Nature Camps

NATURE CAMPS

Lyman Woods, 901 31st Street, Downers Grove

Young adventurers can spend their summer at Lyman Woods engaging in outdoor explorations and connecting with nature. Led by our team of naturalists, counselors, and volunteers, children will spend time outdoors playing, exploring, and making new friends. Each week is an exciting new adventure with new games, crafts, experiments and explorations. Sign up for the weeks that spark your child's interest, or choose all for a fun-filled Summer! Our traditional nature camps are half-day options only. Check out our new All Day Nature Camp option if you need a full day of camp. Camp fee includes camp T-shirt. Need Before or after care? Check out our Before Care and After Care options. Campers are responsible for bringing their own mid-camp snack and a lunch for full day campers. No camp on June 19, July 4 and 5. 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

Nature Summer Camp Volunteers

Love being outdoors? Need volunteer hours or looking to build your resume? Join our team!

Over the Summer, Lyman Woods is host to a variety of nature-themed day camps for ages 4-14. Lyman Woods Summer Camp Volunteers gain valuable experience working with children in an adventurous, outdoor setting while meeting and working with other volunteers. Volunteers help the camp instructors and camps from assisting with crafts and games to set up and clean up to being a buddy to shy campers.

We prefer volunteers that are available for two or more weeks of camp, but no matter how many weeks you choose, you must commit to the entirety of that week. Morning (9am - 12pm), Afternoon (1 - 4pm) or full day (9am - 4pm) shifts available.

Volunteers should be able to arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of camp and stay for 15 minutes after camp. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old and able to attend a volunteer training session in early June (date and time TBD). Volunteers 18 years old and older must complete a Criminal Background Check.

If you are interested in applying, please complete the Volunteer Waiver and Nature Summer Camp Volunteer Application below and return them to Lyman Woods (901 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515) or lymanwoods@dgparks.org.

Nature Summer Camp Volunteer Application

Volunteer Waiver

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.