After Care at Centennial Park is only available for campers enrolled in Sports Camp, Camp Varsity, Camp Rewind, and Art Extravaganza. Campers relax at After Care with low-key activities, including free play, board games, art projects, playground, and movies.

Travel
Campers are accompanied from their camp site (walking) by camp staff.

Reminders
ePACT Participant Information are due by Friday, May 26. Child should be prepared for their camp.  Campers do not have the option to use the vending machines during After Care. Please feel free to pack an extra snack for After Care. For Pick-up campers need to be signed out on a daily basis. Please make sure you have your photo I.D. ready, as we check them until the staff is familiar with the pick-up person. Please make sure all pick up people are listed on your ePACT form.

After Care Pick-Up Map

Welcome to Before Care & After Care! We are excited for a fun-filled summer. Campers relax at Before & After Care with low-key activities, including free play, board games, art projects, playground, and movies.

Travel
Campers are accompanied to and from their camp site (walking or in a Park District vehicle) by camp staff. If your camper is transported in a vehicle, he/she is dropped off at the camper’s specific camp location and met by a camp counselor. All vehicle drivers have experience and training operating Park District vehicles. All children age 8 and younger utilize a Park District booster seat.

Reminders
ePACT Participant Information are due by Friday, May 26. Child should be prepared for their camp. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your child before arriving at camp. Campers do not have the option to use the vending machines during After Care. Please feel free to pack an extra snack for After Care. For Drop-Off and Pick-up campers need to be signed in and out on a daily basis. Please make sure you have your photo I.D. ready, as we check them until the staff is familiar with the pick-up person. Please make sure all pick up people are listed on your ePACT form.

Before Care Drop-Off Map
After Care Pick-Up Map

Looking for a great summer camp for your preschooler? Camp Curiosity is the perfect high-energy camp! Campers enjoy weekly themes, outdoor adventures, games, art and crafts, music, free play, and outdoor water fun. Every summer we have new weekly themes! Water play activities include our portable pools, interactive water tables, and sprinklers. 

To shake things up a bit this summer, our curious campers get to explore some special programming like never before! Some of our visitors include a workout with George’s Gym, Kid Rock, story time with the Park Ridge Librarians, giant bounce houses, a playful puppet show, a Jigglejam concert, and visits to the Wildwood Nature Center.

Participants are divided into multiple camp rooms by age. Children must be completely toilet trained. A camp t-shirt is included in the camp fee.

Camp Drop-Off & Pick-Up Map

Sunscreen: Please apply sunscreen to children before drop-off.

Backpacks: Please bring a backpack to hold a nut-free snack and lunch, a water bottle, and a change of clothes in a Ziploc bag. All items need to be labeled with their name.

Clothing: It is important that your child wears comfortable shoes and clothing that is appropriate for outside play and messy craft projects. Have their bathing suit on under their clothes for easy changing. Two-piece suits are best for girls due to toileting.

Water Play: Depending on the weather, Camp Curiosity utilizes the outside fenced-in play area (Oak Tree Playground) for water play. The weather is never certain, but you should always send your camper ready to play in the water. Campers should bring a towel and sunscreen on a daily basis. Don’t forget to label your child's towel and swimsuit.

There’s guaranteed fun in store at Camp Rewind! Campers rewind from schoolwork as they enjoy themed days, sports, crafts, swimming, free play, classic games, and much more. New experiences, new friends, and lots of fun await you!

Camp Drop-Off & Pick-Up Map

Swimming: We use Centennial Aquatic Center approximately 3 afternoons per week, weather permitting. The weather is never certain, so send your camper with a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen on a daily basis. The Supervisor and the Recreation Program Division Manager determine if campers go swimming in questionable weather. Lifeguards assess campers' swimming ability on the first trip to the pool.

Backpacks: Campers must bring their own backpack to hold a nut-free snack and lunch in a reusable container, water bottle, swimsuit, towel, and an extra change of clothes.

Sunscreen & Bug Spray: Camp includes outdoor activities. Please bring sunscreen and bug spray.

Clothing & Shoes: It is important that your child wears appropriate clothing that reflects a busy, messy camp day. Please wear comfortable closed-toe shoes.

