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Forest Preserves of Cook County Summer Day Camp Registration Opens April 2, 2018

Mar 29, 2018

Camps feature hikes, nature games and more

 

Looking for a fun and educational summer camp? Check out the different opportunities available at the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s Nature Centers. During the summer camp programs, children will be immersed in nature fun and learning.

 

Registration for Nature Center day camps is required, and opens on Monday, April 2, 2018. For more information, including day camp costs, visit fpdcc.com/daycamp.

 

NORTHWEST

 

Garden Fun Day Camp

Tuesday, June 12 – Wednesday, June 13, 2018 • 9:30 am – 12 pm

Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Rd, Barrington Hills

Plant some seeds, learn about plants, and have fun with garden art. Ages 7 – 10; $20/child. Release form and cash/check payment required.

 

Gone Fishin’ Day Camp

Thursday, June 14 – Friday June 15, 2018 • 9:30 am – 12 pm

Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Rd, Barrington Hills

Children ages 7 through 12 will investigate fish on day 1, then go fishing at a local lake on day 2. $20/child.

 

Crabtree Survivor Day Camp

Wednesday, June 20 – Friday, June 22, 2018

Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Rd, Barrington Hills

Hone your survival skills. Learn how to build shelters, make fire, ID poisonous and edible plants, and much more. Ages 11 – 14; $35/child. Release form and cash/check payment required.

Wednesday & Thursday • 9:30 am – Noon; Friday • 9:30 am – 3 pm.

 

Animal Adventure Day Camp

Tuesday, June 26 – Thursday, June 28, 2018 • 9:30 am – 12 pm

Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Rd, Barrington Hills

Search for crawling, slithering and flying creatures in this activity packed day camp. Ages 6 – 9; $30/child. Release form and cash/check payment required.

 

Gone Fishin’ Day Camp

Tuesday, July 10 – Wednesday, July 11, 2018 • 9:30 – 12 pm

Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Rd, Barrington Hills

Children ages 7 through 12 will investigate fish on day 1, then go fishing at a local lake on day 2. $20/child.

 

Gone Fishin’ Day Camp

Tuesday, July 31 – Wednesday, August 1, 2018 • 9 am – 11:30 am

Rolling Knolls, 11N260 Rohrssen Rd, Elgin

Children ages 7 through 12 will investigate fish on day 1, then go fishing at a local lake on day 2. $20/child. Release form and cash/check payment required.

 

NORTH

 

Travelling Adventures

Monday, June 18 – Friday, June 22, 2018 • 9 am – 3:30 pm

River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook

Travel throughout the Forest Preserves for a variety of adventures which could include hiking, swimming, canoeing and other outdoor activities. Call for more information. Children entering 6th – 8th grades. Forms, waivers and cash or check payment are required to complete registration.

 

Jr Keepers: Session 1

Monday, June 25 – Friday, June 29, 2018 • 9:30 am – 12 pm

River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook

Get your hands dirty. Learn about the proper care, feeding, and cleaning of Nature Center animals. Children entering 4th – 6th grades. Forms, waivers and cash or check payment are required to complete registration.

 

Discovery Days Camp: Session 1

Monday, July 9 – Friday, July 13, 2018 • 9:30 am – 12 pm

River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook

Discover nature at River Trail through engaging hands-on activities, hikes, crafts and outdoor play. Children ages 4 – 6. Forms, waivers and cash or check payment are required to complete registration.

 

Nature Explorers Camp: Morning Session

Monday, July 16 – Friday, July 20, 2018 • 9:30 am – 12 pm

River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook

Explore the wonders of nature at River Trail through hands-on science, art and outdoor play. Children entering 1st – 3rd grades. Forms, waivers and cash or check payment are required to complete registration.

 

Nature Explorers Camp: Afternoon Session

Monday, July 16 – Friday, July 20, 2018 • 1:30 pm – 4 pm

River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook

Explore the wonders of nature at River Trail through hands-on science, art and outdoor play. Children entering 1st – 3rd grades. Forms, waivers and cash or check payment are required to complete registration.

 

Discovery Days Camp: Session 2

Monday, July 23 – Friday, July 27, 2018 • 9:30 am – 12 pm

River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook

Discover nature at River Trail through engaging hands-on activities, hikes, crafts and outdoor play. Children ages 4 – 6. Forms, waivers and cash or check payment are required to complete registration.

 

Jr Keepers: Session 2

Monday, July 30 – Friday, August 3, 2018 • 9:30 am – 12 pm

River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook

Get your hands dirty. Learn about the proper care, feeding, and cleaning of Nature Center animals. Children entering 4th – 6th grades. Forms, waivers and cash or check payment are required to complete registration.

