Training Newsletter - March 13, 2026

Cub Creek Science Camp is located about 8 miles outside of Rolla, MO and is over 300 acres. Most of the buildings of camp are within a much smaller area, but there are many hiking trails available to make use of the entire property (and a little of the neighbors). Camp is comprised of many buildings, pavilions, hiking trails, ponds, and of course animal enclosures. We also have an archery range, riflery range, pool, ropes course, and cave that we use for camper activities.  Each week will be introducing some of these spaces, how they are used, and in some cases the people who work in them.

Dining Hall

The most important place in camp! 😆 We would have a lot of grumpy kids and staff without our kitchen preparing us three meals each day. All of camp's meals are served buffet style and alternative options like PB&J, ramen, cereal, and bagels are available at each meal. Lunch and dinner are also accompanied by a salad bar or vegetable platter. For those with special dietary needs, there is space available to store alternative meals, and our gift shop also sells vegetarian and gluten free options. If you have a food sensitivity please let us know when you arrive at camp and we can discuss the alternative options available to you.  While there is a rotating menu, meals for staff can start to get a little boring at the summer progresses. To keep things interesting you can bring along your own seasonings, extra ingredients, or quick meals.

The most unique feature in the dining hall is the lemurs! Our dining hall looks right into our large lemur enclosure so you can spend your meal watching the lemurs, birds, bettongs, and armadillo that call it home. 

Read more about Camp Meals and Dining Hall Procedures

Meet the Kitchen and Cleaning Teams

While no two days feel the same, the camp daily and weekly schedule will remain consistent throughout the summer. Campers arrive on Sunday and the schedule is designed to help them orientate to camp. It includes a tour of camp as well as opening campfire. During the week, the schedule is centered around the activity periods but also includes free-time, siesta, and evening activity.  Campers will be picked up on Saturday mornings, followed by a staff meeting to wrap up the week, and prepare for the next. 

You'll see from the schedule that all hours of the camp day are scheduled and planned. Camp was designed so that campers are kept engaged, active, and busy during most hours of the day. Having a guide for what the day will look like helps to keep campers from getting stir crazy and keeps staff in the know.  

Learn more about the camp schedule

Connect With Each Camper Quickly

Coming to camp, even for return campers, can be a cause of anxiety and nervousness. There are lots of new experiences, environments, and people to get used to. The sooner a camper can feel relaxed and 'at home' in the cabin the easier and more successful their week at camp will be. What does 'at home' feel like - knowing where they are, who they can ask for help, what comes next, and most importantly feeling included in the group. 

Within the first night of camp, give personal attention to each camper. Ask lots of questions,  listen well and learn their name.  Find ways to connect campers with each other. Help with introductions, encourage group discussion, make it fun and find ways for campers to be silly. The end result, each camper feels connected to their counselor.  

The Sunday schedule is designed to help facilitate this, but you'll also need to be proactive in keeping the conversation moving and prompting campers to speak with each other. Have some name games, ice breakers, and conversation starters in your back pocket ready to go. During staff training we will practice these skills as we get to know each other, and where and when to fit them into the schedule with campers. 

Life at an animal camp is always an adventure! But for those who want to step it up a bit, Cub Creek offers several specific adventure courses and classes that are aimed to please. Our Adventure activities offer a variety from our mostly animal and science based activities, but science is applied in all of them.

Adventure Courses include:

• Archery

• Riflery

Read more about the Adventure Courses available to campers

The animal area is the most popular area at camp, and where our campers spend most of their time. Even if you are not teaching animal classes, all staff need to be familiar with our animals and how to interact with them.

To keep our animals and our campers safe we have several Animal Area Rules for everyone to follow.

Animal Area Rules

1. No one may enter an enclosure/pasture without an authorized staff member. You will become an authorized staff member during staff training.

2. Do not put fingers or hands through fencing. That’s how fingers get nibbled!

3. No food or drink (besides water) is allowed in the animal area.  That’s how animals get sick…or how trash gets everywhere

4. Only open one cage door at a time. Also there always needs to be one door closed between the animals and the outside world. This is to prevent potential escapes and neighbor conflicts.

5. Campers must be sitting on the floor to hold an animal. Instructors bring the animals to them. Even a small drop can cause injury or worse, and kids are well known for their dropping skills

6. Demonstrate animal etiquette when interacting with our animals.  Speak in quiet voices, no chasing or cornering, give them their space when they are showing they need it.

7. Report all injuries/illnesses you see in an animal. Also report any bites/scratches campers receive. Injuries happen! We just need to keep track of it to try to prevent where possible. 

8. Wash hands frequently.  Animals are gross, even if they don't look it. And campers put their fingers in their mouths! Double gross.

The above rules are the basic ones everyone should know when they visit our Animal Area. There are many more specific rules, such as what animals appreciate being pet and which animals are only to be admired from afar, that you will learn during in person training.