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A four-day outdoor program in Ames, Iowa, that blends nature crafts, journaling, and read-alouds for kids ages 8–10. Perfect for families who want screen-free learning, fresh-air reading, and creative play.
A four-day outdoor program in Ames, Iowa, that blends nature crafts, journaling, and read-alouds for kids ages 8–10. Perfect for families who want screen-free learning, fresh-air reading, and creative play.
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Operated by Reiman Gardens · Ames, Iowa
Bookworm Camp (Full Day) Ages 8-10 brings four days of outdoor literacy and play to Ames, Iowa, where children trade classroom walls for garden beds, tree-shaded reading circles, and patchwork sunlight. Designed for curious eight- to ten-year-olds, this hands-on program blends nature crafts, guided journaling, and group read-alouds beneath mature canopy trees, plus daily explorations of ornamental plantings and small prairie fragments in the local greenspace. The schedule runs 9 AM–4 PM each day over four consecutive days and centers on observation, creativity, and social discovery. The site is an accessible urban greenspace in Ames featuring compact garden beds, pollinator-friendly plantings, and stands of oak and maple that provide cool shade and listening spots. Key features for campers include an outdoor reading circle beneath broad branches, low stone walls and benches that double as craft tables, and a looped exploration path used for short habitat walks. Daily activities emphasize tactile learning—leaf rubbing, seed identification, sensory scavenger hunts, and collaborative nature sculpture—so kids connect words with the living world through making as well as reading. The program’s blending of literacy and natural history is what makes it distinct. Instead of lectures, instructors scaffold discovery: short thematic read-alouds tied to a daily outdoor prompt, co-created field journals, and group storytelling that encourages expressive language and confidence. Younger campers are encouraged to sketch scenes, write micro-stories inspired by textures they touch, and perform simple dramatic readings that bring characters into the garden. Materials for crafts and journals are provided, but families should pack a refillable water bottle, a sun hat, weather-appropriate layers, and a packed lunch. Safety and routine are built in: the day includes check-in, a morning circle, supervised free play, guided activity blocks, lunch, and a quiet reading period. Staff maintain small group ratios and are trained in child-first aid; emergency contact procedures are standard and communicated at registration. For visiting families, Ames provides straightforward logistics—nearby lodging, grocery options, and city parks—making drop-off and pick-up easy on busy summer days. Why book? Bookworm Camp turns low-stress nature study into a week that improves observational skills, builds independent reading habits in an outdoor setting, and fosters new friendships through cooperative projects. Families who want a balanced program—structured learning plus open-ended discovery—will find it especially rewarding. Register early for session dates (for example, the July program listed 9 AM–4 PM over four days) because spaces are intentionally limited to preserve the small-group learning environment. Children leave with a handmade journal, a craft or two, and memories of stories read under the trees. Contact details and registration are available via the booking link provided; instructors will share a daily itinerary and weather guidance ahead of the first morning to help families prepare and reminders.
easy.
7 hours per day (4 days).
Children should be comfortable walking short distances, sitting for craft sessions, and participating in light, supervised play.
This session is designed specifically for children ages 8–10.
The program runs 9 AM–4 PM each day over the four-day session.
Families should pack a lunch; staff supervise mealtimes but do not provide lunch.
Yes, materials for nature crafts and journals are supplied as part of the program.
Staff maintain small group ratios, are trained in child-first aid, and communicate emergency procedures at registration.
Register as early as possible; spaces are intentionally limited to keep group sizes small and supportive.
The program draws on local garden plantings and prairie fragments common to central Iowa, encouraging kids to explore native and ornamental plants.
Activities emphasize leave-no-trace principles, pollinator awareness, and responsible interaction with planting beds to minimize trampling and disturbance.
Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa offers year-round horticultural displays, seasonal events, educational programs, and volunteer opportunities that engage families, students, and garden enthusiasts. The facility hosts a variety of public experiences including speaker series, guided and self-guided tours, hands-on youth day camps, and specialized workshops such as dried floral wreath making and floral design. Signature experiences include the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing — open daily and featuring up to 800 live butterflies from around 80 species — plus seasonal highlights like Butterfly Blizzard and Nature at NIGHT. Reiman Gardens programs combine accessible outdoor activities with instructional series and community-focused nights. Regular offerings include Nature with Nathan, a six-part entomology speaker series; Rovers at Reiman dog-friendly evenings; Garden Flow six-week gentle stretching sessions; Nature Journaling workshops; and members-only Wednesday walking club access. Community events range from Autumn Equinox Gothic Soiree (ages 18+) to Trivia Nights, Maker Nights, and seasonal forest bathing walks. Volunteer roles support Spirits in the Gardens (October 10–12), Pumpkin Prep, Butterfly Wing docent training, seasonal gardening and displays, and group volunteer opportunities. Reiman Gardens also offers admissions options, guided tours for youth and adults, and special previews like RG Express and Bonsai Show Member Preview. All program descriptions, schedules, and registration details are published by Reiman Gardens; visitors should consult official listings for dates, age requirements, and availability. Members' Wednesday Walking Club meets Wednesday mornings and provides access to the Butterfly Wing and Conservatory beginning at 9:00 AM, offering a quieter visit and the chance to see horticulturalists at work.
Book with Reiman Gardens