Earth Adventures
Campers will explore science, nature, and history through outdoor exploration and play in this full-day, week long camp.
The theme for 2025 is World of Weather. Discover the different seasons, weather patterns, severe weather, and climate change, and learn they affect both the environment and us. Campers will enjoy many engaging activities like canoeing, hiking, fishing, and more.
Earth Adventures 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!
Summer Camp Scholarships for Macon County Children
The Macon County Conservation District (MCCD) is proud to offer scholarships for Macon County children to attend our summer camp. These funds are available thanks to support from the United Way of Decatur & Mid-Illinois. MCCD is committed to making our programs and camps accessible to all members of our community. Click here to read the eligibility requirements and to complete the form.
Camp meets at the Information Shelter at Rock Springs Conservation Area. Pick and choose which weeks to come, or attend all nine from June 2 through August 1. (NOTE: camp will not be held on Thursday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth, or Friday, 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. Swimming will take place at Clinton Lake. 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
$150/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.
2025 Earth Adventures Weekly Camps
World of Weather | June 2-6
Learn what weather is and how it changes, from howling winds to rain and snow. Learn the difference between weather and climate through experiments, games, and outdoor adventures. This week’s field trip will be a tour of the four other Conservation Areas in Macon County.
Humans and Weather | June 9-13
Explore how humans have responded to different weather conditions throughout Illinois’ history, from umbrellas to snow pants. Campers will build their own shelter, create a personal cloud viewer, and create rain gauges. This week’s field trip will be to Homer Lake Nature Playscape in Ogden, IL.
Animals in Weather | June 16-20
Shortened week due to holiday. Registration fee is $120 for this week.
Investigate how animals cope with severe weather and changing seasons, from our furry friends to our scaly sidekicks. Campers will make their own bird feeders, create mini habitats with different weather conditions, and learn how some animals can even ‘predict’ the weather. This week’s field trip will be to the Jake Wolf Memorial Fish Hatchery in Topeka, IL.
Local Weather | June 23-27
Why does the weather in Central IL seem to have a mind of its own? Campers will explore the local climate through hands-on activities with our watershed model, going on a creek walk, and by making their own barometers and anemometers. This week’s field trip will be to the Kidzeum of Health and Science in Springfield, IL.
Snow in Summer | June 30-July 3
Shortened week due to holiday. Registration fee is $120 for this week.
While we don’t see a lot of snow in the summer, it’s one of the most exciting things about winter. Learn about the uniqueness of snowflakes, explore how animals and plants adapt to the snow, and create fake snow with baking powder and shaving cream. This week’s field trip will be to the Illinois State Museum in Springfield, IL.
The Science of Storms | July 7-11
We deal with thunderstorms and tornadoes in central Illinois, but what other extreme weather can be found across the world? Explore the science behind nature’s wildest weather with fun experiments like making tornadoes in a bottle and rainclouds in a jar, and learn some safety techniques in case you ever get caught in a storm. This week’s field trip will be to Aikman Wildlife Adventure in Arcola, IL.
Space Weather | July 14-18
Space may not have air, but it does have its own unique set of weather conditions, from solar flares to cosmic winds. Campers will learn how solar flares work, create their own planets, and build a stomp rocket. This week’s field trip will be to the Illinois State University Planetarium in Normal, IL.
Weather Workers| July 21-25
Learn about meteorologists, climate scientists, storm chasers, and first responders who work tirelessly to predict, understand, and manage the impacts of weather and natural disasters. Learn about these weather careers and how you can get involved. This week’s field trip will be to the National Weather Service Central Illinois building in Lincoln, IL.
Wet Weather | July 28-August 1
Learn about the water cycle and the vital role it plays in constructing the environment, from five billion years ago to now. Campers will enjoy canoeing, dipping and scooping in the pond, and making their own water cycles. 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.
