2025 Summer Camp Opportunities
The Vermilion County Conservation District’s summer camps offer outdoor fun for
children ages 3 to 13 years old. With almost 5,000 acres between Kennekuk County Park
and Forest Glen Preserve, children will gain appreciation and knowledge of wildlife and the
great outdoors. Guided by experienced camp counselors, the activities will help children
explore their natural world through hands-on discoveries, hiking excursions, and art.
If you have any questions regarding our summer camp programs, please call
Kennekuk County Park at 217-442-1691.
You can mail or drop off your registration form with
payment at the Kennekuk Administration Building.
All fees are due at the time of registration. Fees include the listed program,
craft materials, and snacks if listed in the program description.
Activities requiring special clothing or
pre-packed lunches are listed in the description.
2025 Summer Camp Registration Form
Wonderbugs
Environmental Education Center, Kennekuk County Park
June 24
6-9 years old as of June 1, 2025
9:00 am – 11:30 am
Explore the wonderful wetlands of Kennekuk through books, activities, and a nature
hike. Kids will get an up close, hands-on, aquatic experience with the plants and
animals of the wetlands! Fee is $20/child, due upon registration.
Young Explorers Camp
White Oak Barn, Kennekuk County Park
July 15
Ages 6-9 years old as of June 1, 2025
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Gannett Outdoor Education Center, Forest Glen Preserve
June 26
Ages 6-9 years old as of June 1, 2025
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
During this fun-filled classic summer camp, kids will participate in a nature hike,
roast a hot dog for lunch, discover wildlife, and create an arts and craft project.
Camp activities are the same at each park.
Fee is $35/child, due upon registration
Pioneer Kids
Gannett Outdoor Education Center, Forest Glen Preserve
July 22 or July 23
Ages 6-9 years old as of June 1, 2025
9:00 am – 11:30 am
What was it like to be a kid in the 1850’s? Join us for Pioneer Kids Camp to
find out! Campers will hike to the Pioneer Homestead, make a pioneer craft, and
cook a sweet treat on the hearth to enjoy.
Fee is $20/child, due upon registration.
Creek Stomping Ecology Camp
Gannett Outdoor Education Center, Forest Glen Preserve
June 12
Ages 10-13 years old as of June 1, 2025
9:00 am – 11:30 am
Follow our naturalists on an adventure in Willow Creek while
searching for aquatic life and observing animal tracks along the way.
Participants must wear closed-toed shoes and clothes that can get wet and muddy.
Campers will get wet!
Fee is $20/child, due upon registration.
Gone Fishin’
Horseshoe Pond, Kennekuk County Park
July 1
10-13 years old as of June 1, 2025
9:00 am – 11:30 am
Maple Grove Lodge, Forest Glen Preserve
July 2
10-13 years old as of June 1, 2025
9:00 am – 11:30 am
Practice fishing from start to finish: bait your hook and care for your fish after
the catch. Learn to identify common Illinois fish. Campers will see a live
ethical demonstration on how to clean, cut, and prepare fish after catching.
All fishing equipment will be provided.
Fee is $20/child, due upon registration
Paddling Around Lake Mingo
Lake Mingo Boat Ramp, Kennekuk County Park
July 9 or July 10
10-13 years old as of June 1, 2025
9:00 am – 11:00 am
Learn about the diversity of fish, birds, mammals, and more that call
Lake Mingo home. Kayaking basics will be covered.
All participants are required to wear a provided life jacket.
Fee is $20/child, due upon registration.
Junior Explorers
White Oak Barn, Kennekuk County Park
July 17
10-13 years old as of June 1, 2025
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Junior Explorers will be able to enjoy a classic summer camp program, similar
to our Young Explorers camp, but with nature adventure activities
geared more to their age range. Explorers will take a hike, roast a
hot dog for lunch, discover wildlife, and create a unique art and craft project.
Fee is $35/child, due upon registration.
Toddling Into Nature
Environmental Education Center, Kennekuk County Park
3-5 years old as of June 1, 2025
June 17 – Feathered Flyers
10:00 am or 2:00 pm
June 18 – Feathered Flyers
10:00 am
Let’s learn and explore the feathers, sounds, and colors of our local birds!
June 19 – Wonderful Wetlands
10:00 am or 2:00 pm
June 20 – Wonderful Wetlands
10:00 am
Pond dipping and more will be explored as we learn about our wetland habitats.
This camp will introduce young children, ages 3-5, to the natural world by exploring
through stories, activities, crafts, and more with a parent or guardian. Each class is
organized around a theme and emphasizes active learning through sensory experiences,
and movement activities. Toddlers may sign up for one camp or both.
Fee is $5.00 per child per session, due upon registration.
