Summer Camps at Homer Lake

Summer Camps at Homer Lake range from learning about history hands-on, to exploring the outdoors and local wildlife. Let your young people see what Homer Lake Forest Preserve all is about. Campers will have access to the Natural Playscape, the Playscape Stream, and Homer Lake's wide array of natural areas.

Historical Roots - County Kids

Thursdays, July 9, 16, 23, 30 @ Salt Fork Center, Homer Lake | Register here

Time: 10 AM - 12 PM
Ages: 6-12 years
Location: Homer Lake Forest Preserve, Salt Fork Center
Fee: $40

Questions: 217-586-2612, [email protected]

This summer, campers will explore the history of Champaign County through the eyes of kids from the past and present. Over four weeks, campers will travel through time to learn how children across generations lived, played, and had fun. Each week includes hands-on activities, movement-based learning, and creative projects.

Week 1: Early Kids of Champaign County

Campers will step into the lives of the earliest people of Champaign County and explore what childhood looked like long ago. Campers will learn how early communities lived, traveled, and played, and gain an understanding of daily life in the past.

Week 2: Kids Before the 21st Century

Campers will explore what life was like for kids growing up in Champaign County before the 21st century. By stepping into the past, campers will discover how children spent their days helping with chores, playing games, and finding fun in everyday life.

Week 3: Kids of Today

This week is all about today’s kids! Campers will explore their own lives in Champaign County and discover how everyday moments become part of history.

Week 4: All Together

This week is all about bringing it all together! Campers will jump across time to explore how kids from long ago, not-so-long ago, and today are connected through games, stories, and everyday fun. Campers will celebrate all the generations of kids who make Champaign County what it is and see how they’re part of that story too.

Eco-adventures Day Camp

Tuesdays, July 7, 14, 21, 28 @ Homer Lake Forest Preserve

Register here: 3 - 5 year olds | 6 - 8 year olds | 9 - 11 year olds

Time: 10-11:30 AM
Age: 3-11
Fee: $40 per child

Questions: 217-896-2455, [email protected]

Week 1: Fur and Feathers

Campers will learn about native mammals and birds. Campers will handle biofacts like mammal pelts and skulls, feathers, and other materials to help us learn. We will also use tools like binoculars and bird call recordings to sharpen our identification skills.

Week 2: Tiny Wonders

During this week of camp campers will investigate insects, study spiders, and gain a greater appreciation for the tiny animals that call the forest preserves their home.

Week 3: Aquatic Adventures

This week of camp will be focused on lakes, ponds, rivers, and wetlands. We will learn all about these amazing ecosystems and focus on the animals that call them home!

Week 4: Nature’s Games

The final week of camp will be all about having fun before summer ends. Campers will play nature inspired games, make crafts, and spend one last camp session hanging out with their day camp leaders and fellow campers.

Homer Lake Wild Wednesdays

Register here

Dates (Choose one or multiple dates):

Wednesday, July 8
Wednesday, July 15
Wednesday, July 22
Wednesday, July 29

Time: 10 AM - 11:30 AM

Ages: 5-12 years

Fee: $10 per day

Questions: 217-896-2455, [email protected]

Join us for an adventure where each camp day brings a brand-new theme and hands-on exploration! Campers will discover the natural world of Homer Lake Forest Preserve through games, crafts, investigations, and outdoor discovery.

Week 1: Mammal Tracks

Campers will learn all about the mammals of Illinois. Campers will learn how to identify common mammals using a variety of hands on biofacts. They will also practice their skills as we search for these furry animals around the preserve.

Week 2: Insect Investigations

Campers will come away from this program with a greater appreciation of these six-legged creatures. We will learn through games, crafts, and have the opportunity to sweep for live insects so we can see them up close!

Week 3: Lake Life

Campers will investigate the amazing world surrounding the aquatic life of Homer Lake. We will learn through biofact exploration and collect live specimens with pond dipping nets to discover what wonders lie within Homer Lake!

Week 4: Field Day

On our final Wild Wednesday we will bid farewell to summer camp season with games, crafts, and fun. Come out and enjoy one final chance to explore Homer Lake with the summer camp staff!

Wilderness Explorers

Tuesday, June 9 @ Homer Lake Forest Preserve | Register here

Time: 10 AM - 12 PM
Age: 6-12 years
Fee: $10

Questions: 217-896-2455, [email protected]

Investigate nature through woodland expeditions, scavenger hunts, and games! We'll hike through the forest preserve’s natural features and learn about artifacts that tell the history and culture of the environment around us. 

Little Adventurers

Tuesday, June 9 @ Homer Lake Forest Preserve | Register here

Time: 10-12 PM
Age: 3-5 years
Fee: $10

Questions: 217-896-2455, [email protected]

Join us for a fun sensory hike and hands-on activities designed for preschoolers and their adults! Together, we'll explore the sights, sounds, textures, and smells of nature! Children will have the chance to touch leaves, listen to birds, spot colorful flowers, and much more as we discover the wonders of the outdoors in a playful, interactive environment. This program encourages curiosity and learning through hands-on experiences, making it an exciting adventure for young children and adults alike! Adult participation required.

Historical Mythbusters

June 24 @ Homer Lake Forest Preserve | Register here

Time: 10 AM-11:30 AM
Age: 13-15 years
Fee: $10

Questions: 217-586-2612, [email protected]

This program will prompt campers to investigate a series of popular local myths throughout history. From bigfoot to local hauntings and UFO sightings, we will learn about myths, how they originate, and how to challenge them. Working in groups, campers will be tasked with proving or disproving a claim through a series of activities engaging in critical thinking and scientific research skills.

Teen Outdoor Adventure Camp

Thursday, June 25, Homer Lake Forest Preserve | Register here

Time: 10 AM - 2 PM
Ages: 12-17 years old
Fee: $20
Questions: Patrick Ahasic, 217-896-2455 or [email protected]

This camp will allow teens to learn about local wildlife and develop a deeper appreciation of the nature around us. Throughout the day your teen will hone plant and animal identification, practice essential wilderness survival skills, and connect with their peers in a setting made with them in mind. Campers will participate in hands-on activities which promote teamwork and foster a deeper connection with nature.

***Click HERE to see an overview of ALL Summer Camps***