Campers learned how to survive in the wilds of Spring Valley

The tribe has spoken - Spring Valley Survivor Camp is a winner!

All summer long a variety of camps have taken place at Spring Valley, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, including Cookin' Up History, Bug Camps and Animal Crackers. It wasn't until Survivor Camp that campers were put to the test.

Throughout the week, campers ages 8 to 10 gathered around the Tiki Circle for challenges, teamwork and fun. Challenges included finding food, building a shelter, using a compass, tracking animals, making fire and building a solar water collector.

“I liked building fire and shelter the best,” said 8-year-old camper Rebecca Reck. “Building a shelter was hard because the buckthorn was heavy to lift, but I had a lot of fun!”

Campers tested their brains and brawn while competing for points, flags and prizes daily. Challenges and games brought the group closer together and taught campers how to survive in the wilderness. Campers learned a new skill then a challenge dealing with that skill took place later in the day. The final challenge incorporated all the skills that were learned during camp.

“Everyone is a winner at the end of the week,” said Mary Rice, environmental education coordinator for Spring Valley. “The kids came together throughout the course of the week and went from strangers to friends as they learned how to survive in the wilds of Spring Valley.”

Crafts, nature walks in the creek and tasty snacks also happened as the week progressed.

“This is one of my favorite camps,” said Rice. “Children spend all day enjoying the excitement of the outdoors and learning skills that they can use for the rest of their lives.”

For more information, call (847) 985-2100 or visit www.parkfun.com.