Nature Camps
Summer 2026
These unique outdoor education programs have been developed into a fun, camp format and are designed to encourage children to enjoy, respect and learn about our natural world. During inclement weather, camp will be held indoors. During light rain, camp will remain outside.
Camp instructors are students, teachers and subject area experts trained in CPR and First Aid with extensive experience working with children.
After registering for Nature Camp, you will receive an eMail from ePACT, the District’s secure emergency network, to create an account and complete medical & emergency contact information. As part of the District’s Emergency Response Plan, it is critical that all camper information is accurate and updated on an annual basis.
Parents, please have your camper:
• Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants.
• Bring a full bottle of water and fruit/vegetable snack each day.
• Bring a small backpack to carry their own supplies.
• Apply sunscreen and bug repellent before camp.
To download the Best Summer Ever PDF handout: click here (link coming soon)
How to Register for Camp
Register online: click here
Complete the Camp Registration Form: click here
Drop off form with payment to a park district facility OR email it to registration@stcparks.org
Little Acorns Camp
Ages 1-4 with parent
Inspire your little one to explore as you share the joy of nature together. Who makes their home in the habitats around you? From prairies grasses to the turtle pond, you will meet the critters that make their home right in your own backyard! Closed-toe shoes required. This camp is appropriate for children who have not attended preschool. Adults are free.
Jun 9-11
Buzz & Flutter
Jul 14-16
Fun with Five Senses
Camp meets at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, 3795 Campton Hills Rd., Tuesday-Thursday from 10-11:30am.
RES $50/NR $75
Nature Discoverers Camp
Ages 3-5
Weekly sessions Jun 1 – Jul 31
A perfect camp for your little naturalist! Discover nature in the woods, fields and along the pond edge. Make simple crafts, play a variety of educational and fun games. Must be age 3 and potty trained. Camp designed for children who have attended preschool.
Camp meets at Delnor Woods Park, Wing Ave. entrance, Monday-Friday from 9:15-11:15am.
RES $120/NR $170
Pathfinders: Entering Grades 1-2
Trailblazers: Entering Grades 3-4
Earthkeepers: Entering Grades 5-6
The great outdoors awaits adventure! Enjoy hikes, critter meet & greets and creative crafts that examine ecology in many different ways. Each theme offers unique activities.
Camp meets at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, 3795 Campton Hills Rd. During select weeks*, campers will meet on FRIDAY ONLY at Ferson Creek Park, Rt. 31, east of Wildrose Springs Dr. Parents must sign children in and out of the camp program daily.
Camp meets Monday-Friday from 9am-3pm.
RES $220/NR $270 per week
CAMP SCHEDULE
| Dates | Pathfinder (Grades 1-2) | Trailblazers (Grades 3-4) | Earthkeepers (Grades 5-6) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 1-5 | Eco Investigators | Slime Scientists | Field and Stream |
| Jun 8-12* | Stealth and Survival | Stealth and Survival | Stealth and Survival |
| Jun 15-19 | Creating with Nature | Creating with Nature | Creating with Nature |
| Jun 22-26 | Kreature Camp | Nature Ninjas | Inventors of the Wild |
| Jul 6-10 | Eco Investigators | Slime Scientists | Field and Stream |
| Jul 13-17* | Stealth and Survival | Stealth and Survival | Stealth and Survival |
| Jul 20-24 | Creating with Nature | Creating with Nature | Creating with Nature |
| Jul 27-31 | Kreature Camp | Nature Ninjas | Inventors of the Wild |
For specific camp themes: click here
Nature Teen Camp
Ages 11-14
Come join the adventure at Hickory Knolls! We will spend the week exploring the natural areas, playing games, visiting the pool, doing arts & crafts, performing science experiments, and much more! This camp is great for those in grade 7-9 who are excited to be out in nature, along with enjoying some classic summer camp activities.
Camp meets at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, 3795 Campton Hills Rd., Monday-Friday from 9am-3pm.
June 8-12
Art Week
July 13-17
Survival Week
RES $360/NR $410
Creating with Nature
Paint, sculpt and draw while using nature as your inspiration. Create art pieces in the prairie, near the wetland and under the trees as you explore the wonder that is Hickory Knolls.
Eco Investigators
If you’ve ever wondered what’s under a log, followed tracks to an animal burrow, or wondered how trees grow, this camp is for you! Spend the week making observations about the natural world, through hikes, crafts, games and fun experiments.
Field + Stream
Go over the bridge and into the woods to discover the amazing habitats of Hickory Knolls. Delve into the details of the natural world through hands-on activities like science experiments, model making, and nature journaling.
Inventors in the Wild
What do velcro, sonar and wind turbines have in common? They are all examples of biomimicry, or nature-inspired solutions to human problems. Learn about our animal ambassadors, solve engineering challenges and join forces for team building activities.
Kreature Camp
Let’s go creature adventuring! Each day, study an animal, learning about their adaptations, where they live and what makes them unique. Campers will earn animal badges throughout the week, as they master new skills, show teamwork, and demonstrate their growing knowledge of wildlife.
Nature Ninjas
Build confidence, strength and a respect for nature! Run like a deer, prowl like a bobcat, or scamper like a mouse through the woods and over the knolls. Utilize your senses in games, crafts, and fun activities like meeting some of the animal ambassadors that call Hickory Knolls home.
Slime Scientists
Slime is all around us – plants ooze, animals squish, and slime molds decompose. Experience the goo in our natural environment, make slime art, and
put slime to the test with fun experiments! Come prepared to get extra messy.
Stealth and Survival
Ready for adventure? Explore nature with hands-on activities focusing on survival skills. While hiking and exploring, learn animal tracking, plant/animal identification and more. Friday will be spent at Ferson Creek Park learning about the plants and animals that make the creek their home.