Earth Adventures
Children Ages 6-12
Campers will explore science, nature, and history through outdoor exploration and play in this full-day, week long camp.
The theme for 2024 is Happy Habitats. Discover some of the different habitats that can be found in Central Illinois, and learn what it takes to keep them healthy and happy. Campers will enjoy many engaging activities like canoeing, hiking, fishing, and more.
Earth Adventure campers should bring a sack lunch. Morning and afternoon snacks will be provided. We have many adventures in store, so always dress for the weather and for getting dirty!
Camp meets at the Information Shelter at Rock Springs Conservation Area. Pick and choose which weeks to come, or attend all nine from June 3 through August 2. (NOTE: camp will not be held on Wednesday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth, or Thursday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day. Registration fees will be adjusted for those weeks accordingly.)
In addition to the on-site activities planned each week, campers will also enjoy one day off-site to go swimming and one-day off-site for a field trip. Swim days will alternate between splashing in the river at Lincoln Trail Homestead State Park and visiting the Anderson Aquatic Center in Normal, IL. All field trips and activities are subject to change.
Space is limited each week and camp activities are subject to change.
Camp Dates & Times
Monday – Friday, 9am – 4pm
$140/camper each week
Discount: $20 off each week for every additional sibling
Morning & After Care
Children can play games, create crafts, read books, and more.
Morning Care: Monday – Friday, 7am – 9am
$15/camper each week
After Care: Monday – Friday, 4pm – 6pm
$15/camper each week
Those who opt for Morning or After Care may drop off or pick up their campers at any time during those hours.
2024 Earth Adventures Weekly Camps
Happy Habitats | June 3-7
Join us on an adventure into the heart of many habitats to find out what makes them healthy, harmonious, and happy. Campers will go dipping and scooping in the pond, go canoeing, and make paper craft habitats. This week’s field trip will be a tour of the four other Conservation Areas in Macon County.
Dazzling Desert Days | June 10-14
The words ‘desert’ and ‘Midwest’ don’t seem to go together, but there is a unique, sandy habitat to be found just south of Peoria. Campers will learn about the harsh conditions in the desert and practice survival skills like making a fire, foraging for food, and harvesting water from condensation. This week’s field trip will be to Sand Ridge State Forest in Forest City, IL.
Grassland Gathering | June 17-21
Shortened week due to holiday. Registration fee is $112 for this week.
Learn all about the importance of grass and how grassland habitats impact our lives, even though there are very few left in Illinois. Campers will try their hand at archery, learn how to make knots, and create crafts using grass. This week’s field trip will be to the ISU Planetarium in Normal, IL to see their Habitat Earth and Beautiful Universe presentations.
A Forest Fantasy | June 24-28
Trees have been on Earth longer than 400 million years, and during that time, many plants and animals have called this habitat ‘home’. Venture into the woods, discover how paper is made and make some of your own, and learn to make an outdoor shelter. This week’s field trip will be to the U of I Arboretum in Urbana, IL and Allerton Park in Monticello, IL.
Microhabitats | July 1-5
Shortened week due to holiday. Registration fee is $112 for this week.
Get out your magnifying glasses and get ready to take a look at the tiny, hidden world of microhabitats! Using terrariums, campers will make their own mini habitats to take a closer look at the creatures living in the soil, and participate in a week-long scavenger hunt. This week’s field trip will be to Aikman Wildlife Adventure Park in Arcola, IL.
Historic Habitats | July 8-12
Take a blast to the past to discover how Illinois’ habitats changed over the last 500 million years. Learn some techniques the historic people of Illinois had to know for survival, and try your hand at archery, fire making, and fishing. This week’s field trip will be to the Illinois State Museum in Springfield, IL.
Urban Utopia | July 15-19
How do plants and animals coexist with people as we occupy more and more of the land they once called home? Learn about unique animal adaptations, discover urban gardening, and check out exotic animals in an urban setting. This week’s field trip will be to the Peoria Zoo in Peoria, IL.
Stillwater Sanctuary | July 22-26
Dive into Illinois’ various water habitats, from lakes to ponds to wetlands, and discover why they are some of the most important habitats on Earth. Campers will go dipping and scooping in the pond, go canoeing, and visit a wetland. This week’s field trip will be to the Jake Wolf Memorial Fish Hatchery in Topeka, IL.
Babbling Brooks | July 29-August 2
Learn about nature’s 87,000-mile natural highway – the river! Dip your toes into the world of moving water and enjoy a creek walk through the forest and see where it leads. This week’s field trip will be to Splash Cove in Decatur, IL.
Need more information? Call (217) 423-7708 or visit the Camps page.