PITTSBURGH HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Creek-stomping and STEM for Little Explorers: Summer Camp at North Park
A weeklong day camp run from the North Park Boathouse that blends hiking, biking, geocaching, fishing and hands-on STEM to give kindergarten–2nd graders a structured outdoor introduction to nature and teamwork.
Creek-stomping and STEM for Little Explorers: Summer Camp at North Park.
Summer Camp — Creek Stompin' at North Park puts young learners into a safe, staff-led environment where hiking, biking and geocaching sit alongside fishing instruction, STEM projects and team-building games; the program is designed to teach outdoor skills while fostering friendships and confidence.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Trail time, pedals and treasure hunts
Junior campers spend their days on short hikes, introductory biking and geocaching—age-appropriate activities intended to get kids moving outside while exploring the North Park landscape under the supervision of trained staff.
Fishing, hands-on STEM and social play
The program includes learning-to-fish sessions (with special hooks), simple STEM experiments and structured team-building games that emphasize safety, curiosity and cooperative play.
Basecamp at the North Park Boathouse
Activities are organized from the North Park Boathouse, providing a creek- and parkside base where staff run outdoor lessons and pivot to sheltered or indoor activities if conditions require.
What the day feels like
What a day feels like
Each day unfolds as a mix of outdoor skill stations and small-group adventures: meeting at the boathouse, rotating through hiking or biking segments, dropping into creekside fishing instruction, and finishing with STEM experiments or cooperative games—always in a structured, safety-conscious setting.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this camp works for—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Pack in a day pack: lunch, snacks, water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, an extra pair of clothes and shoes, raincoat, any medication; optional: sunglasses and a hat. Extra water and snacks will be provided each day.
Meet at the North Park Boathouse, 10301 Pearce Mill Rd, Allison Park, PA 15101; staff organize daily rotations from this base.
Children should bring a water bottle and snacks; staff also supplies additional water and snacks during the day.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What happens if we have bad weather?
Camp is not typically canceled for inclement weather; weather or water flow may alter which activities occur and staff will revise the schedule and seek shelter when needed. All locations have a safety shelter and campers will do indoor activities during bad weather.
What is the cell phone / handheld electronics policy?
Campers may not use cell phones or handheld electronics during camp; devices must remain in backpacks and may be held by staff for the day if a camper continues usage after a warning, returned to a parent at pick-up.
What accommodations can you make for my child?
Parents should review camp criteria and will receive Camper Wellbeing paperwork after registration to outline needs; the operator will try to provide accommodations as long as they do not change the nature of activities, and requires at least two weeks’ notice.
Will you offer aftercare after 4pm?
No—there will be no aftercare this year.
Can I pick my child up early or drop them off late?
Staff may be able to accommodate early pick-up or late arrival depending on planned activities; parents should check with staff for that day’s schedule.
What happens if I pick my child up late?
A late pick-up fee of $1.00 per minute per child begins at 4:01pm.
Can I switch which program my child is in?
Program changes are possible if space exists—contact staff at least two weeks before the camp week; switching incurs a $25 administrative charge.
Do you offer financial assistance?
Camperships may be available; families should complete the application on the Summer Camp FAQ webpage (an application does not guarantee a campership). For questions, contact [email protected] or 412-255-0564.