Sack Lunch & Beverage: Send a peanut/tree nut free lunch in a reusable container with a drink, or you may order a hot lunch from our camp lunch program.

Camp Lunch Program: Forms available online. 

Cell Phones & Electronics: The District is not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen items at camp. The idea of camp is to unplug from electronics, so that is the main focus. Please encourage your camper to leave those valuables at home.

Camp Lunch Program: Forms available online.

Swimming:   We use Centennial Aquatic Center 3-4 afternoons per week, weather permitting. The weather is never certain, so send your camper with a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen on a daily basis. The Supervisor and the Recreation Program Division Manager determine if campers go swimming in questionable weather. Lifeguards assess campers' swimming ability on the first trip to the pool.

Camp Drop-Off & Pick-Up Map

FIELD TRIPS

Each session we go on a field trip or have a special event. On field trip days campers must wear their camp t-shirt. Please be sure to be at camp on time, as the buses for the field trips depart on schedule. Complete a General Field Trip Form prior to the trip.

• Backpacks: Campers must bring their own manageable backpack (as opposed to sharing) to hold their lunches, water bottles, etc.
• Water Bottle: Buses can get hot, so campers should bring a water bottle that fits in their backpack. We fill them before and during the trip.
• Sunscreen or Bug Spray: Trips may include outdoor activities. Please bring sunscreen and bug spray.
• Walking/Hiking Shoes: Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the trip.
• Sack Lunch & Beverage: Send a peanut/tree nut free lunch in a recyclable and reusable container with a drink. Camp Lunch program is not available on field trip days.

Field Trip Schedule

• Friday, June 16: Safari Land, Villa Park, IL
• Tuesday, June 20: Haunted Trails, Burbank, IL
• Friday, June 23: Bowlero, Niles, IL
• Tuesday, June 27: WhirlyBall, Vernon Hills, IL
• Friday, June 30: Enchanted Castle, Lombard, IL
• Friday, July 7: Rainbow Falls, Elk Grove Village, IL
• Tuesday, July 11: Par-King Mini Golf, Lincolnshire, IL
• Friday, July 14: Bowlero, Niles, IL
• Tuesday, July 18: Play and Spin, Niles, IL
• Friday, July 21: TBD
• Tuesday, July 25: WhirlyBall, Vernon Hills, IL
• Friday, July 28: Safari Land, Villa Park, IL
• Tuesday, August 1: Action Territory, Kenosha, WI
• Friday, August 4: Enchanted Castle, Lombard, IL
• Tuesday, August 8: Haunted Trails, Burbank, IL
• Friday, August 11: Rainbow Falls, Elk Grove Village, IL

Welcome to Camp Wannalottafun! We've got it all! Campers have a fantastic experience in a safe, fun-filled atmosphere. Children create memories and build important skills by rotating through a wide variety of exciting adventures. Weekly themes include messy art, wacky science, cooking, water play fun, and outdoor/indoor games. Other surprise visitors come in throughout the summer for extra fun. Choose from 2, 3 or 5 days a week. A camp t-shirt is included in the fee.

Camp Drop-Off & Pick-Up Map

Backpacks: Campers must bring their own backpack to hold their lunches, water bottles, snacks, swimsuit, towel, extra change of clothes, etc.

Water Bottle: Campers should bring a reusable water bottle that fits in their backpack.

Sunscreen & Bug Spray: Camp includes outdoor activities. Please bring sunscreen and bug spray.

Clothing & Shoes: It is important that your child wears appropriate clothing that reflects a busy, messy camp day. Please wear comfortable closed-toe shoes.

Sack Lunch & Beverage: Send a peanut/tree nut free lunch in a reusable container with a drink, or you may order a hot lunch from our camp lunch program.

Camp Lunch Program: Forms available online. 

Camp Drop-Off & Pick-Up Map

Sack Lunch & Beverage: Send a peanut/tree nut free lunch in a reusable container or you may order a hot lunch from our camp lunch program.  Also send your camper with water to drink in a reusable refillable container.

Camp Lunch Program: Forms available online. Camp lunch program is not available on field trip days.

