Welcome to the great outdoors! As part of Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s summer programs for children, Powdermill Nature Reserve offers weeklong, full-day camps for children ages 5–8 and 9–12!

Fun-filled days await campers as they explore the great outdoors, view wildlife up close, and make exciting discoveries about the natural world. Each year activities change to give children new experiences. While splashing in the stream and investigating ponds, forests, and meadows, campers gain a better understanding of nature and learn how to appreciate its beauty and mystery.

The reserve is located in Rector, PA, 55 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. Click here to visit the Powdermill website for directions and general information about the reserve.

Schedule & Fees

$220 ($200 Members)
9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Sign-in begins at 8:30 a.m., pick-up is until 3:15 p.m.
Pre- and post-camp care are not available.
Transportation to Powdermill is not provided.

Ages 5–8

Natural Wonders
July 22–26 OR July 29–August 2

Start your lifelong journey through biodiversity here! Powdermill reveals its secrets as children enjoy a week of games and activities focused on getting to know the area’s natural habitats, and, most importantly, enjoying time outdoors! Which species are found in Pennsylvania? How do plants and animals depend on each other? These questions and many more are answered through hikes, age-appropriate explorations, stories, and experiences at Powdermill. Guest appearances include Carnegie Museum scientists studying birds, snails, and other local critters. Come wonder with us!

NEW! Camp Rocks!
July 8–12 OR July 15–19

Rocks are everywhere! Start with hands-on investigations of mud, rocks, minerals, and fossils. Perform experiments that help you understand how rocks and minerals form. View the structure of rocks and minerals under video microscopes, and even grow your own crystal. Explore the mountain and stream rocks and minerals at Powdermill and specimens on loan from Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Discover historic rock layers and hunt for specimens to start your own collection. Leave no stone unturned as you discover why geology rocks!

Ages 9–12

Outdoor Explorations
July 22–26 OR July 29–August 2

Explorers only need apply! In-depth, hands-on scientific activities focus on protecting Pennsylvania’s amazing biodiversity and uncovering the secrets of plant and animals. The week’s adventures include introductions to wilderness survival skills, orienteering, forest fire prevention, and shelter building. Through hikes, games, habitat studies, and special guest appearances by Carnegie Museum scientists, campers take their outdoor skills to the next level!

NEW! Geology Explorers
July 8–12 OR July 15–19

Take your interest in rocks a step further with this in-depth geology investigation. Explore the wilds of Powdermill to compare our modern world to that of the dinosaurs. Examine rocks, gems, minerals, and fossils on loan from Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Take a rock walk and explore the geology of the Appalachian Mountains as you investigate an abandoned strip mine. Search for fossils and grow a crystal. Start a take-home collection of rocks and minerals. Explore the geologic processes that transform the face of the earth and that have shaped our region.