VCCD summer camps registration open

Mar. 1—Registration is now open for the 2024 Summer Camp Programs at the Vermilion County Conservation District.

Pre-registration and payment are required for the camps. Full details, including the registration form, can be found at vccd.org/summer-programs/.

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. Camps:

* Wonder Bugs; Grades K-3rd; $20/child; 9 a.m. — 11:30 a.m. June 11. Environmental Education Center, Kennekuk County Park. Explore the wonderful woodlands of Kennekuk through books, activities, and a nature hike. From rotting logs to tall trees, come out and discover how amazing forests can be!

* Creek Stomping Camp; Grades 4th-7th; $20/child; 9 a.m. — 11:30 a.m., June 13; Gannett Education Center, Forest Glen Preserve; 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.

* Toddling into Nature; Ages 3-5; $5/child/session 1.25 hours long; Brilliant Butterflies — June 18 at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m., June 19 at 10 a.m. Discover the caterpillar- to- brilliantly colored flying insects' life. Turtles & Snakes — June 20 at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m., June 21 at 10 a.m. Observe live animals as we learn about our shelled and scaley friends. Environmental Education Center, Kennekuk County Park. Introduce young children to the natural world by exploring through songs, 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.

* Pioneer Kids; Grades K-3rd; $20/child; June 25 or 26, 9 a.m. — 11:30 a.m. Gannett Education Center, Forest Glen Preserve. 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 prepare their own pioneer snack to enjoy.

* Gone Fishin'; Grades 4th-7th; $20/child; July 2 at 9 a.m. — 11:30 a.m. at the Audubon Barn, Forest Glen Preserve. July 3 at 9 a.m. — 11:30 a.m. at Horseshoe Pond, Kennekuk County Park. 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.

* Young Explorers; Grades K-3rd; $35/child; July 9 at 9 a.m. — 3 p.m. at the White Oak Barn, Kennekuk County Park. July 16 at 9 a.m. — 3 p.m. at the Gannett Education Center, Forest Glen Preserve. 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 arts and craft project.

* Junior Explorers; grades 4th-7th; $35/child; July 11 at 9 a.m. — 3 p.m. at the White Oak Barn, Kennekuk County Park. 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 2-mile hike, roast a hot dog for lunch, discover wildlife, and create a unique tie-dye project.

* Paddling Around Lake Mingo; Grades 4th-7th, $20/child; July 23 or 24 at 9 a.m. — 11 a.m. at the Lake Mingo Boat Ramp, Kennekuk County Park. 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.