Summer 2025 at The Wilds was one to remember! More than 300 youth, ages 8–18, joined us for WildeCamp—an unforgettable 10-week residential camp where outdoor adventure meets hands-on conservation learning.
From canoeing, archery, and campfire s’mores to interacting with rhinos and helping restore native habitats, campers experienced a summer unlike any other. Every activity was designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and inspire a lifelong love for wildlife and wild places.
A Home Away from Home
Campers stayed in climate-controlled yurts at the Robert W. Teater Conservation Education Camp, and older participants even had the chance to spend a night at The Outpost...falling asleep surrounded by grazing pasture animals.
New Additions in 2025
This past summer brought exciting updates, including a new gaga ball recreation area and improvements to our outdoor pavilion, offering more ways for campers to play, connect, and grow together.
One-of-a-Kind Conservation Experiences
What makes WildeCamp truly unique is the chance for campers to step into the shoes of conservationists and scientists. Campers:
- Assisted West Liberty University with bat call monitoring
- Surveyed aquatic invertebrates to check stream health
- Planted wildflowers in restored prairies
- Made enrichment for African painted dogs
Some campers even shadowed our Animal Management and Conservation Medicine teams, helping with barn cleaning, medical rounds, and observing animal procedures during the Advanced Dirty Jobs experience.
It's a Camp for ALL
WildeCamp is more than summer fun—it’s a chance to make a difference. Forty-six at-risk youth attended this year on scholarships made possible by the generous support of Battelle and the Straker Charitable Foundation, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to connect with nature.
Looking Ahead to 2026
At WildeCamp, our mission is simple: foster a love for nature, build lasting friendships, and inspire the next generation of conservation leaders. If you’re looking for a camp experience that combines adventure, education, and conservation in a way only The Wilds can provide, mark your calendar.
Registration for WildeCamp 2026 opens in November 2025. Spots fill quickly—don’t miss the chance to give your child a summer full of discovery, connection, and unforgettable memories.