Swimming: We use Centennial Aquatic Center 1-2 afternoons per week, weather permitting. The weather is never certain, so send your camper daily with a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen on the swimming days listed on the weekly camp calendar. The Supervisor and Recreation Program Division Manager determine if campers go swimming in questionable weather. Lifeguards assess swimming ability on the first trip to the pool. 

Fishing Days: We fish/pond dip weekly unless there is a field trip. Campers are encouraged to bring their own pole (labeled with their name). If they do not have a fishing pole, Wildwood has poles and nets to borrow. Wildwood also supplies bait, or campers can bring their own bait from home (please let your counselors know if you have bait in your backpack so it can be stored in the fridge). 

Campfire Cooking Days (optional): To participate, campers bring item(s) from home (burger, brat, hotdog, etc.) to be cooked at camp, along with a bun or other necessary items. Food needs to be labeled with the child's name, and ready to be stored in the fridge (in reusable container or plastic bag). Make sure your camper is aware that there is food in their backpack. If campers do not want to participate, please send them with a regular lunch. Campfire days vary or might not occur if there is a trip or event. 

FIELD TRIPS

On field trip days campers must wear their camp t-shirt. Arrive at camp on time, as the buses depart on schedule. Complete a General Field Trip Form prior to the trip. Certain trips require additional waivers. These field trip specific waivers will be emailed to you prior to the field trip.

• What to Bring: Campers must bring their own backpack (as opposed to sharing), a water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. Certain field trips might also require special equipment (like helmets).  You will be notified of any special requirements prior to the field trip.
• What to Wear: Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the type of trip.
• Lunch: Send a peanut/tree nut-free lunch in a reusable container. Camp Lunch program is not available on field trips.

Field Trip and Event Schedule (subject to change)

MWF 

• Wed, June 14: Earth Dome Event
• Wed, June 28: Canoeing Field Trip at Skokie Lagoons, Winnetka
• Fri, July 28: Rock climbing Field Trip to Climb Zone, Chicago
• Wed, August 9: Color War Event

Tu/Th 

• Thurs, June 29: Canoeing Field Trip at Skokie Lagoons, Winnetka
• Thurs, July 27: Rock climbing Field Trip to Climb Zone, Chicago
• Thurs, August 10: Color War Event

Camp Pick-Up & Drop-Off Map

Lunch & Drink: Send a peanut/tree nut free snack and lunch in a reusable container, or you may order a hot lunch from our camp lunch program.  Also send your camper with water to drink in a reusable refillable container.

Camp Lunch Program: Forms are available online. Camp lunch program is not available on field trip days.

Clothing: Wear shoes and clothing that reflects a busy, messy camp day.

Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen to your child before drop-off.

Swimming: We use Centennial Aquatic Center 1-2 afternoons per week, weather permitting. The weather is never certain, so send your camper daily with a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen on the swimming days listed on the weekly camp calendar. . The Supervisor and Recreation Program Division Manager determine if campers go swimming in questionable weather. Lifeguards assess campers' swimming ability on the first pool trip. 

Fishing Days: We fish/pond dip weekly unless there is a field trip. Campers are encouraged to bring their own pole (labeled with their name). If they do not have a fishing pole, Wildwood has poles and nets to borrow. Wildwood also supplies bait, or campers can bring their own bait from home (please let your counselors know if you have bait in your backpack so it can be stored in the fridge). 

Campfire Cooking Days (optional): To participate, campers bring item(s) from home (burger, brat, hotdog, s’mores, etc.) to be cooked at camp, along with a bun or other necessary items. Food needs to be labeled with the child's name, and ready to be stored in the fridge (in reusable container or plastic bag). Make sure your camper is aware that there is food in their backpack. If campers do not want to cook over the fire, please send them with a regular lunch. Campfire days vary or might not occur if there is a trip or special event. 

FIELD TRIPS: On field trip days campers must wear their camp t-shirt. Camp t-shirts will be passed out the week of their first field trip. Please arrive at camp on time, as the buses depart on schedule. Complete a General Field Trip Form prior to the trip. Certain trips require additional waivers.  These field trip specific waivers will be emailed to you prior to the field trip.

