Summer 2019
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.
Parents/guardians must complete additional Emergency & Medical Information Forms in order for campers to participate in Nature Camp. To complete this form online: click here (link coming soon)
For the Summer Camp Handbook: 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
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.
Beyond the Backyard – Jun 25-27
REGISTER ONLINE: click here
Five Senses Fun – Jul 30-Aug 1
REGISTER ONLINE: click here
Nature Discoverers Camp
Ages 3-5 years old
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, 2019 and potty trained. No diapers. Camp designed for children who have attended preschool. Drop off at Wing St. Entrance at Delnor Woods.
Jul 15-19, Jul 22-26 & Jul 29-Aug 2
REGISTER ONLINE: click here
Pathfinders Camp Series
Entering Grades K-2, Must be age 5 by Sep 1
REGISTER ONLINE: click here
Come ready to explore!
Messy Masters – Jun 10-14
Slimy? Muddy? Paint-covered? Great! Come and explore the wonderfully messy side of nature. Monday through Thursday meets at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Friday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve.
Dino Diggers – Jun 17-21 & Jul 29-Aug 2
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 through Thursday meets at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Friday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve.
Nature Ninja Warriors – Jun 24-28
Compare your skills to that of the animal kingdom through hikes, obstacles and hands-on challenges. Monday through Thursday meets at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Friday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve.
STEAM Explorers – Jul 8-12
Get your noggin in gear to see if you can think like the animals. Test out your creativity and see if it matches up to mother nature. Monday through Thursday meets at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Friday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve.
Magical Beasts – Jul 15-19
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 through Thursday meets at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Friday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve.
Crafty Critters – Jul 22-26
Get your creative juices moving as you glue, paint and hike your way though the woods, prairie and creek. Monday through Thursday meets at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Friday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve.
Explor-ology – Aug 5-9
Each emerging scientist will discover the best of each of the ology’s from geology to metrology and biology to herpetology. Monday through Thursday meets at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Friday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve.
Trailblazer Camp Series
Entering Grades 3-5, Must be age 8 by Sep 1
REGISTER ONLINE: click here
Come ready to explore! Learn about woodlands, prairies and wetlands through hands-on activities.
Outlast the Elements – Jun 17-21
What is your nature skill level? Spend time learning survival skills like fire starting, shelter building, foraging, tracking and more to help you outlast the elements in the great outdoors. Thursday’s camp is held from 6-9pm. Monday through Thursday meets at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Friday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve.
Nature Ninja Warrior – Jun 24-28
Get moving as this fast-paced camp will have you channeling your athletic skills compared to animal instincts. This camp goes way beyond biology! Thursday’s camp is held from 6-9pm. Monday through Thursday meets at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Friday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve.
Make a Difference Camp – Jul 15-19
Go behind the scenes of the Knolls as you get a chance to help with animal care, control invasive species and head off site for two service project field trips. Thursday’s camp is held from 6-9pm. Monday through Thursday meets at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Friday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve.
Naturally Artistic Camp – Jul 22-26
Unleash your inner artist with a touch of the wild side. Explore the outdoors to see how nature has been creative, then use that inspiration make a different art piece each day. Monday through Thursday meets at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center. Thursday’s camp is held from 6-9pm. Friday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve.
Jr. Naturalist – 9am-12pm. Jun 17-21, Jun 24-28, Jul 15-19, Jul 22-26, Jul 29-Aug 2, Aug 5-9 (Entering Grades 5-10. Must be age 10 by Sep 1) – 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 through Thursday meets at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Friday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve.
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
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
Nature Rocks – Jun 10-14
Nature Adventures – Jun 17-21
Slime to Scales – Jun 24-28
Nature’s Treasurers – Jul 8-12
Nature’s Carnival – Jul 15-19
STEAM Explorers – Jul 22-26
Nature’s Wizards – Jul 29-Aug2
Animal Adventures – Aug 5-9