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.
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.
Silly Salamanders
Learn about the underground life of our state amphibian, the Eastern Tiger Salamander.
Towering Oaks
Get a close-up view of our state tree, the White Oak, and learn what makes these trees so special.
Ruby-Red Cardinals
Did you know that not all cardinals are red? Discover and look for our beautiful state bird, the Northern Cardinal.
Terrific Turtles
Dive down deep to discover our state reptile, the Painted Turtle, then meet one in-person!
A Little Corny
Which plant is not only our state grain, but also our state snack AND state vegetable? Why, it’s corn, of course!
Butterflies and Blooms
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.
Rocks, Minerals, and Fossils, Oh My!
Dig up some of the state symbols that come from the ground: Dolostone, Fluorite, and the Tully Monster.
Darling Deer
Learn about the White-Tailed Deer, our state mammal, and where you can find them.
Sea of Grass
Discover a prairie, including our state grass, Big Bluestem, and learn why Illinois is called ‘The Prairie State’.
Need more information? Call (217) 423-7708 or visit the Camps page.