Nature Explorers Camp
Nature Explorers Camp, offered by the Forest Preserves of Cook County, provides children aged 6-12 with hands-on outdoor activities focused on local ecology ...
▌ Editor's read The Nature Explorers Camp is a day camp program for children aged 6-12, operated by the Forest Preserves of Cook County. The website details a curriculum focused on exploring local ecology, conservation, and outdoor skills through hands-on activities like hiking, fishing, and nature art. While specific staff-to-camper ratios are not listed, the camp is part of a larger municipal parks system, which typically adheres to established safety guidelines. The Forest Preserves of Cook County has a Google review rating of 4.6 stars based on over 1,000 reviews, indicating general public satisfaction with their offerings. The camp is not accredited by the ACA, nor does the website explicitly mention background checks for staff. Social media handles for the Forest Preserves of Cook County are @fotfpdcc on Instagram and FPDCC on Facebook, providing additional avenues for information and community engagement.
◍
Parks-department programPublic, often subsidized
Who thrives here Ages 5–6
Nature Explorers Camp is well suited to lower-elementary campers who can sit through a 30-minute activity block but still need movement breaks every hour. outdoors/nature content lands when it's framed as play first, instruction second; this age responds to friend-group continuity more than to specific skill outcomes.
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: Outdoors/Nature
- Ages: 5–6
- Hours: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Address: 9800 Willow Springs Rd, Willow Springs, IL 60480
- Cost notes: USD. $35 per child.
Logistics
- Lunch provided: No
- Transportation: No
- Financial aid: No
- Setting: mixed
Frequently asked about Nature Explorers Camp
- What ages does Nature Explorers Camp accept?
- Nature Explorers Camp is open to children ages 5–6. 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 Nature Explorers Camp cost?
- Nature Explorers Camp publishes $35/week for the standard session. Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
- What are Nature Explorers Camp's hours?
- Nature Explorers Camp runs 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
- Who runs Nature Explorers Camp?
- Nature Explorers 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 Nature Explorers Camp provide lunch?
- Nature Explorers 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 Nature Explorers Camp with other camps.
- How to choose a summer camp · Use the decision checklist before you compare finalists.
- Financial aid and scholarship camps · Compare aid policies, discounts, and application timing.
- Summer camp pricing in 2026 · Benchmark weekly cost before you commit a deposit.