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 2023 is Conservation Superheroes. Learn about the many different conservation careers across the country, and the people who protect and help our environment within our own community. Campers will enjoy engaging activities like canoeing, fishing, hiking, 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 5 through August 4. (NOTE: camp will not be held on Monday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth, or Tuesday, 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. 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.
2023 Earth Adventures Weekly Camps
Citizen Science | June 5-9
This year we are going to learn all about the Conservation Superheroes who are responsible for protecting our natural world and keeping our water clean, and, most importantly, what you can do for your community! Our field trip this week will be a tour of the four other conservation areas in Macon County, where we will explore and discover interesting phenomena like how glacial kames are formed.
Wildlife Specialists | June 12-16
Campers will investigate the wide field of wildlife specialists, learning the difference between venomous and non-venomous snakes, learning what a raptor is, discovering whether or not a toad is a frog, and much more! This week’s field trip will be to Aikman Wildlife Adventure in Arcola, IL.
Water Quality Control | June 20-23
Shortened week due to holiday – registration fee is $112 for this week.
Why is our tap water so clear when lakes and rivers are often brown? The Mississippi River didn’t get its nickname ‘The Big Muddy’ for no reason! We will explore how our water is tested, treated, and filtered so it is safe to use and drink. This week’s field trip is TBD.
Environmental Laws | June 26-30
Do wild animals have rights, and if so, what are they? Campers will travel through the years as we discuss some of the important laws that were established to protect our native wildlife and their natural habitat. This week we will visit the Illinois State Museum in Springfield, IL.
Energy Management | July 3-7
What is non-renewable and renewable energy, and what’s the difference? Campers will learn about renewable forms of energy, including hydroelectric dams, solar power, biofuel, and geothermal energy. This week’s field trip is TBD.
Protecting Historic Sites | July 10-14
By studying the past, we can learn how events came to pass, what can be done to prevent mistakes from happening again, and how we can change our future for the better. This week we will take a tour of Lincoln’s New Salem Historical Site in Petersburg, IL.
Fish and Wildlife Management | July 17-21
In the early 1800s, it’s estimated that over 400 million beavers could be found across North America. By 1900, the population had fallen to around 100,000 with beavers nearly absent from Illinois all together! Discover how wildlife populations are managed and how humans have played a part in that – both good and bad. This week we will take a tour of the Jake Wolf Memorial Fish Hatchery at Sand Ridge State Forest in Topeka, IL.
Managing Waste | July 24-28
Learn how to reduce, reuse, and recycle as we discover techniques to clean up our world and figure out exactly where all of our waste and trash disappears to. Campers will visit the Sanitary District of Decatur for this week’s field trip.
Natural Resources Management | July 31-August 4
Roll up your sleeves and learn how the staff at the Macon County Conservation District protects the land in Macon County. Campers will learn skills to use in their daily lives, they’ll check out equipment and tools of the trade, and discover why this job is so important in our community. 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.
