2023 Summer Camp Opportunities
The Vermilion County Conservation District’s summer programs offer outdoor fun for
children ages 3 and older. With almost 4,500 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
Forest Glen Preserve at 217-662-2142.
You can mail or drop off your registration form with
payment at the Kennekuk or Forest Glen Visitor Centers.
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.
2023 Summer Camp Registration Form – updated 7-5
Wonderbugs
Environmental Education Center, Kennekuk County Park
June 13
Grades K-3rd
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
Gannett Outdoor Education Center, Forest Glen Preserve
July 11
Grades K-3rd
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Environmental Education Center, Kennekuk County Park
July 12
Grades K-3rd
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
During this fun-filled classic summer camp, your child will participate in a variety of
nature adventure activities. Explorers will take a nature hike, roast a hot dog for lunch,
discover wildlife and create an art and craft project.
Fee is $35/child, due upon registration
NEW – Junior Explorers
White Oak Barn, Kennekuk County Park
July 13
Grades 4th – 7th
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 more nature adventure activities
geared more to their age range. Explorers will take a 2-mile hike, roast a
hot dog for lunch, discover wildlife, and create a unique are and craft project.
Fee is $35/child, due upon registration.
Toddling Into Nature
Environmental Education Center, Kennekuk County Park
June 20 – Whoo-hoo Likes Owls – 10:00 am or 2:00 pm
June 21 – Whoo-hoo Likes Owls – 10:00 am
Learn about our feathered flyers through crafts, listening to their calls,
dissecting an owl pellet, and more!
June 22 – Busy Bumbling Bees – 10:00 am or 2:00 pm
June 23 – Busy Bumbling Bees – 10:00 am
Get the latest buzz about these beneficial pollinating insects.
This camp will introduce young children, ages 3-5, to the natural world by exploring
through songs, 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.
Each session is approximately 1.25 hours long.
NEW – Gone Fishin’
Horseshoe Pond, Kennekuk County Park
June 28
Grades 4th – 7th
9:00 am – 11:30 am
Willow Creek Pond, Forest Glen Preserve
June 29
Grades 4th – 7th
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 18 or July 19
Grades 4th-7th
9:00 am – 11:00 am
Explore Lake Mingo in kayaks on a guided tour with District naturalists. 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.
Pioneer Kids
Gannett Outdoor Education Center, Forest Glen Preserve
June 27
Grades K-3rd
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 candle, 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 15
Grades 4th-7th
9:00 am – 11:30 am
Spend the day getting wet while exploring Willow Creek. Follow our naturalists
on an adventure in the creek while searching for aquatic life and observing animal
tracks along the way. Participants must wear shoes and clothes that can get wet and
muddy. Examples include old tennis shoes or water shoes and their least favorite shirt.
They are welcome to bring a change of dry clothes to put on before leaving.
Fee is $20/child, due upon registration.
