Summer 2018
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
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.
Move and Shake – Jun 26-28
REGISTER ONLINE: click here
Beyond the Backyard – Jul 31-Aug 2
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, 2018 and potty trained. No diapers. Camp designed for children who have attended preschool. Drop off at Wing St. Entrance at Delnor Woods.
Jun 18-22, Jun 25-29, Jul 16-20 & Jul 23-27
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!
Dino Diggers – Jun 11-15 & Jul 30-Aug 3
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.
Superheros of Nature – Jun 18-22 & Aug 6-10
How does Batman stack up to the senses of the native bats or Spiderman senses compare to real spiders? See how super nature is through hikes and hands-on challenges. Monday through Thursday meets at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Friday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve.
Messy Masters – Jun 25-29
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.
Crafty Critters – Jul 9-13
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.
Super Scientists – Jul 16-20
From meteorologist to geologist and biologist to herpetologist, this camp will feed the curiosity of your emerging scientist. Monday through Thursday meets at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Friday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve.
Animal Architects – Jul 23-27
From hives to tunnels and nests to beaver dams, animals have built it all- What will you find and construct during this camp? Monday through Thursday meets at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Friday meets at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve.
Trailblazers 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.
Science Sleuths – Jun 11-15
Who? What? When? Where? and Why? Use the clues animals have left behind to solve the mysteries found in nature. You will see there is more than meets the eye. 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.
Outlast the Elements – Jun 18-22 & Jul 30-Aug 3
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.
Make a Difference Camp – Jun 25-29
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 9-13
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.
Mad Scientist – Jul 16-20
Mix, concoct, and create with nature-themed madness and fun.
STEM Explorers – Jul 23-27
Can you be as creative as nature? Discover the strategies plants and animals have developed to survive and test your skills though hands-on experiments. 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.
Weird Nature – Aug 6-10
You can find some unusual things in nature that will amaze any budding scientist. Get your hands into some really wacky experiments. 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.
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
Sounds of Nature – Jun 11-15
World Traveler – Jun 18-22
Slimy and Scaly – Jun 25-29
Treasure Hunt – Jul 9-13
Nature’s Carnival – Jul 16-20
Nature Wizards – Jul 23-27
Nature’s Olympics – Jul 30-Aug 3
Weird Science – Aug 6-10