Kids’ Summer Camps Open Up New Worlds of Fun

I still remember when, at age 7, Dad had that talk with me. (No, not that one.)

“Jeff, you’re going to camp this summer.”

I figured we were heading to the woods with our tents and sleeping bags. Little did I know that meant attending an actual camp where I would learn, explore and discover exciting new worlds.

Those turned out to be some of the best childhood experiences ever, memories we still talk about with old friends and young camp-goers who are about to embark on a similar adventure in their life.

So it’s exciting to see all the camps being offered this summer by the Fox Valley Park District. There are more than 70 to choose from – including week-long camps that are free. Camp is a win-win proposition – kids enjoy magical experiences and parents are happy knowing their kids are living it up and learning.

Camps are held throughout June, July and early August. Many of them offer “extensions”—early drop-off and late pickup—as an added convenience for parents. Visit www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org for specific dates and times. Here are just a few:

Summer Fun and Games: This offers great adventure for children in grades 1 through 6, divided by age. Most of the sessions run for four weeks, meeting on a daily basis. Campers will enjoy activities—outdoors and indoors at the Eola Community Center—along with sports, arts, crafts, special events and field trips.

Vacation Activity Camp: Based at the Vaughan Athletic Center, this camp runs daily for five weeks and features swimming, sports, games, crafts and movies, with a field trip each week.

Parker’s Exploration Camps: Named after the Park District’s fox mascot, this camp based at the Prisco Community Center runs daily in three-week increments offering various themes for different age groups. Field trips include swim trips, nature centers, zoo visits and more, with a weekly bike trip.

Summer Camp at Blackberry Farm: At this daily camp that runs for four weeks, campers will enjoy outdoor activities, games, crafts and visits to historic sites, including a weekly field trip. A variety of similar, No-Child-Left-Inside camps are available at Red Oak Nature Center.

Volunteen Camp: For teens ages 13 through 16, this camp builds leadership skills, confidence and self-esteem while providing real-life examples of how people gain by giving. They’ll learn that volunteering their time and talent is one of the most honorable and rewarding acts they can do.

Sports Camps: Name the sport, and the Park District has the camp. Young athletes will develop solid fundamentals and hone their skills, all while enjoying friendly competition and camaraderie.

Kindergarten Camp: A new camp for children ages 5 to 6, offering educational games and field trips that include swim trips, nature centers and zoo visits.

Remembrances of camp can never be taken away. And just like each child, those experiences actually grow better with time.

Jeff Long is the public relations manager at the Fox Valley Park District. For information on dozens of more camps, visit www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.

Fox Valley Park District
Upcoming Events

• Friday, May 18: Afternoon Tea at the Greenhouse (FVPD Greenhouse, 259 S. Russell Ave., Aurora), 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
• Saturday, May 19: Community-wide Garage Sale, Prisco Community Center, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Saturday, May 19: Sheep to Shawl at Blackberry Farm, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Thursday, May 31: Summer’s Here – Let’s Celebrate! Music, ice cream social and rides at Blackberry Farm, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Sunday, June 3: Mid-American Canoe & Kayak Race, Fox River, 9 a.m. (St. Charles start) and 10:30 a.m. (Batavia start)