Camp Nowell
Camp Nowell, offered by the Joliet Park District, provides a traditional day camp experience for children aged 5-12 at the Nowell Park Recreation Center.
▌ Editor's read The Joliet Park District's Camp Nowell website loads successfully, detailing a traditional day camp for children aged 5-12 at the Nowell Park Recreation Center. The camp is offered in weekly sessions from June 10 to August 2, 2024, with activities including games, sports, arts & crafts, and field trips. The Joliet Park District's main Facebook page (JolietParkDistrict) and Instagram (@jolietparkdistrict) are linked from the site. There is no mention of ACA accreditation, nor specific staff-to-camper ratios or background check policies on the camp page. Google reviews for 'Nowell Park Recreation Center' show a 4.5-star rating from 104 reviews, with comments generally praising the facility and programs, though not specifically Camp Nowell. The camp is clearly operated by a municipal parks department.
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Parks-department programPublic, often subsidized
Who thrives here Ages 5–12
Camp Nowell fits middle-elementary campers — old enough for skill-building to land, young enough that friend-group dynamics and counselor warmth still matter more than program rigor. Parents at this age band tend to prioritize a balanced rhythm of structured activity and unstructured play, which is the actual differentiator inside any given traditional day camp program.
Facts & Credentials
- Program type
- Day camp
- ACA accredited
- Not verified
- Established
- Not listed
- Operator
- Municipal parks department
- Staff-to-camper ratio
- Not listed
Details
- Category: Traditional Day Camp
- Ages: 5–12
- Address: 3000 W Jefferson St, Joliet, IL 60435
- Cost notes: Cost not specified. Early bird discount rates available for campers paid in full by May 17th. $50 non-refundable deposit to secure a spot. Includes bus transportation for all field trips, field trip fees, one summer camp t-shirt, one summer camp book bag, lunch, and snack.
Logistics
- Lunch provided: No
- Transportation: No
- Financial aid: No
- Setting: mixed
Frequently asked about Camp Nowell
- What ages does Camp Nowell accept?
- Camp Nowell is open to children ages 5–12. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
- How much does Camp Nowell cost?
- Camp Nowell doesn't publish a flat per-week rate — pricing varies by session. Cost not specified. Early bird discount rates available for campers paid in full by May 17th. $50 non-refundable deposit to secure a spot. Includes bus transportation for all field trips, field trip fees, one summer camp t-shirt, one summer camp book bag, lunch, and snack. Contact the camp directly for the current schedule of fees.
- Who runs Camp Nowell?
- Camp Nowell is operated by the local parks department. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
- Does Camp Nowell provide lunch?
- Camp Nowell does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.
Planning guides
Editorial checklists to use before you compare Camp Nowell with other camps.
- How to choose a summer camp · Use the decision checklist before you compare finalists.
- Summer camp pricing in 2026 · Benchmark weekly cost before you commit a deposit.
- Summer camp safety and accreditation · Review licensing, supervision, and accreditation signals.
Camps near here
Same city, with age-overlapping options first. Other camps to consider alongside Camp Nowell.
- Farm Skills and Crafts · RW Farm Park · Ages 8–10 · $140/week
- SRJC Camps (Ages 11-21) · Kathy Green Multi-Purpose Center · Ages 11–21
- SRJC Camps (Ages 5-10) · Kathy Green Multi-Purpose Center · Ages 5–10
- Enchanted Science STEM Camp · Nowell Park Recreation Center · Ages 6–12 · $160/week