population, and pollution impact our environment. Investigate ecosystems and wildlife in Schenley Park and take a trip to the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium to compare unique traits of habitats. Conduct experiments and simulations to understand how we can live a more sustainable life. Examine human impacts that are part of nature and what can be done to reduce our footprint.
Learn more about Conservation Nation.
Campers, this is your chance to experience real science in action! Spend the week participating in active science in the field. Conduct a stream study, help with a wildlife survey, and learn how scientists research birds at the Powdermill Avian Research Center. Extract DNA, experiment with soil bacteria, and use a microscope to uncover hidden forest critters. Design and carry out your own scientific study. See where your curiosity takes you!
Learn more about Science Up Close.
Skunks, spiders, and snakes – oh my! Explore what makes misunderstood animals so important in their ecosystems. Separate fact from fiction and learn about the survival skills of amazing creatures of all sizes. Get an up-close look as you dissect a real squid using age-appropriate tools and techniques. Work with your fellow campers to create an awareness campaign for your favorite misunderstood critter, and observe animals in their habitats on a trip to Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium.
Learn more about The Good, The Bad, & The Misunderstood.
Plunge into experiments about the physics and chemistry of water as you develop your own mega-bubble solution. Test solutions for acids and bases, and get cracking with ice. Challenge yourself with boat building, buoyancy tests, and water balloon drops. Hike through Schenley Park to investigate aquatic habitats in the Panther Hollow Watershed and take a dip in nearby Schenley Swimming Pool.
Learn more about Aquatic Adventures.
Don your detective gear and get ready to dig into environmental mysteries. Investigate food webs and examine real pond water samples in search of macroinvertebrates. Learn about indicator species and use them to draw conclusions regarding the health of a watershed. Conduct experiments and piece together clues with DNA sampling, chromatography, and heavy metal testing. Visit Rivers of Steel to understand the environmental impact of Pittsburgh’s past on the land and water.
Learn more about Environmental Detectives.
Get ready to see Pittsburgh like you’ve never seen it before! Trek across the city by foot and Pittsburgh Regional Transit to explore Frick Park and go on a kayak trip led by experienced Venture Outdoors guides. Navigate through Pittsburgh’s kaleidoscope of cultural traditions. Learn what you can do to make city life better for all of Pittsburgh’s inhabitants. Lace up your sneakers—this is an active camp with daily hiking and public transit excursions.
Learn more about Go Pittsburgh!.