TRADITIONAL CAMP general information
- 2025 Registration will begin on Monday, March 11 at 9am for Non-Residents and Monday, March 18 at 9am for Non-residents
- Registration will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration deadline is the Wednesday prior to each week of camp or until the camp fills to the maximum number of participants.
- Snacks and lunch are not provided by the Park District.
- All campers should arrive to camp dressed in comfortable clothes that can get messy, socks, and gym shoes.
- No refunds will be given for missed camp days unless cancelled by the Park District.
- Waitlists will not be available for traditional day camps which includes Early Childhood camps, Kinder camp, Adventure camps, Teen Trekkers, Nature and Museum camps. If you do not get a spot in your preferred camp, please check online regularly to see if a spot has become available.
- Age/Grade requirements have been set based on the age appropriateness of the camp activities and camp structure. For camps that are based on grade level, the participant must be entering that grade to participate in that camp.
- All participants must be fully potty-trained and independent with bathroom needs.
traditional summer camp hours in 2025
- Both Adventure Camps and Teen Trekkers will run from 9:00am-5:30pm with an option to add on before care from 7:00-9:00am. Kinder Camp will end at 4:00pm with an option to add on after care from 4 - 5:30pm. Campers may be picked up anytime between 4 - 5:30pm.
Field Trip CALENDARS
COMING SOON!
full-day CAMP PAYMENT PLAN
- Enrollment in Traditional Day Camps automatically enrolls participants in a monthly payment plan.
- Traditional Day Camps are defined as Kinder Camp, Adventure Camp, Teen Trekker, All-Day Nature Camp & Teen Wilderness Explorer Camp.
- A payment plan is available and will be automatically applied for camp enrollments made before April 11. Enrollments after April 11 must be paid in full.
- Upon registration, you will pay a $20 deposit for each week of camp. This deposit is applied to your monthly payment.
- The remainder of the fees will be processed automatically on the dates below using the credit card you used when enrolling in each session.
- Your camp balance split between 2 monthly payments on April 15 and May 15.
- Before care and Kinder Camp after care must be paid in full at registration and are not part of the payment plan.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
- Registration deadline is Wednesday prior to each week of camp or until the camp fills to the maximum number of participants.
CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY FOR TRADITIONAL DAY CAMPS
- Self-cancellation prior to the cancellation deadline can be done online through your account or you can visit dgparks.org/request-a-refund to complete a refund form
- Cancellation requests must be received at least 5 days before the camp start date.
- Withdrawals made before May 15 will incur a $5 service fee per participant, per camp.
- Withdrawals made on or after May 15 will incur a $10 service fee per participant, per camp.
- Cancellations made less than 5 days before the camp start date will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Any refund granted will be subject to applicable service fees and late cancellation fees.
participant information/Emergency forms
- The Downers Grove Park District will be utilizing ePACT for camper information/emergency forms. Within 1 week of your camp registration, you should receive an email from ePACT to set up an account and complete your camper's electronic information/emergency forms.
- Information/emergency forms for each camper must be completed through ePACT no later than the Wednesday prior to your child's first camp session and you only need to fill out the forms once regardless of how many camps your child is enrolled in.
- Campers will not be allowed to attend camp until the information/emergency forms are completed.
If your camper is enrolled in a program that is currently using the ePACT system, you will receive an email from ePACT to verify your child's information is correct and up to date.
financial assistance program
In an effort to provide recreation, health and wellness opportunities to all residents, including those who are experiencing financial hardships, the Downers Grove Park District has established a Financial Assistance Program. Participants must reside within the boundaries of the Downers Grove Park District to be eligible. For eligibility requirements or to donate to the Financial Assistance Program, please visit www.dgparks.org/financial-assistance-program.
2025 Summer Camp Parent Manual (traditional full day camps)
Click the button below to review the Parent Manual for Traditional Full-Day Camps (Kinder Camp, Adventure Camps and Teen Trekkers).
COMING SOON
parent communication
- Parents will receive a “Welcome to Camp” email by May 21, with information including what to wear to camp, what to bring to camp and camp procedures.
- Following the initial “Welcome to Camp” email, each camp will be emailed no later than the Friday prior to each session with specific camp information for the upcoming week. Edit text here
What to Bring to Camp Each Day
Full Day Camps
- Backpack
- Change of clothes
- 2 snacks
- Lunch
- Filled re-fillable water bottle
- Sunscreen (arrive already applied - sunscreen is for re-applying)
- Kinder/Adventure Camp: all of the above PLUS a beach towel to sit on. A swim suit will be needed on determined water days.
Half Day Camps
- Backpack
- Change of Clothes
- 1 snack
- Filled refillable water bottle
- Sunscreen (arrive already applied - sunscreen is for re-applying)
What to wear to camp eACh day
- Comfortable clothing that can get messy/wet/muddy
- Closed toed shoes/boots with socks
- Sunscreen already applied
- Nature Camps: all of the above PLUS insect repellant already applied and a hat is recommended
Adventure Camp
Whether a child is new to camp or is returning for another summer, Adventure Camp is sure to be a positive, active, and fun-filled experience! Campers will participate in themed group games and activities (with themes like Superheroes, Olympics, and Animal Planet), as well as swim once a week and attend one field trip a week. Fee includes admission to field trips and a camp T-shirt to wear on field trip days. No camp June 19 and July 4.
CAMP CLOSEOUT
Camp Close Out is the perfect way to extend the fun of summer! Join us for two additional weeks of exciting activities, games, field trips and adventures before school begins. This camp is designed to keep the summer spirit alive with a mix of outdoor play, creative crafts, and team-building fun. Whether your child loves sports, art, or just hanging out with friends, Camp Closeout offers something for everyone as we wrap up the season with a bang!
KINDEr CAMP
Designed for children entering Kindergarten in the fall, Kinder Camp is a safe, structured, and interactive environment to introduce campers to a full day away from home. Each week’s different themes (such as All About Me, Disney, and Community Helpers) will engage campers each day through crafts, songs, group activities and outside play time. Campers will also enjoy a trip to Sea Lion Aquatic Park’s Splash Playground or a field trip each week (trips to Sea Lion will be every other week). Fee includes admission to field trips and a camp T-shirt to wear on field trip days. No camp June 19 and July 4.
Teen Trekkers
This camp will keep teens entering 6th to 8th grade active and engaged this summer! Trekkers will swim once a week and have two to three field trips per week, which will include arcades, museums, water parks, laser tag, bowling, mini golf, amusement parks, sports, games, beaches and more! Fee includes admission to field trips and a camp T-shirt to wear on field trip days. No camp June 19 and July 4.
TRADITIONAL FULL-DAY CAMP BEFORE care
Need Summer Camp care before 9:00 am? We've got you covered! Before care for all Traditional Full Day Camps is available from 7:00 am - 9:00 am at the Lincoln Center. This camp is located at the Lincoln Center and will be a combination of all Traditional Day Camp participants (Kinder Camp, Adventure Camp and Teen Trekkers) Adventure Camp 3rd - 5th grade and Teen Trekkers will be bussed from the Lincoln Center to the Recreation Center every morning for the 9:00 am start of camp.