• What to Bring: Campers must bring their own backpack (as opposed to sharing), a water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray.  Certain field trips might also require special equipment (like helmets).  You will be notified of any special requirements prior to the field trip.
• What to Wear: Wear camp field trip shirt, comfortable walking or hiking shoes, and dress appropriately for the type of field trip.
• Lunch and Beverage: Send a peanut/tree nut-free lunch in a reusable container along with a water in a refillable bottle. Camp Lunch program is not available on field trips.

Field Trip and Event Schedule (subject to change)

MWF 

• Wed, June 14: Earth Dome Event
• Wed, June 28: Canoeing Field Trip at Skokie Lagoons, Winnetka
• Fri, July 28: Rock climbing Field Trip to Climb Zone, Chicago
• Wed, August 9: Color War Event

Tu/Th 

&

To help get over the preschool blues, our Kickoff to Kindergarten campers enjoy weekly themes, outdoor adventures, games, art and crafts, music, free play, and outdoor water fun. Every summer we have new weekly themes! Water play activities include our portable pools, interactive water tables, and sprinklers in a fenced-in playground.

We have spiced things up for our kindergarteners with some exceptional programming this summer. Some of our special visitors include a workout with George’s Gym, story time with the Park Ridge Librarians, giant bounce houses, a playful puppet show, a Jigglejam concert, and visits to the Wildwood Nature Center. So let the fun begin!

Campers are divided into multiple camp rooms. A camp t-shirt is included in the camp fee.

Camp Drop-Off & Pick-Up Map

Sunscreen: Please apply sunscreen to children before drop-off.

Backpacks: Please bring a backpack to hold a nut-free snack and lunch, water bottle, and a change of clothes in a ziplock bag. All items need to be labeled with their name.

Clothing: It is important that your child wears comfortable shoes and clothing that is appropriate for outside play and messy craft projects. Have their bathing suit on under their clothes for easy changing. Two-piece suits are best for girls due to toileting.

Water Play: Depending on the weather, camp utilizes a fenced-in playground for water play. The weather is never certain, but you should always send your camper ready to play in the water. Campers should bring a towel and sunscreen on a daily basis. Don’t forget to label your child's towel and swimsuit.

Camp Lunch Program: Forms available online.

Welcome to Kids Quest! We are excited for a fun-filled summer. Campers have a wonderful experience in a safe, fun-filled atmosphere. Campers enjoy fun weekly themes that always include messy art, wacky science, and outdoor/indoor games. Other surprise visitors come in throughout the summer for extra fun.

Camp Drop-Off & Pick-Up Map

Swimming: We use Centennial Aquatic Center 2-3 afternoons per week, weather permitting. The weather is never certain, so send your camper with a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen on a daily basis. The Supervisor and the Recreation Program Division Manager determine if campers go swimming in questionable weather. Lifeguards assess campers' swimming ability on the first trip to the pool.

Backpacks: Campers must bring their own backpack to hold their lunches, water bottles, snacks, swimsuit, towel, extra change of clothes, etc.

Water Bottle: Campers should bring a reusable water bottle that fits in their backpack.

Sunscreen & Bug Spray: Camp includes outdoor activities. Please bring sunscreen and bug spray.

Clothing & Shoes: It is important that your child wears appropriate shoes and clothing that reflects a busy, messy camp day. Please wear comfortable closed-toe shoes.

Sack Lunch & Beverage: Send a peanut/tree nut free lunch in a reusable container with a drink, or you may order a hot lunch from our camp lunch program.

Camp Lunch Program: Forms available online.

Camp Drop-Off & Pick-Up Map

Lunch & Drink: Send a peanut/tree nut free snack and lunch in a reusable container, or you may order a hot lunch from our camp lunch program.  Also send your camper with water to drink in a reusable refillable container.

Camp Lunch Program: Forms available online. Camp lunch program is not available on field trip days.

Clothing: It is important that your child wears appropriate shoes and clothing that reflects a busy, messy camp day.

Sunscreen: Please apply sunscreen to your child before drop-off and fill out the sunscreen permissions on the ePACT form for staff to apply spary on sunscreen for your child throughout the camp day.

