From feathers to fur, bugs to bark, our Nature Explorers spent five unforgettable days diving into Mississippi’s native wildlife and wild places—and they did it with wide eyes and curious minds!
Day 1: Birds of a Feather
Camp took flight with Bird Day, where campers met ambassador birds Hazelnut the Eastern Screech Owl and Mochni the Red-shouldered Hawk. Binoculars in hand, they set out on a birding hike and learned how birds’ feathers, wings, and beaks help them survive. Using hands-on tools, they even mimicked how different beaks work—bird nerdy fun at its best!
Day 2: Plant Power
Next up: Plant Day! Campers explored Mississippi’s flora from root to leaf—identifying poison ivy, spotting jewelweed and wild blackberries, and admiring tall trees like the tulip poplar. They planted Coreopsis (our state wildflower!) in hand-painted clay pots and played the “Tree Game” to learn how roots, trunks, branches, and bark support the ecosystem.
Day 3: Reptiles Rule
Reptile Day was slithery, scaly, and seriously cool! Rob from the Wildlife Discovery Center captivated campers with a live reptile show featuring a 50-year-old ball python, an indigo snake, and even a Gila monster. Campers learned the differences between reptiles and amphibians and painted wooden snakes to reflect either bright warning colors or clever camouflage.
Day 4: Marvelous Mammals
Fur, footprints, and skulls stole the show on Mammal Day. Campers examined real skulls and pelts to uncover how mammals stay warm, hide from predators, or hunt their prey. They made animal tracks in clay and sand, imagining the daily life of Mississippi’s native mammals as they became wildlife detectives.
Day 5: Bugging Out
We wrapped up with Arthropod Day, buzzing with excitement! From roaches and isopods to spiders and butterflies, campers explored the tiny critters that keep ecosystems humming. Buggo (aka bug bingo) made learning fun, and “Nature Explorers Jeopardy” let campers show off all they learned throughout the week. A trapdoor spider and a red-spotted purple butterfly even made wild surprise appearances!
🍴Special thanks to our generous lunch sponsors—Domino’s, Sonic in Olive Branch, Jason’s Deli, Chick-fil-A Southaven, and Jimmy John’s—for keeping our campers fueled and ready for adventure all week long!
🌟 A giant shoutout to our incredible volunteers—Katie Richardson, Lauren Lee, Leah Steen, Lauren Schwartz, and Kate Friedman—for making each day run smoothly and joyfully. Your energy and enthusiasm made the week unforgettable!
And to our amazing campers: THANK YOU! Your curiosity, creativity, and love for nature make you true MWR Nature Explorers. Stay wild, stay kind, and keep discovering the wonders just outside your door. 🌎💚