Platte River Safari Camps in Action
Building a conservation ethic one kid at a time.
By Anne Troyer
Senior Coordinator, Outreach
Published June 23, 2026
This article is from Audubon Great Plains
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Every year, summer officially arrives at Rowe Sanctuary with the arrival of our Platte River Safari campers. Camps (under various names) have been a cornerstone of Rowe Sanctuary’s education programs for decades, and this beloved program continues to inspire the next generation of nature enthusiasts through hands-on outdoor adventures. The week-long programs keep campers busy all day long with activities designed to spark curiosity, encourage exploration, and help campers build meaningful connections with the natural world.
For many campers, the first day can come with a little uncertainty. Meeting new friends, exploring unfamiliar locations, and trying new activities can feel intimidating at first. But it doesn’t take long for those uncertainties to fade. By the end of the week, new friendships have formed, confidence has grown, and nature has become a familiar and welcoming place, one they can return to throughout their entire lives.
Nature has a remarkable way of teaching and nurturing young learners. Time spent outdoors encourages creativity, builds resilience and inspires a sense of wonder. Through birding, wildlife exploration, and outdoor play, campers learn more than just facts about nature. They develop observation skills, an appreciation for wildlife, and begin to understand the important role people play in protecting habitats and conserving the natural world.
The memories made during a week at camp often last far beyond summer, inspiring a lifelong connection to the outdoors and, perhaps, planting the seeds for the next generation of conservation leaders. By fostering curiosity, stewardship, and a sense of responsibility for the environment, Platte River Safari Camp helps build a conservation ethic—one camper at a time.