Swimming: We use Centennial Aquatic Center 2-3 afternoons per week, weather permitting. The weather is never certain, so send your camper daily with a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen on the swimming days listed on the weekly camp calendar. The Supervisor and Recreation Program Division Manager determine if campers go swimming in questionable weather. Lifeguards assess campers' swimming ability on the first trip to the pool. 

Fishing Days: We fish/pond dip weekly unless there is a field trip. Campers are encouraged to bring their own pole (labeled with their name). If they do not have a fishing pole, Wildwood has poles and nets to borrow.  Wildwood also supplies bait, or campers can bring their own bait from home (please let your counselors know if you have bait in your backpack so it can be stored in the fridge). 

Campfire Cooking Days (optional): Campers cook their own food over the campfire. To participate, campers bring a grill-able item from home (burger, brat, hotdog, s’mores, etc.) to be cooked at camp, along with a bun or other necessary items. Food needs to be labeled with the child's name, and ready to be stored in the fridge (in reusable container or plastic bag). Make sure your camper is aware that there is food in their backpack. If campers do not want to cook over the fire, please send them with a regular lunch. Campfire days vary or might not occur if there is a trip or special event.  Please check the weekly camp schedule (emailed a few days before the start of the camp week) for your campfire cooking day.

FIELD TRIPS

Campers must wear their camp t-shirt on trips. Camp t-shirts will be passed out the week of their first field trip. Please arrive at camp on time, as the buses depart on schedule. A Field Trip Permission Form must be filled out prior to the trip. Certain trips require additional waivers. These field trip specific waivers will be emailed to you prior to the field trip.

• What to Bring: Campers must bring their own backpack (as opposed to sharing), sunscreen, and bug spray.  Certain field trips might also require special equipment (like helmets).  You will be notified of any special requirements prior to the field trip.
• What to Wear: Wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes and dress appropriately for the field trip activity.
• Lunch and Drink: Send a peanut/tree nut-free lunch in a reusable container and water in a refillable bottle. Camp Hot Lunch program is not available on field trips.

Field Trip and Event Schedule (subject to change)

• Wed, June 14: Earth Dome Event
• Wed, June 21: Canoeing Field Trip at Skokie Lagoons, Winnetka
• Wed, August 2: Rock climbing Field Trip to Climb Zone, Chicago
• Fri, August 11: Color War Event

Camp Drop-Off & Pick-Up Map

Lunch & Drink: Send a peanut/tree nut free snack and lunch in a reusable container, or you may order a hot lunch from our camp lunch program.  Also send your camper with water to drink in a reusable refillable container.

Camp Lunch Program: Forms available online. Camp lunch program is not available on field trip days.

Clothing: It is important that your child wears appropriate shoes and clothing that reflects a busy, messy camp day.

Sunscreen: Please apply sunscreen to your child before drop-off.

Swimming: Nature Camp swims at the Centennial Aquatic Center 2-3 afternoons per week, weather permitting. The weather is never certain, so send your camper with a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen on the swimming days listed on the weekly camp calendar. The Supervisor and Recreation Program Division Manager determine if campers go swimming in questionable weather. Lifeguards assess campers' swimming ability on the first trip to the pool. Please check the weekly calendar for swimming days.

Fishing Days: We fish/pond dip weekly unless there is a field trip. Campers are encouraged to bring their own pole (labeled with their name). If they do not have a fishing pole, Wildwood has poles and nets to borrow. Camp also provides bait, or the campers can bring their own.  Wildwood also supplies bait, or campers can bring their own bait from home (please let your counselors know if you have bait in your backpack so it can be stored in the fridge). 

Campfire Cooking Days (optional): Campers cook their own food over the campfire. To participate, campers bring a grill-able item from home (burger, brat, hotdog, s’mores, etc.) to be cooked at camp, along with a bun or other necessary items. Food needs to be labeled with the child's name, and ready to be stored in the fridge (in reusable container or plastic bag). Make sure your camper is aware that there is food in their backpack. If campers do not want to participate, please send them with a regular lunch. Campfire Cooking days vary or might not occur if there is a trip or special event.  Please check the weekly camp schedule (emailed a few days before the start of the camp week) for your campfire cooking day.

FIELD TRIPS

Campers must wear their camp t-shirt on trips. Arrive at camp on time, as the buses depart on schedule. A Field Trip Permission Form must be filled out prior to the trip.

