Teen Camps in Champaign Forests

Three amazing Summer Camp options are available this year at Champaign County Forest Preserves that help your teen get outdoors, build connections with others, and learn about history. Register now to give the adventurous teens in your life an opportunity to explore in nature, learn through hands-on history, and have a summer to remember. 

Historical Mythbusters

Choose one date/location:

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. 

Historical Roots - Experimental Archaeology

Register here

Dates/Location: 

Wednesdays, July 8, 15, 22, 29 @ Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods

Time: 10 AM - 12 PM
Ages: 13-15 years
Fee: $40

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

This hands-on program will guide campers through creating a variety of their own artifacts using materials and techniques known from early peoples of Illinois. Over four weeks, campers will use scientific methods to learn about local natural resources and how they were used to make everyday items such as tools, ceramics, and inks.  

Week 1: Recording History

Campers will learn about different methods of sharing historical information both by early Native American people and European Settlers. Using natural resources to create various inks and paints, campers will learn how each is processed and used. 

Week 2: Tool Making 

Campers will learn about different local materials used to make a wide variety of everyday tools. Resourcefulness and inventiveness of early people will be highlighted as campers learn to create and problem-solve using materials found around them.  

Week 3: Ceramics

Campers will learn about the different styles and materials found in ancient Illinois history as well as contemporary Native artists. Throughout the day, campers will have the chance to create their own ceramic vessels.  

Week 4: All Together

Campers will put what they’ve learned together through a final set of activities demonstrating the many forms of evidence which tell us about our region’s history. 

Teen Outdoor Adventure Camp

Choose one date/location: 

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 find more Summer Camps and register!