Rock Springs provides a fun way to discover our natural and historical world in a relaxed setting. Hands-on, engaging activities offer an enjoyable learning experience for youth of all ages, and participants get up-close-and-personal with nature. These adventure experiences are designed to last approximately one hour.
Stream Study: Discover the basics of our water resources and come face-to-face with Rock Spring’s aquatic stream life. The Stream Study allows students to discover life found in a Kansas stream and also teaches the basics of water quality testing. *This program requires students to get wet, at least to the ankle. Shoes must be worn at all times in the stream. (Water shoes or old tennis shoes are recommended.)
Making Sense Trail: Students will use their senses to observe the wonders of our natural world. We will explore the many habitat zones that Rock Springs has to offer and learn about the unique eco-system found in the Flint Hills.
GPS Scramble: Technology comes face-to-face with the great outdoors in this fun, competitive introduction to the world of GPS. Students will learn how a GPS (Global Positioning System) unit works and then have a chance to operate a GPS to find hidden waypoints around camp.
Skins and Skulls: This hands-on program is an introduction to Kansas mammals. Participants will learn about a variety of Kansas mammals and then see and touch real animal skins and skulls.
Scales and Tales: Explore the world of Kansas reptiles and amphibians through the use of props and live animals. Students will learn about the characteristics of reptiles and amphibians found in the Flint Hills.
Outdoor Educational Adventure: This outdoor program includes activities and games that teach about animal habitat (food, water, shelter and space), predator/prey relationships, and carrying capacity.
Native American Games: Take a trip through history and learn about the first Americans! Participants will learn about the historic Native American Tribes of Kansas and also learn some Native American games. Theses games involve skill, stealth, coordination and chance. *This activity is ideal for a group of younger participants.
Wilderness Survival Skills: Learn the basics of wilderness survival in Kansas including identification of venomous snakes and poisonous plants. Live animals are normally a part of this class.
Night Hike: This activity is an after dark nature experience unlike any other! The participants will be led on a hike and will discover how he senses of sight and sound adapt at night. We will learn about nocturnal animals and even try to call in an owl using an owl call. *Night hikes are an additional charge and have a 20 person maximum. Flashlights are not necessary since we will be using our night vision.
Terrific Tracks: This newly added program is an introductory class in animal tracking. Students will learn to observe animal evidence like tracks, burrows and scat. We will go on a “tracking” hike to look for signs of animal life and then finish up in the classroom and identify animal tracks using rubber ‘replitracks.'