 

CENTRAL

 

MakerNature Camp – Yard to Table

Monday, June 11 – Friday, June 15, 2018 • 9 am – 12 pm

Thatcher Woods Pavilion, 8030 W Chicago Ave, River Forest

Campers ages 7-13 will learn how to grow herbs and vegetables in a small raised bed, containers and hanging planters that they will build and take home. We’ll explore garden habitats and creatures, from worms in the soil, to catching grasshoppers and studying birds and squirrels. Register at www.thelittlebitsworkshop.com.

 

MakerNature Camp – The Backyard Camper

Monday, June 18 – Friday, June 22, 2018 • 9 am – 3 pm

Thatcher Woods Pavilion, 8030 W Chicago Ave, River Forest

Campers entering 4th – 6th grade will make their very own tent, perfect for camping in their backyard. They’ll learn how to make a safe campfire, cook with fire and other survival skills. Campers entering 1st – 3rd grade will build, furnish and decorate a miniature vintage camper. All campers will enjoy kayaking, hiking and exploring. Register at www.thelittlebitsworkshop.com.

 

MakerNature Camp – Harnessing the Wind

Monday, June 25 – Friday, June 29, 2018 • 9 am – 12 pm

Thatcher Woods Pavilion, 8030 W Chicago Ave, River Forest

From kites to whirly-gigs, campers ages 7 and up will create wind powered art projects. They will experiment and learn about weather by creating a cloud, sailing a giant solar tube, making a weather station and learning to read the sky. Register at www.thelittlebitsworkshop.com.

 

Fishing Fun Day Camp

Wednesday, July 11 – Thursday, July 12, 2018 • 9 am – 11 am

Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave, River Forest

Learn to identify local fish, bait hooks, practice casting, and do some fishing on our pond! Ages 8 – 12. Registration and payment required in advance.

 

SOUTHWEST

 

Little Green Thumbs Nature Camp

Tuesday, June 12 – Thursday, June 14, 2018 • 9:30 am – 12 pm

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, 9800 Willow Springs Rd, Willow Springs

Children ages 6 – 8 will be engaged in various gardening projects and activities.

 

Spittlebug Nature Camp

Tuesday, June 19 – Thursday, June 21, 2018 • 10 am – 12 pm

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, 9800 Willow Springs Rd, Willow Springs

Children ages 5 – 6 will enjoy three fun filled days discovering nature. We’ll hike, explore wildlife habitat, and learn through activities.

 

Young Naturalist Field Camp

Tuesday, July 10 – Thursday, July 12, 2018 • 9:30 am – 12 pm

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, 9800 Willow Springs Rd, Willow Springs

Children ages 9 – 11 will enjoy hiking, field experiments, and wildlife discovery during this hands-on camp.

 

“Naturalist for a Day” Field Camp

Wednesday, July 18 – Friday, July 20, 2018 • 9:30 am – 12 pm

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, 9800 Willow Springs Rd, Willow Springs

Children ages 12 – 14 will engage in hands-on animal care and outdoor exploration activities.

 

Young Naturalist Field Camp

Tuesday, July 24 – Thursday, July 26, 2018 • 9:30 am – 12 pm

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, 9800 Willow Springs Rd, Willow Springs

Children ages 7 – 8 will enjoy hiking, field experiments, and wildlife discovery during this hands-on camp.

 

SOUTH

 

Summer Eye-opener Camp

Monday, June 25 – Thursday, June 28, 2018 • 9:30 am – 12 pm

Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 S Paxton Ave, South Holland

Children ages 7 – 8 will enjoy four mornings of fun activities and nature exploration.

 

Summer Eye-opener Camp

Monday, July 9 – Thursday, July 12, 2018 • 9:30 am – 12 pm

Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 S Paxton Ave, South Holland

Children ages 9 – 10 will join in nature-themed activities and games during four mornings of outdoor fun.

 

Cooler in the Forest

 

Are you hosting a youth day camp group? Consider scheduling a field trip to the Forest Preserves! The Cooler in the Forest program offers fun and engaging outdoor adventure experiences and valuable education opportunities at various Forest Preserves locations. A day in the Forest Preserves will include activities in an outdoor setting, such as hikes and using exploration gear, while celebrating the natural wonders of the forest. Nature games and activities are tailored for children 6-12 years old. Email experience.nature@cookcountyil.gov or call 708-386-4042 for more information.

 

 

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Visit two of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County