TRADITIONAL Summer CAMP general information
Kinder Camp, Adventure Camp 1st-2nd Grade, Adventure Camp 3rd-5th Grade, Teen Trekkers
- Resident registration begins at 10AM on March 10
- Non-resident registration begins at 10AM on March 17
- 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.
- We will be using an automated waitlist notification process, as with other programs.
- Snacks and lunch are not provided by the Park District.
- All campers should arrive to camp dressed in comfortable clothes that can get messy, as well as socks and gym shoes.
- No refunds will be given for missed camp days unless cancelled by the Park District.
- 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.
- Friend requests will not be accepted for camp groups.
- All participants must be fully potty-trained and independent with bathroom needs.
traditional summer camp hours
- Adventure Camp 1st-2nd Grade, Adventure Camp 3rd-5th Grade, and Teen Trekkers will run from 9:00am-5:30pm. After Care hours (4:00-5:30pm) are automatically included in the camp fees! Campers may be picked up anytime starting at 4:00pm.
- Kinder Camp will end at 4:00pm with an option to add on After Care from 4:00-5:30pm. Kinder Campers enrolled in after care may be picked up anytime between 4:00-5:30pm.
- Adventure Camps, Teen Trekkers and Kinder Camp are all eligible to enroll in Before Care from 7:00-9:00am.
Field Trip CALENDARS
full-day CAMP PAYMENT PLAN
- A payment plan is available and will be automatically applied for camp enrollments made before April 11.
- Enrollments on or 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 installments.
- 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- Your camp balance will be split into two equal payments, to be automatically withdrawn on April 15 and May 15.
- Before Care and Kinder Camp After Care must be paid in full at the time of registration and are not part
of the payment plan.
Step-by-Step Instructions for reviewing and updating your upcoming installment billing
We encourage families on the payment plan to review their billing items through their online account. In doing so, you can double-check the credit card attached to each week of camp and amount to be billed.
How to review and update your credit card for Installment Billing
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
- Cancellation requests must be received by the end of day Tuesday for the following week.
- Cancellations made after Tuesday for camps beginning the following week will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- 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.
- Self-cancellation prior to the deadline can be done online through your account or you can visit dgparks.org/request-a-refund to complete a refund request form.
- Refunds/Prorated Refunds/Credits will not be granted for missed camp days, including absences due to illness or personal scheduling conflicts.
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.
2026 Summer Camp Parent Manual (traditional full day camps)
Click the button below to review the Parent Manual.
parent communication
- A “Welcome to Camp” email with information including what to wear to camp, what to bring to camp and camp procedures was sent on May 22.
- Lincoln Center Camp Email: https://conta.cc/3RX0uKM
- Recreation Center Camp Email: https://conta.cc/4umqa1S
- 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.
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.
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.
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!
