Nelson Center Summer Camp
A recreational summer day camp offering a variety of activities including swimming, games, and crafts.
▌ Editor's read The Nelson Center Summer Camp is a day camp program offered by the Springfield Park District for children aged 5-12. The website lists various themed weeks, such as 'Super Hero Training,' 'Mad Scientist,' and 'Water Wonders,' running from June 3 to August 9, 2024. Camp hours are 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with daily activities including games, crafts, and swimming. The camp is not accredited by the ACA. Google reviews for the 'Nelson Center' (which houses the camp) show a rating of 4.3 stars from 200 reviews, with general comments about the facility and ice rink, but no specific reviews for the summer camp program itself. The Springfield Park District's Facebook page is 'springfieldparkdistrict'.
Who thrives here Ages 5–12
Nelson Center Summer Camp 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 community/rec center 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: Community/Rec Center
- Ages: 5–12
- Address: 1601 N 5th St, Springfield, IL 62702, USA
- Phone: 217-753-2800
- Cost notes: Cost not specified. $50 per week registration fee required at registration.
Logistics
- Lunch provided: No
- Transportation: No
- Financial aid: No
- Setting: mixed
Frequently asked about Nelson Center Summer Camp
- What ages does Nelson Center Summer Camp accept?
- Nelson Center Summer Camp 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 Nelson Center Summer Camp cost?
- Nelson Center Summer Camp doesn't publish a flat per-week rate — pricing varies by session. Cost not specified. $50 per week registration fee required at registration. Contact the camp directly for the current schedule of fees.
- Who runs Nelson Center Summer Camp?
- Nelson Center Summer Camp 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 Nelson Center Summer Camp provide lunch?
- Nelson Center Summer Camp 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 Nelson Center Summer Camp 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.
- Neurodiversity-friendly camps · Use support questions for sensory, staffing, and transition fit.
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