Certain trips require additional waivers.  Certain trips require additional waivers.  These field trip specific waivers will be emailed to you prior to the field trip.

• What to Bring: Campers must bring their own backpack (as opposed to sharing), sunscreen, and bug spray. Certain field trips might also require special equipment (like helmets).  You will be notified of any special requirements prior to the field trip.
• What to Wear: Wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes and dress appropriately for the field trip activity.
• Lunch and Drink: Send a peanut/tree nut-free lunch in a reusable container and water in a refillable bottle. Camp Hot Lunch program is not available on field trips.

Field Trip and Event Schedule (subject to change)

• Wed, June 14: Earth Dome Event
• Tues, June 20: Canoeing Field Trip at Skokie Lagoons, Winnetka
• Tues, August 1: Rock climbing Field Trip to Climb Zone, Chicago
• Fri, August 11: Color War Event

Park District Pick-Up Location at Summer School:

• District 64 provides a staff member to wait with your child until Park District staff arrives to accompany your child to their camp location.
• Once the Park District staff arrive, everyone will walk over as a group to Washington Elementary School.
• Pick up time is 10:00am or 11:40am depending on WOW registration.
• Camp Drop-Off & Pick-Up Map

Swimming: We use Centennial Aquatic Center approximately 3 afternoons per week, weather permitting. The weather is never certain, so send your camper with a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen on a daily basis. The Supervisor and the Recreation Program Division Manager determine if campers go swimming in questionable weather. Lifeguards assess campers' swimming ability on the first trip to the pool.

Backpacks: Campers must bring their own backpack to hold a nut-free snack and lunch in a reusable container, water bottle, swimsuit, towel, and an extra change of clothes.

Sunscreen & Bug Spray: Camp includes outdoor activities. Please bring sunscreen and bug spray.

Clothing & Shoes: It is important that your child wears appropriate clothing that reflects a busy, messy camp day. Please wear comfortable closed-toe shoes.

Sack Lunch & Beverage: Send a peanut/tree nut free lunch in a reusable container with a drink, or you may order a hot lunch from our camp lunch program.

Camp Lunch Program: Forms available online

Cell Phones & Electronics: The District is not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen items at camp. The idea of camp is to unplug from electronics, so that is the main focus. Please encourage your camper to leave those valuables at home.

S.S.O. Nature Camp has separate rooms for ages 6-8 and ages 9-12.

Park District Pick-up Locations at Summer School:

• District 64 provides a staff member to wait with your child until Park District staff arrives to transport your child to their campsite.
• Field School participants meet Park District staff inside the building. The meeting location will be communicated before the program starts.
• Pick-up time is 10:00am or 11:40am depending on registration.
• Campers are accompanied from school to their campsite by camp staff. Your camper is transported in a school bus or Park District 15 passenger bus to their specific camp location.

Camper Pick-Up Location from Camp: Campers are picked at the Maine Park Leisure Center at the outdoor Nature Classroom or inside in the adjacent Hickory Room (youngers) or Walnut Room (olders).  S.S.O. Camp Pick-Up Map (Youngers); Camp Pick-Up Map (Olders)

Snack & Water Bottle: Send a peanut/tree nut free snack and water bottle daily in a recyclable and reusable container labeled with your child’s name. 

Clothing: Wear shoes and clothing that reflects a busy, messy camp day.

Sunscreen: Please apply sunscreen to your child before drop-off.

Camp Lunch Program: Campers eat lunch with when they arrive on site. Bring a lunch and drink in reusable containers or order Camp Lunch. Forms are available online.

Swimming: We use Centennial Aquatic Center approximately 2-3 afternoons per week if weather permits. The weather is never certain, so send your camper to camp each day ready to go swimming. Campers should bring a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen on a daily basis. The Supervisor and the Recreation Program Division Manager determine if campers go swimming if the weather is questionable. Lifeguards assess swimming ability on the first pool trip. 

Fishing Days: We fish/pond dip once a week. Campers are encouraged to bring their own pole (labeled with their name) on fishing days. If they do not have a pole, Wildwood has fishing poles to borrow. The camp provides the bait, but campers can also bring bait from home.

