Send kids on a daily adventure during Forest Preserve summer camps

Don't send your child to the same-old summer camp; send them on an outdoor adventure with the Forest Preserve District of Kane County.

There's more to explore during Forest Preserve District summer camps for preschoolers through sixth-graders. Register before April 15, for early-bird rates.

For preschoolers, the district offers "Little Sprouts Camp." Introduce your child to the wonders of nature in this camp specifically for kids ages 4 to 6 who are about to enter kindergarten. They will tell nature stories, play games and go on short explorations into the nearby woods.

Attendees also will discover butterflies, wildflowers, trees and more, along the way. Activities will be held both inside Creek Bend Nature Center, and outdoors in LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve. "Little Sprouts Camp" is offered from 9 to 10:30 a.m. June 13-17 and June 20-24. Early-bird registration, before April 15, is $85 per child. After April 15, registration is $110 per child. Creek Bend Nature Center is within LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve at 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles.

For first through sixth graders, the district offers "Week in the Woods" summer day camps. During these five-day nature camps, kids explore the woods and fields with our naturalist staff. Camp is offered June 27-July 1 at Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve; July 11-July 15 at Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve; July 18-22 at Burnidge Forest Preserve and July 25-29 at Burnidge Forest Preserve.

The theme for camp dates June 27-July 1 and July 18-July 22, will be "STEM in Nature," where STEM-based learning principles will be utilized as participants uncover the marvels of the natural world. This includes exploring the architecture of a bird's nest, the feat of an insect gall, the symmetry of a bee hive and more! The theme for camp dates July 11-July 15 and July 25-July 29, will be "Life Outdoors." Fresh air and fun times will be the main agenda for this week-long adventure. Campers will develop practical skills for outdoor recreation including: shelter building, campfire safety and knot tying. Camp is held from 9 a.m. to noon. Early-bird registration, before April 15, is $100 per child. After April 15, registration is $125 per child.

For those looking for an early-evening option for their child, "Twilight Camp" allows kids to discover a whole new world of wildlife. During this evening summer camp, participants will learn about the native animals that are out and about at dusk. Camp activities include hikes with the naturalists through the woods and prairie, games and stories. This camp is for children entering third through fifth grades. Camp will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Aug. 8-12. A special family night on Aug. 12 includes a campfire, s'mores, storytelling, a night hike and stargazing. Early-bird registration, before April 15, is $85 per child. After April 15, registration is $110 per child.

Advance registration is required for all Forest Preserve District of Kane County camps. Call (630) 444-3190 or e-mail programs@kaneforest.com for information or to register. Additional information is available at www.kaneforest.com.