history camps
Downers Grove Museum, 831 Maple Ave., Downers Grove
Satisfy your thirst for knowledge while having fun at the same time! The Downers Grove Museum offers history-related, week-long half day summer camps of varying topics to appeal to all ages and interests. Learn about interesting aspects of history or acquire a new skill through fun and engaging activities. All participants must be fully potty-trained and independent with bathroom needs.
- Resident registration begins at 9:00am on March 11
- Non-resident registration begins at 9:00am on March 18
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
- 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
Click the button below to review the Parent Manual.
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.
WHAT TO BRING TO CAMP EACH DAY
- Backpack
- Change of clothes
- 1 snack
- Filled re-fillable 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
American Girl Doll Camp
It's all about friendship and girl power at this week-long camp! Get to know some of your favorite American Girls with fun crafts, stories, and adventures. Bring along your favorite doll! Boys are welcome!
Introductory Archaeology Camp
Calling all future archeologists! Do you have what it takes to dig in the dirt and decipher clues to the past? Then this camp is for you! Join us at the museum for a week filled with discovery and fun!
Downtown Discovery Camp
NEW! Join us at the museum as we discover all Downtown Downers Grove has to offer. We'll look at popular culture throughout history and how these changes in clothing, toys, movies, and music, affected our local community businesses and our village as a whole.
Haunting History Camp
Join us as at the Downers Grove Museum as we take a look at some of Downers Grove's most mysterious myths and local legends. We'll visit our local cemeteries and learn more about the people in them as well as play some fun games and make fun crafts relating to some of our more notorious local lore. Prepare yourself for mostly fun with a little scare.
Young Explorers Camp
Young Explorers, come join us on an adventure through history. We'll travel through time to discover new lands and cultures with fun hands-on activities and games.
Messy and Exploding Art Camp
Paint with Rockets, make exploding concoctions, and sculpt with gooey slime! Wear clothes that can get messy during this camp that combines art and science.
Jr. Messy and Exploding Art Camp
We've expanded our Messy and Exploding Art camp for our younger campers. Now they too can paint with rockets, make exploding concoctions, and sculpt with gooey slime! Wear clothes that can get messy during this camp that combines art and science.
Fairytales and Folktales Camp
NEW! Join us as we explore some of the most popular fairytales and folktales of the 1800s. We’ll engage in fun activities and games relating to some of the more well-known stories and learn a few differences between the stories told over 100 years ago to children and the ones still told today.
Advanced Archaeology Camp
NEW! Calling all future archeologists! Do you think you have the basics to dig at a real archaeology site? If so, join us this week at the Downers Grove Museum and Lyman Woods to try your hands as real archaeology. Monday and Tuesday drop off and pick-up are at the museum. Wednesday through Friday drop off and pick up are at Lyman Woods.