Campfire Cooking Days (optional): Campers bring item(s) from home (burger, brat, hotdog, etc.) to cook at camp, along with a bun. Food needs to be in container or plastic bag, labeled with your name. Make sure your camper is aware there is food in their backpack. If campers do not want to participate, send them with a regular lunch. Campfire days vary or might not occur if there is a trip or event.

Camp Newsletters:

• Youngers: Week 2, Week 4
• Olders: Week 2, Week 4

General Information

S.S.O. Nature Camp has separate rooms for ages 6-8 (Hickory Room) and ages 9-12 (Walnut Room).

Park District Pick-up Locations at Summer School:

• District 64 provides a staff member to wait with your child until Park District staff arrives to transport your child to their campsite.
• Field School participants meet Park District staff inside the building. The meeting location will be communicated before the program starts.
• Pick-up time is 10:00am or 11:40am depending on registration.
• Campers are accompanied from school to their campsite by camp staff. Your camper is transported in a school bus or Park District 15 passenger bus to their specific camp location.

Camper Pick-Up Location from Camp: Campers are picked at the Maine Park Leisure Center at the outdoor Nature Classroom or inside in the adjacent Hickory Room (youngers) or Walnut Room (olders). S.S.O. Camp Pick-Up Map (Youngers); Camp Pick-Up Map (Olders)

Lunch & Drink: Send a peanut/tree nut free snack and lunch in a reusable container, or you may order a hot lunch from our camp lunch program.  Also send your camper with water to drink in a reusable refillable container.

Camp Lunch Program: Forms available online.  Camp lunch program is not available on field trip days.

Clothing: Wear shoes and clothing that reflects a busy, messy camp day.

Sunscreen: Please apply sunscreen to your child before drop-off.

Swimming: S.S.O. Nature Camp swims at the Centennial Aquatic Center approximately 2-3 afternoons per week if weather permits. The weather is never certain, so send your camper with a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen on the swimming days listed on the weekly camp calendar.  The Supervisor and the Recreation Program Division Manager determine if campers go swimming if the weather is questionable. Lifeguards assess swimming ability on the first pool trip. 

Fishing Days: We fish/pond dip once a week. Campers are encouraged to bring their own pole (labeled with their name) on fishing days. If they do not have a pole, Wildwood has fishing poles and nets to borrow. The camp provides the bait, but campers can also bring bait from home (please let your counselors know if you have bait in your backpack so it can be stored in the fridge). 

Campfire Cooking Days (optional): Campers bring item(s) from home (burger, brat, hotdog, s’mores, etc.) to cook at camp, along with a bun, condiments, or other necessary items. Food needs to be in container or plastic bag, labeled with your name. Make sure your camper is aware there is food in their backpack. If campers do not want to cook over the campfire, send them with a regular lunch. Campfire days vary or might not occur if there is a special event.

Event Schedule (subject to change)

• Wed, June 14: Earth Dome Event
• Archery
• Fri, July 21: Color War Event

Camp Drop-Off & Pick-Up Map

Camp Lunch Program: Forms are available online. Camp lunch program is not available on full-day field trips.

Swimming: We use Centennial Aquatic Center 3-4 afternoons per week, weather permitting. The weather is never certain, so send your camper with a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen on a daily basis. The Supervisor and the Recreation Program Division Manager determine if campers go swimming in questionable weather. Lifeguards assess campers' swimming ability on the first trip to the pool.

FIELD TRIPS

We go on a field trip each session or will have a special event. On field trip days campers must wear their camp t-shirt. Please be sure to be at camp on time, as the buses for the field trips depart on schedule. Complete a General Field Trip Form prior to the trip.

• Backpacks: Campers must bring their own manageable backpack (as opposed to sharing) to hold their lunches, water bottles, etc.
• Water Bottle: Buses can get hot, so campers should bring a water bottle that fits in their backpack.
• Sunscreen or Bug Spray: Trips may include outdoor activities. Please bring sunscreen and bug spray.
• Walking/Hiking Shoes: Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the trip.
• Sack Lunch & Beverage: Send a peanut/tree nut free lunch in a reusable container with a drink. Camp Lunch program is not available on field trip days.

