Register by April 15 to save on forest preserve summer camps

Early-bird rates for summer camps are available until April 15. Whether you're looking for 90-minute nature camps for preschoolers, half-day adventure camps for first through sixth-graders or early-evening Twilight camps, the Forest Preserve District of Kane County has you covered.

At "Little Sprouts Camp," preschoolers explore nature through stories, games and short explorations into the nearby woods. District naturalists will lead the search for butterflies, wildflowers, trees and more. "Little Sprouts Camp" is offered from 9 to 10:30 a.m. June 13-17 and June 20-24. Early-bird registration, by April 15, is $85 per child, per weekly session.

After April 15, registration is $110 per child.

"Little Sprouts Camp" takes place at Creek Bend Nature Center, located within LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles.

"Week in the Woods Camps" are for kids entering first through sixth grade. With different themes each week, register for one weekly session or all four. Campers will be divided into two age groups: those entering grades 1-3, and those entering grades 4-6. Early-bird registration, by April 15, is $100 per child, per session. After April 15, registration is $125 per child, per session. "Week in the Woods" dates and themes include:

• In "STEM in Nature," participants will uncover the marvels of the natural world using science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) principles. Alongside forest preserve district naturalists, campers will explore the architecture of a bird's nest, the feat of an insect gall, the symmetry of a bee hive and more. "Week in the Woods-STEM in Nature" camps are offered from 9 a.m. to noon at two locations: June 27 to July 1 Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve, 41W600 Hughes Road in Elburn, and July 18-22 at Burnidge Forest Preserve, 14N035 Coombs Road, Elgin.

• In "Life Outdoors," fresh air and fun times will be the main agenda for this weeklong adventure. Campers will develop practical skills for outdoor recreation including: shelter building, campfire safety and knot tying. "Week in the Woods-Life Outdoors" camps are offered from 9 a.m. to noon July 11-15 at Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve and 9 a.m. to noon July 25-29 at Burnidge Forest Preserve.

• For those looking for an early-evening option, they offer "Twilight Camp," for children entering grades 3-6. "Twilight Camp" offers the unique experience of exploring the woods and fields during dusk. This camp is offered from 7 to 9 p.m. Aug. 8 to12. Activities include naturalist-guided evening hikes through the woods, games and nature projects. We'll learn about the native animals that are out and about at dusk. The week culminates with a family campfire, complete with s'mores, storytelling, a night hike and stargazing. Early-bird registration (by April 15) is $85 per child. After April 15, registration is $110 per child. This camp is held at Creek Bend Nature Center, within LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve at 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles.

For more information, or to register, call (630) 444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com. To view a full roster of forest preserve nature programs, visit www.kaneforest.com.