If you’re like a lot of parents, this is the time of year when you start looking for summer camps. There’s almost a run-on-the-bank kind of rush to get the programs that can make the summer special and more active for your kids.

This year, don’t send your child to the same-old summer camp; send them on an outdoor adventure with the Forest Preserve District of Kane County.

There’s more to explore during Forest Preserve District summer camps for preschoolers through sixth graders. Register before April 15, for Early-bird rates.

For Preschoolers

In “Little Sprouts Camp,” you can introduce your child to the wonders of nature. Specifically for kids age 4 to 6 who are about to enter kindergarten, “Little Sprouts” organizers will tell nature stories, play games and go on short explorations into the nearby woods. Your kids will discover butterflies, wildflowers, trees and more, along the way.

Activities will be held both inside Creek Bend Nature Center, and outdoors in LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve.

“Little Sprouts Camp” is offered from 9-10:30 a.m. June 13-17 and from 9-10:30 a.m. June 20-24. Early-bird registration (before April 15) is $85 per child. After April 15, registration is $110 per child. Creek Bend Nature Center is located within LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve at 37W700 Dean St. in St. Charles.

For First- Through Sixth-Graders

The district offers “Week in the Woods” summer day camps. During these five-day nature camps, kids explore the woods and fields with our naturalist staff. Camp is offered June 27-July 1 at Johnson’s Mound Forest Preserve; July 11-July 15 at Johnson’s Mound Forest Preserve; July 18-22 at Burnidge Forest Preserve and July 25-29 at Burnidge Forest Preserve.

The theme for camp dates June 27-July 1 and July 18-July 22, will be “STEM in Nature,” where STEM-based learning principles will be used to uncover the marvels of the natural world. This includes exploring the architecture of a bird’s nest, the feat of an insect gall, the symmetry of a bee hive and much more!

The theme for camp dates July 11-July 15 and July 25-July 29, will be “Life Outdoors.” Fresh air and fun times will be the main agenda for this week-long adventure. Campers will develop practical skills for outdoor recreation including: shelter building, campfire safety and knot tying. Camp is held from 9 a.m. to noon.

Early-bird registration (before April 15) is $100 per child. After April 15, registration is $125 per child.

‘Twilight Camp’ for Kids Age 3-5

For those looking for an early-evening option for their child, “Twilight Camp” allows kids to discover a whole new world of wildlife. During this evening summer camp, we’ll learn about the native animals that are out and about at dusk. Camp activities include hikes with the naturalists through the woods and prairie, games and stories.

This camp is for children entering grades 3 through 5. Camp will be held Aug. 8-12, from 7-9 p.m. A special family night on Aug. 12 includes a campfire, s’mores, storytelling, a night hike and stargazing. Early-bird registration (before April 15) is $85 per child. After April 15, registration is $110 per child.

Advance registration is required for all Forest Preserve District of Kane County camps.
Call 630-444-3190 or e-mail programs@kaneforest.com for information or to register. Additional information is available at www.kaneforest.com.

SOURCE: Kane County Forest Preserve District news release