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
View Camp Descriptions Below
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.
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 (Teen Wilderness Explorers and Full Day campers will need 2 snacks)
- Teen Wilderness Explorers and Full Day camp only - will need a lunch
- Filled re-fillable water bottle
- Sunscreen (arrive already applied - sunscreen is for re-applying)
- Insect Repellant (arrive already applied)
- For Lyman Woods camps, we strongly recommend wearing or bringing a hat
What to wear to camp each day
- Comfortable clothing that can get messy/wet/muddy
- Closed toed shoes/boots with socks
- Sunscreen
Half-Day Camps
Early Childhood
- Scoots & Scales: Learn about the reptiles that call Lyman Woods home! Explore all of their special features as we meet some nature center animals, play games, and hike around Lyman Woods.
- Extreme Animals: The animals that live in the desert and the arctic have adapted to survive in extreme weather. This week you'll learn about those adaptations, work your way through challenges, and play extreme games!
- Diggin’ Dinos: Who doesn’t love dinosaurs and fossils? Get excited to dig for fossils, make our own, and learn all about dinosaurs.
- Space Explorers: Have you ever wondered what astronauts do? Or how many stars are in the sky? We are going to try and answer those questions and more during our space week at Lyman Woods.
- Curious Critters: All animals have differences, so let’s explore the truly curious, weird, and unique in the animal world! Who has more than one heart? What can change color? Come find out!
- Puddles and Ponds: Make like a muskrat and head to the pond! Track turtles and dip for dragonflies as you investigate the streams, ponds, and wetlands of Lyman Woods.
- I Spy Nature: Grab your magnifier and hit the trails at Lyman Woods to discover the secrets of nature! Follow tracks and trails to discover the animals and plants that call Lyman Woods home and search for clues to solve the mysteries of nature!
Youth Nature Camps – Half-Day
1st–2nd Grade
- June 2–6: Creek Week
Dive into local waterways! We'll explore our creeks and other water features as we learn to use waders and other water exploration tools. - June 9–13: Mammals R Us
Bunnies, muskrats, and deer—oh my! Learn what makes a mammal a mammal by examining furs, skulls, and other biofacts. - June 16–20: Flower Shower
Experience the beauty and wonder of flowers! Hunt for fascinating blooms and play botany-inspired games. - June 23–27: Paws & Claws
Discover the furry animals of Lyman Woods and learn about mammals through biofacts, tracks, and scat! - July 7–11: Dark, Dank, & Dead
Explore decomposition and regeneration! Learn how mushrooms and decaying matter help recycle life. - July 14–18: Bug Out
Hunt for insects in fields, woods, and wetlands. Use nets, bug jars, and magnifiers to spot these tiny critters! - July 21–25: Stinky, Slimy Science
Get messy exploring the stinkier, slimier side of nature! Search for slugs, frogs, and animal scat. - July 28–August 1: Muddy Sneakers
Investigate creatures in the mud and dirt! Garden, compost, and—of course—play in the mud. Don’t forget extra clothes! - August 4–8: Nature Pirates
Ahoy matey! Search for treasure, make a boat, and embrace your inner pirate in this adventurous week. - August 11–15: Trails & Treasures
Solve riddles and follow clues on a treasure hunt through woods, wetlands, and prairies!
3rd–5th Grade
- June 2–6: Animal Architects
Investigate how animals build homes and test your own building skills! - June 9–13: Stream Stompers
Dip into the wetlands and streams to discover aquatic creatures. - June 16–20: Water Works
Dive into wetland ecosystems and experiment with water! - June 23–27: Forest Forts
Build a nature fort! Learn woodworking basics and tool safety. - July 7–11: Nature Tube
Create a YouTube nature series! Campers will script, film, and present a video premiere by week's end. - July 14–18: Paleo Quest
Search for fossils and geodes, and explore ancient lands through experiments and exploration. - July 21–25: Rock Hunters
Discover geology at Lyman Woods! Find granite, grow crystals, and dig deep into rock science. - July 28–August 1: Wings & Stings
Explore insects and other many-legged critters with nets, traps, and pond dipping. - August 4–8: Reptilemania
Meet a different reptile each day! Enjoy games, crafts, and up-close encounters. - August 11–15: Fins, Flippers, and Fishing Fun
Explore aquatic animals and habitats, and even practice fishing skills.
Specialty Camps
Early Childhood
- I Wish I Was A… Costumes, crafts, and adventures await as little ones become their favorite characters!
- Fairies and Fantasy Creatures Create your own mythical creature and enjoy fantastical crafts and stories!
Youth
1st–2nd Grade
- Fishing
Learn everything about fishing—from baiting hooks to casting lines—in creeks and wetlands. - Camping and Wilderness Survival
Set up camp, build fires, learn first aid, and explore survival basics in this adventure-filled week!
3rd–5th Grade
- Archery
Learn to safely use both compound and recurve bows in this 4-day camp with a certified instructor. - Wilderness Survival
Build forts, start fires, and explore the wild—perfect for curious adventurers!
Teen Wilderness Explorers
- June 2–6: Sagawau Canyon – Geocaching & Scavenger Hunts
- June 9–13: Allison Woods – Geocaching & Scavenger Hunts
- June 16–20: Waterfall Glen – Fishing
- June 23–27: Bemis Woods – High Ropes Course
- June 30–July 3: Blackwell Forest Preserve – Kayaking
- July 7–11: Midewin Prairie – Bison Viewing & Geocaching
- July 14–18: Matthiessen State Park – Scavenger Hunts
- July 21–25: Paw Paw Woods – Geocaching & Scavenger Hunts
- July 28–August 1: Volo Bog – Scavenger Hunts & Geocaching
- August 4–8: Busse Woods – Fishing
- August 11–15: Indiana Dunes – Fishing
- August 18–22: Blackwell Forest Preserve – Kayaking
