
Nature Academy Priory Pioneers
Grades 5K-4
Priory Pioneers offers a school-age child an opportunity to learn through hands-on nature experiences, while having fun on the UW-Eau Claire Children’s Nature Academy’s 112-acre property.
This program is offered and funded through our partnership with the Eau Claire Area School District (ECASD).
Lunch
If your child attends a morning and afternoon camp during the same time period, the school district will pay for lunch between camps. This can be Bilingual Beginnings or Priory Pioneers. We would like to make the transition between morning and afternoon as easy as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does enrollment start?
Registration will begin at the ECASD open house in February. Enrollment is online and begins March 1.
What grade levels are accepted?
Priory Pioneers is open to campers entering grades 5K-4 in the fall.
Can my child attend a session if they don't meet the grade requirement?
No exceptions will be made to accommodate a child in a classroom that does not meet the grade level requirements.
Once my child is enrolled, are they guaranteed a spot?
Once the program receives the enrollment form your child’s name will be placed on a roster. To hold your spot, a non-refundable $10 supply fee should be received within two (2) weeks of enrollment. Paperwork will be emailed to families on May 1 and must be returned no later than June 1.
How much does the program cost?
If your child is a resident in the Eau Claire Area School District, the district will pay the tuition for each camp ($240) your child attends with the exception of the $10 fee for each camp session.
Is lunch provided?
If your child attends a morning and afternoon camp during the same time period, the school district will pay for lunch between camps. This can be Bilingual Beginnings or Priory Pioneers. We would like to make the transition between morning and afternoon as easy as possible.
What deadlines do I need to be aware of?
- Two weeks after enrollment | $10 supply fee due
- May 1 | paperwork emailed to families
- June 1 | registration deadline & paperwork due
- June 1 | session 1 & 2 registration deadline
- July 1 | session 3 & 4 registration deadline
Is care available before or after camp?
Yes - please contact the Children's Nature Academy at 715.836.2178 for rates.
Could a camp be cancelled?
Under-enrolled camps may be subject to cancellation.
About the Children's Nature Academy
Welcome to the UW-Eau Claire's Children's Nature Academy!
Our program supports the healthy development of children physically, emotionally and cognitively by nurturing children's sense of wonder. We are a five star-NAEYC accredited program.
Our mission is to provide high quality early learning development where children connect with the natural world through developmentally appropriate learning.
The Children's Nature Academy is located at The Priory, which is located a few miles south of UW-Eau Claire's main campus in an area that includes 112 wooded acres. This scenic space was purchased in 2011 by a subsidiary of the UW-Eau Claire Foundation and was transformed into the Children's Nature Academy and a residence hall.
Session 1 | Waiting For Wings: Birds, Bats and Butterflies
Grades 5K-2 | June 15-26, 2020
Pricing
- $10 | Eau Claire Area School District (ECASD) resident
- $240 | non-resident
Session 2 | Rocking The Forest
Grades 5K-2 | July 6-17, 2020
Pricing
- $10 | Eau Claire Area School District (ECASD) resident
- $240 | non-resident
Session 3 | Insects and Other Creepy Crawlies
Grades 1-4 | July 20-31, 2020
Pricing
- $10 | Eau Claire Area School District (ECASD) resident
- $240 | non-resident
Session 4 | Nature Detectives
Grades 1-4 | August 3-14, 2020
Pricing
- $10 | Eau Claire Area School District (ECASD) resident
- $240 | non-resident
More Programs @ The Nature Academy

Bilingual Beginnings
Two-week Spanish language immersion camps open to grade 5K-4.
ExploreCamp Director
-
Lisa Coen
Children's Nature Academy Director
Questions?
Contact the Children's Nature Academy | children@uwec.edu | 715.835.2178
We want to hear from you
Davies Student Center 240
77 Roosevelt Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54701