Summer 2020
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.
For the Summer Camp Handbook: click here
To access registration for all Nature Camps: click here
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 spray before camp.
Wee Wonders Camps
Ages 2-4 with adult, 9:30-10:30am
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.
Jr. Scientist – Jun 23-25
REGISTER ONLINE: click here
Who Grows There? – Jul 21-23
REGISTER ONLINE: click here
Dino-ology – Aug 4-6
REGISTER ONLINE: click here
Nature Discoverers Camp
Ages 3-5 years old, 9:15-11:15am
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, 2020 and potty trained. No diapers. Camp designed for children who have attended preschool. Drop off at Wing St. Entrance at Delnor Woods.
Jun 8-12, Jun 15-19, Jul 13-17, Jul 27-31
REGISTER ONLINE: click here
Pathfinders Camp Series
Entering Grades K-1, Must be age 5 by Sep 1
REGISTER ONLINE: click here
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday meet at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Wednesday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve. Morning sessions run 9am-12pm and afternoon sessions run 1-4pm.
Come ready to explore!
Dino Diggers – Jun 1-5 morning session and July 20-24 afternoon session
Dig your way into the past as you see what is hidden under the ground. From fabulous fossils to muddy masterpieces this camp will make your paleontologist smile. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday meet at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Wednesday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve.
Crafty Critters – Jun 8-12 morning session
Get your creative juices moving as you glue, paint and hike your way through the woods, prairie and creek. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday meet at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Wednesday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve.
Magical Beasts – Jun 8-12 afternoon session and Jun 15-19 morning session
Unicorns and dragons don’t have all the fun! Who is native and who is not? Who lives in what habitat? Let’s find out with a hint of magical fun! Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday meet at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Wednesday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve.
Nature Ninja Warriors – Jun 22-26 morning session and Aug 3-7 afternoon session
Compare your skills to that of the animal kingdom through hikes, obstacles and hands-on challenges. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday meet at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Wednesday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve.
Wild Side– Jun 22-26 afternoon session and Aug 3-7 morning session
Use your scientific skills to find out who makes their home in the forest, prairies and streams. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday meet at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Wednesday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve.
Gross-ology – Jul 13-17 morning session
Slither, slide, and squirm with the gross things that make nature so cool! Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday meet at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Wednesday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve.
Superhero Science – Jul 20-24 morning session
Go way beyond what you know about Batman and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday meet at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Wednesday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve.
Messy Masters – July 27-31 morning session
Slimy? Muddy? Paint-covered? Great! Come and explore the wonderfully messy side of nature. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday meet at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Wednesday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve.
Trailblazer Camp Series
Entering Grades 2-3, Must be age 7 by Sep 1
REGISTER ONLINE: click here
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday meet at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Wednesday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve. Morning sessions run 9am-12pm and afternoon sessions run 1-4pm.
Come ready to explore!
Paleontologist Explorers – Jun 1-5 morning session and Jul 20-24 afternoon session
Fascinated by fossils? Dig dinosaurs? Ravenous for reptiles? We’ll hit the trails ready to explore. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday meets at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Wednesday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve.
Animal Art – Jun 8-12 morning session
Meet a critter each day and learn their favorite art style to help you create your own masterpiece. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday meets at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Wednesday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve.
Mythical Nature – Jun 8-12 afternoon session and Jun 15-19 morning session
Brew up some biology fun with a mix of magical creatures. Hickory Knolls critters will share top secret info on their mythical friends. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday meets at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Wednesday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve.
Nature Ninja Warrior III– Jun 22-26 morning session and Aug 3-7 afternoon session
Get moving in this fast-paced camp. Channel your athletic skills compared to animal instincts. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday meets at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Wednesday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve.
Be an “Ologist”– Jun 22-26 afternoon session and Aug 3-7 morning session
Go way beyond biology. Get down and dirty with the geologist and reach for the sky with the meteorologist. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday meets at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Wednesday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve.
Animal Ewww – Jul 13-17 morning session
Nature does the grossest stuff, which means the coolest stuff. Be ready to say “ewww” all week long. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday meets at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Wednesday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve.
Nature Superheroes – Jul 20-24 morning session
Get your muscles ready and your thinking cap on for many challenges. Be ready to amaze Wonder Woman and outsmart Superman. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday meets at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Wednesday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve.
Slime Scientist – July 27-31 morning session
Fascinated by slime? Use your creative skills to explore the slimy side of science. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday meets at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Wednesday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve.
Voyager Camp Series
Entering Grades 4-5, Must be age 9 by Sep 1
REGISTER ONLINE: click here
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday meet at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Wednesday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve. Morning sessions run 9am-12pm and afternoon sessions run 1-4pm.
Come ready to explore!
Naturally Artistic – Jun 8-12 morning session
Use a variety of mediums found in nature to create your own awesome masterpieces each day. Monday through Thursday meets at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday meet at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Wednesday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve.
Behind the Scenes – Jun 22-26 afternoon session and Aug 3-7 morning session
How does the staff keep the Hickory Knolls critters healthy and care for the nature outside too? Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday meet at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Wednesday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve.
Nature Ninja Warrior III– Jun 22-26 morning session and Aug 3-7 afternoon session
Match your skills of brainpower and muscle against nature’s most worthy challengers. Are you ready? Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday meet at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Wednesday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve.
Outlast the Elements – Jul 20-24 morning session
Learn survival skills: fire starting, shelter building, tracking & orienteering. See if you have what it takes to survive! Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday meet at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Wednesday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve.
Jr. Naturalists
Entering Grades 5-10. Must be age 10 by Sep 1
REGISTER ONLINE: click here
Was going to nature camp one of your favorite way to spend your summer? Become a role model for Pathfinder campers as you help them join in the fun and learning of summer nature camp. Develop your leadership skills and enhance your enjoyment of nature under the guidance of a Lead Camp Counselor. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday meet at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Wednesday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve.
Morning Sessions 9am-12pm. Jun 8-12, Jun 15-19. Jun 22-26, Jul 20-24, Jul 27-31, Aug 3-7
Full Day Camps
Entering Grades 1-8, Must be age 6 by Sep 1
REGISTER ONLINE: click here
Let’s get wet-n-wild this summer! Each week is a different adventure so make the most of summer naturally. Closed-toe shoes required. Bring a lunch every day.
Typical Weekly Schedule 9am-4pm
Events May Change Due to Weather or Alternative Activities
Monday – Morning Nature Activities and Afternoon Swimming at Otter Cove
Tuesday – Full Day at Hickory Knolls-Hiking, Experiments, Critter Visits
Wednesday – Full Day Off site field trip to exciting natural area or museum
Thursday – Full Day Walking field trip or Outdoor Adventure
Friday – Morning Nature Activities and Afternoon Swimming at Otter Cove
Habitat Explorers – Jun 1-5
Nature Adventures – Jun 15-19
Crazy Creatures – Jul 13-17
Science Sleuths – Jul 27-31