Nature Camps
Summer 2023
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
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
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. This program does not use ePact.
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
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 $100/NR $150
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 $190/NR $240 per week
| Camp Weeks | Themes & Descriptions |
| Jun 5-9 | Be an Ologist Let’s dig deeper into scientific studies that all have “ology” at the end of their names. Come explore the worlds of ecology, paleontology, ornithology, herpetology and entomology! |
| Jun 12-16 | Prowling Predators Bobcats, coyotes, and hawks OH MY! Experience the thrill of the hunt as we explore predators and what adaptations these animals have to help them survive. Learn about predator-prey relationships and how to be safe in a carnivore’s territory. Find out what it’s like to be at the top of the food chain! |
| Jun 19-23 | Dino-mite Trip through Time This week, board an imagination time machine to travel back millions of years to the beginning of the Earth. Explore the prehistoric world of volcanoes and dinosaurs, travel through the Ice Age, discover the ways of primitive human life, and learn about the rich natural history that has shaped St. Charles into the place we live today. |
| Jun 26-30 | 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 3-7 | No Camp |
| Jul 10-14 | The Cycles that Surround Us Did you know that the water on the planet now is the same water that was here a million years ago? Or that fallen leaves and sticks from trees decompose into the soil that helps grow new trees? These are just a few examples of the cycles that we experience every day. Take a closer look at these cycles and the roles that different animals and humans play in these systems. |
| Jul 17-21 | 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 24-28 | Backbone Not Required Snails, worms, spiders, centipedes, pill bugs—what do they all have in common? They have no backbone! Spend the week scouring the woods for spineless creatures. |
| Jul 31-Aug 4 | Habitat Hunters 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! |