Washington County Extension Clover University Summer Youth Camps open for registration

Washington County Extension and Outreach’s summer day camps “Clover University” is schedule with eight individual day camp opportunities. These camps serve a variety of ages from kindergarten — 12th grade. All registration links and detailed camp descriptions are available at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/washington/summer-programs

‘Dig Those Dinosaurs!’ is open to youth who have completed kindergarten — 1st grade as of June 2025. At this camp, youth will explore the Mesozoic Era to discover dinosaur diets, sizes, and traits. They will learn about excavating fossils through a hands-on simulation and paleontology as a career. They will even make a fossil replica of their very own, along with many other dinosaur themed creations. Beverage and snacks will be provided, but campers will need to bring a sack lunch. Camp will be held June 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the basement of Dallmeyer Hall in Washington. The cost for this camp is $30.

‘Buggin’ Out!’ is open to youth who have completed kindergarten — 1st grade as of June 2025. Participants will have an action-packed day creeping, crawling, and fluttering into a bug-tastic adventures. Little Explorers will build their own bugs, go on exciting insect hunts, play silly games, and make fun crafts — all while learning about the amazing world of insects. Get ready to wiggle, buzz, and hop your way through a day of hands-on, buggy fun! Beverage and snacks will be provided, but campers will need to bring a sack lunch. Camp will be held June 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the basement of Dallmeyer Hall in Washington. The cost for this camp is $30.

‘Quilting Camp’ Spend a week this summer as a quilter at Quilt Camp. All skill levels are welcome to learn from sewing volunteers from across the county. They will support participants in completing a Quilt of Valor® that week at camp. All quilts will be exhibited at the Washington County Fair as a quilting exhibit and then awarded to Veterans on July 18 at the County Fair. This club will teach and develop the art of quilting, provide youth an artistic and creative opportunity and give youth a chance to support and know a Veteran from this community. This camp is open to youth who have completed 6th-12th grade as of June 2025. The cost is $50 which includes all quilting supplies. Camp will be held every morning at the Washington County Extension Office June 16-June 20, 9 a.m. — noon.

‘Chef for a Day!’ is open to youth who have completed 2nd-3rd grade as of June 2025. Participants will whip up some fun as they explore getting hands-on experience measuring, mixing, and reading recipes while creating tasty and healthy snacks. Along the way, participants will learn smart food-handling practices and discover how healthy eating can be both easy and exciting. Get ready to stir up some culinary creativity! Beverage and snacks will be provided, but campers will need to bring a sack lunch. Camp will be held June 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the basement of Dallmeyer Hall in Washington. The cost for this camp is $30. Register here.

‘Camp Calm’ is open to youth who have completed 2nd-3rd grade as of June 2025. Participants will pamper themselves with a day of spa-time fun! They will create their own luxurious body products — fizzy bath bombs, soothing scrubs, and more! Youth will dive in and practice relaxation and mindfulness activities that will leave them feeling refreshed and recharged. Get ready for a day of creativity, self-care, and total Zen vibes! Beverage and snacks will be provided, but campers will need to bring a sack lunch. Camp will be held June 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the basement of Dallmeyer Hall in Washington. The cost for this camp is $30.

‘Monarchs on the Move’ is open to youth 4th-6th grade as of June 2025. Did you know each year monarch butterflies fly up to 2,000 miles from areas in North America to Mexico? Experiments show Monarchs navigate using the earth’s magnetic field. How cool is that?! Participants will observe live specimens of each life stage of the Monarch while they learn more about their migration, survival rates, habitats and more. Beverage and snacks will be provided, but campers will need to bring a sack lunch. Camp will be held June 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the basement of Dallmeyer Hall in Washington. The cost for this camp is $30.

‘Babysitting Basics’ is a 4 session class to teach the responsibilities of a babysitter, what employers expect, caring for infants and toddlers, age-appropriate toys, how to handle emergencies and basic first aid. This camp is open to youth who have completed 5th grade. The cost for this babysitting training is $50. Participants will receive a babysitting starter bag full of goodies. Camp is held at the Washington County Extension Office. Camp will be held every morning June 24-June 28, 9:30 a.m. — 11:30 a.m.

‘Farm Field Trip’ is open to youth 4th-6th grade as of June 2025. The day will include a bus trip around Washington and Keokuk Counties visiting farm operations and businesses. This will be an all day adventure on June 17. Other details are still be finalized. Stay tuned for exact times, pick up locations and registration link.

Space is limited to 25 registrations for each camp. Registrations accepted on a first come, first serve basis while space is available and as payments are received. Scholarships are available upon request. Register online at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/washington/summer-programs. Make payments to Washington County Extension Office. The fees for service are used to offset direct expenses of the program and to support the 4-H Youth Development County Extension Program. These camps are made possible by funding from Washington County Extension and Outreach. No refunds after June 1 unless camp was canceled due to low registration numbers. Please help us fill our camps and share with your friends!

For more information on how to get involved in these summer programs as either a youth participant or a volunteer, please contact Amy Green at the Washington County Extension Office, 319-653-4811 or amygreen@iastate.edu.