Nature Camps
Summer 2022
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, you will receive an eMail from ePACT, the District’s secure emergency network, to create an account and complete medical & emergency contact information. All camps may be impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.
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.
All Day Camp Options
Registration Open Now
- 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
Pathfinders: Entering Grades 1-2
Trailblazers: Entering Grades 3-5
The great outdoors awaits adventure! Enjoy hikes, critter meet & greets and creative crafts that examine ecology in many different ways. Each week offers unique activities.
Camp meets at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, 3795 Campton Hills Rd, on Monday-Thursday and at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean St, on Friday with convenient curb side drop off/pick up during regular camp hours.
Camp meets Monday-Friday from 9am-3pm.
RES $175/NR $225
| Camp Weeks | Themes & Descriptions |
| Jun 6-10 | Let’s Wing It Birds, bats and bugs all have wings, but do they all use their wings for the same things? Spend a week looking up and around nature to learn about fabulous winged creatures. |
| Jun 13-17 | Rock ‘n Roll Lifestyle Rock out with an in-depth study of glaciers, soils, fossils and rocks. Take a geological journey through Earth, uncovering the layers below, identifying hidden fossils, and learning about the geological history of Hickory Knolls natural areas. |
| Jun 20-24 | Habitats are Hip Investigate different habitats like a naturalist while using real tools to learn about aquatic animals, prairie flowers, woodland birds and ways you can help wildlife. |
| Jun 27-Jul 1 | Wonderful & Wacky Weather Make weather connections with hands-on activities and experiments! Learn about temperatures, wind and rain and how each one affects the natural world around us. |
| Jul 5-8 | No Camp |
| Jul 11-15 | Enchanted by Plants Explore different flora and conduct studies in the magical prairie, wetland and woodland habitats while becoming familiar with native species. |
| Jul 18-22 | Stealth & 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. |
| Jul 25-29 |
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.
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| Aug 1-5 | Animal Superheroes Uncover the secret identities of incredible animals that also have their very own super powers. Explore how super-strength, super-speed, x-ray vision and invisibility all play key roles in the natural world. |
More Nature Camps
To register for these camps: click here
Wee Wonders Camp
Ages 2-4 with parent
Inspire your little one to explore as you share the joy of nature together. Who hops, flies and crawls in the woods and prairie? Let’s go find out! Closed-toe shoes are required for both adults and children. This camp is appropriate for children who have not attended preschool. Adults are free.
Nature Discoverers Camp
Ages 3-5
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 by January 1, 2022 and potty trained. No diapers. Camp designed for children who have attended preschool.
Twilight Investigations
Ages 7-11
Nocturnal fun hits an all time high with a night hike, critter visits and campfire with s’mores. Enjoy the long summer evening as you see what nature has to offer when the sun goes down. Indoor activities if it rains. Closed-toe shoes required.
Nature Quest
Ages 11-13
Ready for an adventure? Explore nature with teambuilding activities, an environmental stewardship project, and an overnight experience on Thursday night.