Nature Camps

Summer 2025

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 for Nature Camp, you will receive an eMail from ePACT, the District’s secure emergency network, to create an account and complete medical & emergency contact information. As part of the District’s Emergency Response Plan, it is critical that all camper information is accurate and updated on an annual basis.

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 repellent before camp.

How to Register for Camp

Complete the Camp Registration Form: click here

Drop off form with payment to a park district facility OR email it to registration@stcparks.org

Wee Wonders Camp

Ages 2-4 with parent

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. Adults are free.

Jun 10-12
Amazing Animals

Jul 22-24
Hopping through Habitats

Camp meets at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, 3795 Campton Hills Rd., Tuesday-Thursday from 10-11:30am.

RES $50/NR $75

Nature Discoverers Camp

Ages 3-5

Weekly sessions Jun 2-Aug 1

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, 2022 and potty trained. No diapers. Camp designed for children who have attended preschool.

Camp meets at Delnor Woods Park, Wing Ave. entrance, Monday-Friday from 9:15-11:15am.

RES $120/NR $170

Pathfinders: Entering Grades 1-2
Trailblazers: Entering Grades 3-4
Earthkeepers: Entering Grades 5-6

The great outdoors awaits adventure! Enjoy hikes, critter meet & greets and creative crafts that examine ecology in many different ways. Each week offers unique activities.

Camp meets at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, 3795 Campton Hills Rd with convenient curb side drop off/pick up during regular camp hours. During select weeks*, campers will meet on FRIDAY ONLY at Ferson Creek Park, Rt. 31, east of Wildrose Springs Dr. Parents must sign children in and out of the camp program daily.

Camp meets Monday-Friday from 9am-3pm.

RES $210/NR $260 per week

Camp Weeks	Themes & Descriptions
Jun 2-6	Over and Under Where the wonders of nature come alive! Inspired by the beloved Over and Under book series, this camp invites adventurers to discover the amazing ecosystems that thrive both above and below the surface of the natural world.
Jun 9-13*	Be an ‘Ologist Let’s dig deeper into scientific studies that all have “ology” at the end of their names. Campers will focus on a different field of study each day, learning through crafts, games, experiments and so much more. Friday will be spent at the creek learning about limnology, the study of freshwater ecosystems. *On Friday, camp will be held at Ferson Creek Park.
Jun 16-20	Enchanted by Plants Campers will explore different habitats and conduct studies in our prairie, wetland, and woodland habitats while becoming familiar with native species. Activities like nature journaling and flower dissection will help participants become enchanted by plants.
Jun 23-27	Creating with Nature Paint, sculpt and draw while using nature as your inspiration. Create art pieces in the prairie, near the wetland and under the trees as you explore the wonder that is Hickory Knolls
Jul 7-11*	Stealth & Survival Ready for adventure? Explore nature with hands-on activities focusing on survival skills. While hiking and exploring, learn animal tracking, plant/animal identification and more. *On Friday, camp will be held at Ferson Creek Park.
Jul 14-18	Let’s Wing It Many animals have wings, but do they all use their wings for the same things? Spend a week looking up, as we learn how flying works and what other uses wings have.
Jul 21-25	Dinosaurs Rock Put on your rock hunting gear and join us for this dino-mite week of camp. We will explore the exciting prehistoric world of the dinosaurs through interactions with artifacts like rocks and fossils, and meeting some modern-day relatives who call Hickory Knolls home.
Jul 28-Aug 1	Nature Carnival Step right up! Every day is a thrilling adventure in the greatest show on Earth—our natural world! This fun-filled camp turns the wonders of nature into an exciting carnival of discovery, games, and creativity.

Nature Teen Camp

Ages 11-14

Jul 14-18

Come join the adventure at Hickory Knolls! We will spend the week exploring the natural areas, playing games, visiting the pool, doing arts & crafts, performing science experiments, and much more! This camp is great for those in grade 7-9 who are excited to be out in nature, along with enjoying some classic summer camp activities.

Camp meets at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, 3795 Campton Hills Rd., Monday-Friday from 9am-3pm.

RES $360/NR $410

Outdoor Leadership Experience

Ages 15-17

Jun 16-20

Nature provides many opportunities to develop leadership skills. Activities will invite teens to improve communication and collaboration skills, practice critical thinking, and develop problem-solving abilities. They will get a chance to lead our younger campers and help out the nature center. And don’t worry – there will plenty of time to play too! We will explore the natural areas, play games, do arts & crafts, go to the pool, and much more! For teens entering grades 10-12.