Nature Camps

Summer 2024

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.

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.

How to Register for Camp

Complete the Camp Registration Form: click here

Drop off form with payment to a park district facility OR email it to registration@stcparks.org

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.

Jun 25-27
Buzz & Flutter

Jul 16-18
Dirt Detectives

Jul 30-Aug 1
Amazing Animals

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 3-Aug 2

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.

Camp meets at Delnor Woods Park, Wing Ave. entrance, Monday-Friday from 9:15-11:15am.

RES $110/NR $160

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 week offers unique activities.

Camp meets at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, 3795 Campton Hills Rd, on Monday-Thursday with drop off and pick up located outside of the building. On Fridays, camp meets at Ferson Creek Park, Rt. 31 east of Wildrose Springs Dr. near the pavilion. Parents must sign children in and out of the camp program daily.

Camp meets Monday-Friday from 9am-3pm.

RES $210/NR $260 per week

Camp Weeks	Themes & Descriptions
Jun 3-7	Amazing Adaptations The animal kingdom is filled with creatures that have amazing adaptations that are used to survive in their environments, defeat their predators and sneak attack their prey. Which animals camouflage the best, run the fastest, or smell the strongest? Learn through themed activities, crafts and hands-on animal interactions.
Jun 10-14	Green Thumb The best way to learn about plants and the environment is by getting your hands dirty! Dig in and learn all about gardening and sustainability through fun, interactive activities. From planting herbs and flowers, to exploring the local ecosystem, gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world around them.
Jun 17-21	Insect Investigators Discover the fascinating world of bugs! Become bug detectives, learning to identify and understand the insects that live in their own backyard, and are encouraged to think critically and ask questions about the world around them. Learn about different types of insects, their habitats, and how they interact with each other and their environment.
Jun 24-28	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.
Jul 8-12	Wonders of Water Put water to the test in a series of aquatic games and activities to discover the properties of water, observe aquatic habitats and the living things that call water home. Learn firsthand what it takes to be an aquatic biologist. Get ready to get wet and make a splash!
Jul 15-19	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 22-26	Full STEAM Ahead This week will inspire creativity and curiosity about how things work. Campers will conduct experiments, create original works of art, learn the ins and outs of building things and see the importance of engineering in everyday life. There will be plenty of opportunities for team-building, socializing and making new friends to create lasting memories.
Jul 29-Aug2	Wild Imagination Hickory Knolls is home to many incredible and extraordinary creatures. Campers will explore and learn about the magical worlds of the prairies, wetlands and forests that make up our home. They can become the superheroes of our natural world, and learn about the myths and legends that surround us.

Nature Teen Camp

Ages 11-14

Jul 22-26

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 6-8 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.

RES $250/NR $300

Outdoor Leadership Experience

Ages 14-18

Jun 17-21

Nature provides many opportunities to develop leadership skills. Activities will invite teens to improve communication and collaboration skills, practice critical thinking, and develop problem solving abilities. They will get a chance to lead our younger campers and help out the nature center. And don’t worry – there will plenty of time to play too! We will explore the natural areas, play games, do arts & crafts, go to the pool and more!