TNI's Discovery Day Camp is a nature-based day camp run by The Nature Institute in Godfrey, where campers explore the woods, prairies and ponds of Olin Nature Preserve and play in the streams and waterfalls at Mississippi Sanctuary. Weekly themed camps are grouped by the grade the child just completed, running from half-day preschool weeks for ages 3-5 through full-day Kindergarten-to-middle-school weeks that add archery, creek walks, kayaking with the Army Corps of Engineers and a four-day Wilderness Trek with a Thursday overnight. Full-day camps run 8:30am to 3pm Monday through Friday and campers bring a packed lunch; the camp does not provide meals. The camp is ACA-accredited and holds staff-to-camper ratios tighter than ACA minimums (1:5 for PreK and K/1, 1:7 for grades 2-3, 1:8 for grades 4-8), with partial and full scholarships offered to families in the Riverbend region.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact The Nature Institute directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
Camps nearby
Accreditations & licensing
As stated by the camp or listed in the accrediting organization's directory — confirm current status with the accreditor.
Google Reviews
Powered by Google
★★★★★Anthony GarrettGreat people work here. Chris and Angela were terrific. They take obvious pride and dedication in their work. They took time out for my Son and I unsolicited. We truly appreciate you taking the time to educate and show us around! We were lucky enough to encounter a Great Barred Owl as well as a Pileated Woodpecker. Thank you for the experience and we look forward into running into you all again! The people that work here are AMAZING! Everyone we talk to will hear how amazing our experience was and what a great place this is and how amazing the people that work here are. Thank You once again!
★★★★★Hannah HookIf I could give this 18372182 stars I seriously would. TNI helped us host my sons 6th birthday party this past weekend, and it was by far my favorite birthday party I have planned so far!!! To start off it is sooooo affordable as you get an hour on instructor led activities and then still have 90 minutes to eat and hang out at the park and do whatever! You have the option to pay for extra time which we did but ended up not needing. I promise you those kids were wore out after just 3 hours!! Here is the craziest part though, MOMMA WAS NOT TIRED!!! Yes you read that right, I survived a 6year olds birthday party and still felt energized!! That’s how easy TNI made planning and hosting this party for me! The instructor went above and beyond in the activities and helping with set up and clean up. The activities were perfectly age appropriate for all of the children in attendance, and he really finds a way to get them all connected and involved!!! The children get to learn fun facts about nature and get out and connect with other kiddos as well. The booking process was even much easier than any place that I have ever booked. Lauren was extremely easy, and communication was top notch! She even watched weather forecast and had back up plans ready to go!!! Even after not using all of our time or paying for extra kiddos that didn’t come, it was so affordable, fun, and most importantly accommodating for every child. There was more than enough seating indoors and outdoors. The best part was that my money went to both my child having a great birthday and to an organization that is absolutely worthy!! Seriously check out their birthday party packages as well as all of the other amazing programs they have for our youth in the community to connect with nature!!! So please before you drop $500 and every ounce of energy you have on 2 hrs at the trampoline park, check out The Nature Institute!!!
★★★★★AnnaThe Nature Institute is an amazing place. Beautiful hiking trails and fun classes for kids. My grandson loves the messy play day and the kid friendly hikes
★★★★★Ellen TannerThe Nature Institute, affectionately known as TNI, is a beloved place in our family! As a child my brothers and I all attended TNI discovery camp and to this day all have epic memories and it fostered such a love of the outdoors for us! When I moved back to the area as an adult, the forest brought me so much peace and comfort during a difficult chapter of my life. I hiked the trails and spend lots of time meditating at the creek and playing around the waterfall. Now my daughter is fostering that same love of the forest and nature attending Tiny Trekkers every Tuesday 9-11, Ms. Lauren & Mr. Dave are wonderful and playful teachers! Della looks forward to Tiny Trekkers more than any other programming during the week! Thank you TNI!! We love you!
★★★★★Brea KWe absolutely love the programs offered by The Nature Institute. Besides being very affordable, the content is excellent. Very appropriate for the age group we're in (4 years), the projects, hike, and storytelling is so perfect. We will continue to make the drive to attend. One tip: pack a picnic so your kids can enjoy the AWESOME playground after your program!