Field Trip Schedule

• Friday, June 16: Safari Land, Villa Park, IL
• Friday, June 23: Bowlero, Niles, IL
• Friday, June 30: Enchanted Castle, Lombard, IL
• Friday, July 7: Rainbow Falls, Elk Grove Village, IL
• Friday, July 14: Bowlero, Niles, IL
• Friday, July 21: TBD
• Friday, July 28: Safari Land, Villa Park, IL
• Friday, August 4: Enchanted Castle, Lombard, IL
• Friday, August 11: Rainbow Falls, Elk Grove Village, IL

Sunshine Camp is the perfect camp to introduce young children to their first day camp experience. Through games and activities your camper learns the importance of sharing, listening, and cooperation. Campers keep busy doing arts and crafts, songs and circle time, outside play, and water fun. Outdoor play is located in our fenced-in 2-year-old playground. Each summer we create new weekly themes. Water play activities include portable pools, sprinklers, and our special interactive water tables for exploring. Activities vary weekly with unique themes so that campers may enroll in all sessions for even more fun!

Get your sunglasses and dancing shoes on because our little Sunshine campers will get some special programming this summer including visits from Kid Rock, story time with the Park Ridge Librarians, music and dancing, giant bouncy houses, a colorful ball pit, and visits to the Wildwood Nature Center. Don’t miss out on the fun! A camp t-shirt is included in the camp fee.

Children need to be fully potty trained for this camp. No pull-ups or diapers.

Camp Drop-Off & Pick-Up Map

Sunscreen: Please apply sunscreen to children before drop-off.

Backpacks: Please bring a backpack to hold a nut free snack, water bottle, and a change of clothes in a ziplock bag. All items need to be labeled with their name.

Clothing: It is important that your child wears comfortable shoes and clothing that is appropriate for outside play and messy craft projects. Have their bathing suit on under their clothes for easy changing. Two-piece suits are best for girls due to toileting.

Water Play: Depending on the weather, Sunshine Camp utilizes the outside fenced-in 2-year-old playground for water play. The weather is never certain, but you should always send your camper ready to play in the water. Campers should bring a towel on a daily basis. Don't forget to label your child's towel and swimsuit.

Get ready for high energy, non-stop action this summer while enjoying trips, sports, special events, BBQ cooking, and pool time. Choose 5, 3 or 2 days a week and don’t miss out on the chance to be a part of the camp that you help plan!

Camp Drop-Off & Pick-Up Map

Camp Lunch Program: Forms available online. Camp lunch program is not available on full-day field trips.

Swimming: We use Hinkley Pool for swimming approximately 3 afternoons per week, weather permitting. The weather is never certain, so send your camper with a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen on a daily basis. The Supervisor and the Recreation Program Division Manager determine if campers go swimming in questionable weather. Lifeguards assess campers' swimming ability on the first trip to the pool. 

Cell Phones & Electronics: The District is not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen items at camp. The idea of camp is to unplug from electronics, so that is the main focus. Please encourage your camper to leave those valuables at home.

FIELD TRIPS

We go on several field trips throughout the summer on Wednesday or have a special event. On field trip days, campers must wear their camp t-shirt. Please be sure to be at camp on time, as the buses for the field trips depart on schedule. Complete a General Field Trip Form prior to the trip.

• Backpacks: Campers must bring a backpack to hold their lunches, water bottles, snacks, change of clothes, etc.
• Water Bottle: Buses can get hot, so campers should bring a water bottle that fits in their backpack.
• Sunscreen or Bug Spray: Trips may include outdoor activities. Please bring sunscreen and bug spray.
• Walking/Hiking Shoes: Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes and dress appropriately for the trip.
• Sack Lunch & Beverage: Send a peanut/tree nut free lunch in a reusable container with a drink. Camp Lunch program is not available on field trip days.
• S.S.O. TTB: If your camper is attending Summer School, on field trip days, they have the option to (1.) attend a full-day of camp fun and participate in the field trip, OR (2.) go to summer school and miss camp completely. For planning purposes, we ask that parents tell the Coordinators on Tuesday what their child is doing, as those are the only two options.

Field Trip Schedule: