Camps

Summer Camps

Every summer the Ecology Center offers  innovative, nature focused summer camps to encourage children and middle-schoolers to understand the world around them in a fun environment.  The Parks and Recreation Summer Camp guide has detailed information about dates and registration.

Wildflower Camp (ages 3-4)

This unique preschool program is designed to develop small and large motor skills, creativity and imagination while exploring science and experiencing the joys of nature. Each two-week session meets Monday through Friday and has a different theme. Daily activities combine outdoor exploration with play, crafts, stories, songs and nature discoveries. Campers must be toilet trained.

EcoQuest Day Camp (ages 5-7, entering K-2nd grade)

EcoQuest Day Camp uses the time-honored traditions of summer camp, hands-on experiences, innovative programming and enthusiastic staff to create a summer of fun, while campers achieve a greater understanding of nature and the world around them. Activities include nature discovery and exploration, arts and crafts, outdoor games, stories, songs, imaginative play, scientific experiments and more.

EcoTravelers (ages 8-9, entering grades 3 & 4)

Learn about the natural history of Illinois through interesting and engaging lessons. Campers will travel through time this summer and learn how the past has shaped our present. The campers will experience them through experiments, challenges, games, crafts, and hands-on activities. Each session includes a beach day, a field trip, a canoe trip, a fishing expedition, and a one-night camp-out.

EcoExplorer Camp (ages 10-11, entering grades 5 and 6)

EcoExplorer offers a unique opportunity to older children who are interested in nature and outdoor recreation. This camp unites the awareness of environmental topics with the practical experience of outdoor skills to form a greater appreciation of nature. Campers are encouraged to take part in the world around. We explore solutions to some environmental issues by participating in team building challenges, games, arts, community service projects and hands-on experience. The second week of the camp will focus on outdoor living and camping skills with a foundation in the leave no trace initiative.

Check out the  Parks and Recreation Summer Camp guide for more detailed information about dates and registration.

Winter Break Camp

Come learn about the environment during winter break from school.  We'll have daily animal visits, crafts, outdoor exploration, ice-skating and field trips to local museums. Visit Parks and Recreation Program Guide for dates and registration

Spring Break Camp

Join up with your fellow young scientists to explore the wonders of the arboretum and ecology center through the eyes of a naturalist. Study plants and animals in their environment through outdoor exploration, games, hands-on activities, crafts and field trips to local museums.   Parks and Recreation Program Guide for dates and registration.

Day-Off School Camps

Join the Ecology Center for day-off-school camps .  Look for these camps offered on national holidays like Veterans Day, Presidents' Day, etc. We will have a variety of engaging activities including visits with animals, crafts, games and outside time.  Visit Parks and Recreation Program Guide for dates and registration.