Mini Camps

Children ages 1-5 with an adult buddy

If you have one little guy or several under the age of 6, this is a great opportunity to bring everyone to ONE CAMP. In this hour long camp, children will learn to analyze their surroundings and begin their love of exploration of the outside world through crafts, activities, songs, stories and hikes. These camps are a great stepping stone for little ones to spend time with other children and have the comfort of a loved one nearby. Please remember to dress for the weather since we’ll be playing outside. A prepackaged goodie and bottle of water will be available for snack time for each child. Location for these programs will be in the Rock Springs Nature Center – Washburn Classroom. Each camp accepts a minimum of 4 participants and a maximum of 12. Mini Camps are $8 per child. Online registration required.

Upcoming Mini Camps

Children ages 1-5 explore nature with an adult buddy through crafts, activities, songs, and stories. These camps are a great stepping stone for little ones to spend time with other children with the comfort of a loved one nearby. $8/child. Online registration required.

I Can Sense: Nature Shapes

Tuesday, March 19, 9:30am
Thursday, March 21, 9:30am

Use your sense of sight to discover the many unique shapes in nature.

I Can Sense: Nature Colors

Tuesday, April 2, 9:30am
Thursday, April 4, 9:30am

Look carefully and spot all the different colors that can occur in nature.

I Can Sense: Nature Smells

Tuesday, April 16, 9:30am
Thursday, April 18, 9:30am

We’ll put our sniffers to the test as we explore the curious smells that happen in nature.

2024 Summer Mini Camps

Children ages 1 through 5 will explore nature with an adult companion through crafts, activities, songs, and stories. These camps are a great stepping stone for little ones to spend time with other children and have the comfort of a loved one nearby.

This summer’s Mini Camp theme is State Symbols.

Register Online

Silly Salamanders

Tuesday, June 4 & Thursday, June 6, 9:30-10:30am

Learn about the underground life of our state amphibian, the Eastern Tiger Salamander.

Register Online
Register Online

Towering Oaks

Tuesday, June 11 & Thursday, June 13, 9:30-10:30am

Get a close-up view of our state tree, the White Oak, and learn what makes these trees so special.

Register Online
Register Online

Ruby-Red Cardinals

Tuesday, June 18 & Thursday, June 20, 9:30-10:30am

Did you know that not all cardinals are red? Discover and look for our beautiful state bird, the Northern Cardinal.

Register Online
Register Online

Terrific Turtles

Tuesday, June 25 & Thursday, June 27, 9:30-10:30am

Dive down deep to discover our state reptile, the Painted Turtle, then meet one in-person!

Register Online
Register Online

A Little Corny

Tuesday, July 2 & Wednesday, July 3, 9:30-10:30am

Which plant is not only our state grain, but also our state snack AND state vegetable? Why, it’s corn, of course!

Register Online
Register Online

Butterflies and Blooms

Tuesday, July 9 & Thursday, July 11, 9:30-10:30am

Our state wildflower, Common Milkweed, and our state insect, the Monarch Butterfly, are very intertwined! Learn about these important plants and pollinators, and go outside to find some.

Register Online
Register Online

Rocks, Minerals, and Fossils, Oh My!

Tuesday, July 16 & Thursday, July 18, 9:30-10:30am

Dig up some of the state symbols that come from the ground: Dolostone, Fluorite, and the Tully Monster.

Register Online
Register Online

Darling Deer

Tuesday, July 23 & Thursday, July 25, 9:30-10:30am

Learn about the White-Tailed Deer, our state mammal, and where you can find them.

Register Online
Register Online

Sea of Grass

Tuesday, July 30 & Thursday, August 1, 9:30-10:30am

Discover a prairie, including our state grass, Big Bluestem, and learn why Illinois is called ‘The Prairie State’.

Register Online
Online Registration

Need more information? Call (217) 423-7708 or visit the Camps page.